TECHNICAL PAPERS
Dec 1, 1984

Probabilistic Analysis of Timber Bridge Decks

Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 110, Issue 12

Abstract

Reliability indices are calculated for single timber beams and timber bridges with deck planks and stringers. Load and resistance models are developed on the basis of the truck survey and material test data available. Three common groups of species and two material grades are considered. The reliability indices are calculated using the Rackwitz and Fiessler procedure for the single beams, and Monte Carlo simulations for the whole bridges. The reliability indices for single beams are about 15–40% lower than those for whole bridges. The difference can be attributed to a distribution of load between the stringers because of the mechanical properties of wood, in particular the modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture and their correlation.

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References

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Agarwal, A. C., and Wolkowicz, A. G., “Ontario Commercial Vehicle Survey 1975,” Interim Report, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Ontario, Canada, 1976.
2.
Bakht, B., “Statistical Analysis of Timber Decks,” Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE, Vol. 109, No. 8, Aug., 1983, pp. 1761–1779.
3.
Cheung, Y. K., Finite Strip Method in Structural Analysis, Pergamon Press, 1976.
4.
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5.
Gutkowski, R. M., and Williamson, T. G., “Timber Bridges: State‐of‐the‐Art,” Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE, Vol. 109, No. 9, Sept., 1983, pp. 2175–2191.
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“Manual for Maintenance Inspection of Bridges,” American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington, D.C., 1978.
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Nowak, A. S., “Modelling Properties of Timber Stringers,” Report UMEE 83R1, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., May, 1983.
8.
Nowak, A. S., and Lind, N. C., “Practical Bridge Code Calibration,” Journal of Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 105, No. ST12, Dec., 1979, pp. 2497–2510.
9.
Nowak, A. S., and Regupathy, P. V., “Reliability of Spot Welds in Cold‐Formed Channels,” Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE (accepted for publication).
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Go to Journal of Structural Engineering
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 110Issue 12December 1984
Pages: 2939 - 2954

History

Published online: Dec 1, 1984
Published in print: Dec 1984

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Authors

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Andrzej S. Nowak, A. M. ASCE
Assoc. Prof. of Civ. Engrg., Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48109
Medhat K. Boutros
Grad. Student, Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich. 48109

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