Reliability-Based Inspection Protocols for Mast-Arm Sign Support Structures
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 142, Issue 7
Abstract
There have been numerous examples of poor in-service performance of welded, tube-to-transverse plate connections within mast-arm sign support structures in the last several decades. A considerable amount of research has been devoted to identifying structural response characteristics of these sign support systems and identifying how these connections may be repaired, retrofitted, or designed to facilitate longer service lives. Little attention has been given to using a systematic reliability-based approach to assess the probability of fatigue-induced crack initiation for in-service structures. The present research effort focuses on quantifying sources of uncertainty and formulating a reliability-based approach for prescribing inspection intervals corresponding to user-specified levels of probability of fatigue-induced crack initiation. The results indicate that implementation of reliability-based assessment procedures can be used to assign inspection intervals based on this probability, and the engineering community can use the results to establish inspection intervals that better align inspection needs with limited fiscal and human resources.
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Acknowledgments
This research was funded through the Wisconsin Highway Research Program by the Wisconsin DOT and the Federal Highway Administration under Projects 0092-08-14 and 0092-09-07. The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented in this paper. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Wisconsin DOT or the Federal Highway Administration at the time of publication.
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Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 142 • Issue 7 • July 2016
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 14, 2014
Accepted: Dec 17, 2015
Published online: Mar 18, 2016
Published in print: Jul 1, 2016
Discussion open until: Aug 18, 2016
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