Reliability analysis-based investigation of the historical Széchenyi Chain Bridge deck system

• Published in: Results in engineering 2022-09, Vol.15, p.100555, Article 100555
• Main Authors: Kövesdi, Balázs, Kollár, Dénes, Dunai, László, Horváth, Adrián
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Corrosion; Damage assessment; Monte Carlo simulation; Reliability analysis
• ISSN: 2590-1230; 2590-1230
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2022.100555

Before the recent reconstruction, significant corrosion damages were observed on the deck system of the ∼170-year-old Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Therefore, an advanced reliability analysis-based study is executed to assess the risk of failure of the structure in its situation until the refurbishment starts. The current paper has the aim to introduce the applied assessment method for the risk analysis and damage grade determination of the historical structure. The novel method combines the following techniques: (i) input data coming from on-site measurements implemented into state-of-the-art corrosion models, (ii) advanced finite element model-based resistance calculation (GMNI analysis) implemented into (iii) Monte Carlo simulation-based stochastic reliability assessment method to determine the risk of the bridge deck system failure. It is concluded that the introduced method is a powerful tool for risk assessment of existing aging structures. •Deck system of historical Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Hungary is analysed.•Reliability analysis-based investigation is carried out including the influence of corrosion.•Monte Carlo simulation-based stochastic reliability assessment method is performed.•Lifetime period of corroded members should not be calculated based on normal distribution.•Partial safety factors of the Eurocode standards cannot be used for corroded members.