Title: Risk-Informed Condition Assessment of a Bridge with Alkali-Aggregate Reaction

Author(s): Mohammad Amin Hariri-Ardebili, Victor E. Saouma, and Christine Merz

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 115

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 475-487

Keywords: alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR); damage; fragility; residual expansion; uncertainty; viaduct

DOI: 10.14359/51701106

Date: 3/1/2018

Abstract:
This paper reports on a computational framework that assesses the integrity of a structure suffering from alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR). First, detailed field observation and laboratory tests are performed. Results were then interpreted in a format suitable for structural analysis. Then, probabilistic-based three-dimensional (3-D) nonlinear finite element simulations were performed. Preliminary results (deformation and stress field) were completely unintuitive and highlighted the complexity of the impact of AAR on a structural response. Results were cast in a risk-informed condition assessment framework through a new paradigm for AAR, based on work in the field of earthquake engineering. This procedure allows engineers to address two questions: 1) What is the anticipated level of damage at a given time? and 2) What is the time frame within which a given damage may occur? For this investigation, a major viaduct in Switzerland is analyzed.