Research Information System
2025 International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering, IABSE 2025, Ghent, Belgium, 27 - 29 August 2025, pp.2185-2192, (Full Text)
The paper presents the methodological framework and technical aspects of reliability indices assessing of composite bridge superstructures considering the degradation of stud shear connectors. This study is a continuation of the previous ones, which established diagrams illustrating the time-dependent decline in the reliability index of a simple composite beam. A distinguishing feature of this reliability assessment task is the nonlinear approach of the calculation model, which allows for accounting for damage accumulation in stud shear connectors and the resultant reduction in their longitudinal stiffness. In the case of composite structures that are more intricate than simple beams (such as continuous beams and any spatial systems), the complexity of the calculation framework escalates considerably due to increased uncertainty surrounding the identification of critical point locations and load case pairs' definitions for critical stress range values. Furthermore, considering the extensive list of input data within a probabilistic framework, it becomes imperative to select an efficient method for determining the reliability index to optimize computational resources. The paper proposes guidance to practicing engineers and researchers for developing a methodological framework for reliability analysis and presents illustrative examples that demonstrate the implementation of algorithms.