Evaluation of RC-arch Bridges and Main Parameters in Performance Assessment

Abstract

Reinforced concrete (RC) arch bridges hold a strategic role in transportation networks. The definition of simplified assessment procedures for their vulnerability at large scale is of fundamental importance for a smart evaluation and maintenance. The role of these infrastructures is crucial in areas where the seismic risk is very high. For instance, in Italy, RC arch bridges, mainly in the form of vaulted slabs, are very common as railway bridges, dating back to the 60’s. Almost all of these bridges were designed in agreement to outdated design approaches based on masonry experience, without taking into account peculiarities of reinforced concrete. The key innovative aspect of proposed method is the possibility, with few parameters and reduced knowledge level, to define macro classes of bridges based on geometrical and material parameters that allow to estimate immediately the vulnerability of the most risky bridges. Based on these results it is possible to provide multilevel guidelines that can be used by administrators for the assessment of bridge vulnerability at bridge stock level (a basis for prioritizing the design of potential retrofit or strengthening interventions). Also in a post-emergency scenario this study allows to quickly estimate potential damage of arch bridge structures given main earthquake parameters to evaluate the operational state of the network and address early rescue and post-event operations.