Structural reliability of prestressed timber bridges considering real traffic

Abstract Prestressed wooden bridges are alternative structural systems that are lighter than traditional bridges and present high stiffness and portability. In Brazil, the first prestressed timber bridge was designed and built over the Monjolinho River (São Carlos - SP). The reliability of this structure is a major technical concern, even though this kind of assessment is not yet used in timber bridge projects. The aim of this research study was to evaluate the structural reliability of the laminated prestressed system of the timber bridge designed for the Monjolinho River, with special focus on the system's bending strength and prestess losses, considering a varied set of live loads. The deck was assessed as an equivalent beam, based on orthotropic plate behaviour. To check the safety of the bridge, a reliability study was conducted considering actual actions obtained from the data provided by Centrovias, the road's concession company. The results of the reliability tests showed that the prestressed timber bridge presented reliability rates compatible with most simulated traffic loads, but for some types of trucks the bridge presented reliability indices below those recommended by international standards.