Promoting probability-based bridge assessment in engineering practice: an Australian case study

Abstract

The increase of road freight around the world, alongside limited funding on bridge infrastructure, demands objective and accurate safety assessments for greater loads to achieve better utilization of existing aging bridges. Probability-based bridge assessment (PBBA) is already recommended around the world as a higher-tier assessment beyond current deterministic methods. However, its uptake in international practice lags behind that merited. The promotion of PBBA in practice hinges on four aspects: (i) justification, through proof of concept; (ii) accessibility, through integration into current practice; (iii) effectiveness, through utilizing state-of-the-art tools, and; (iv) familiarity, through clear communication and education. This paper describes a recent Austroads research project that has developed solutions to these aspects to promote the adoption of PBBA in Australia. The experience gained in developing the freely available guideline is described in this paper to support the promotion of PBBA adoption in other countries.