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Lifetime Reliability-Based Optimization Of Post-Tensioned Box-Girder Bridges, Tatiana García-Segura, Victor Yepes, Dan M. Frangopol, David Y. Yang

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper presents a lifetime reliability-based approach for the optimization of post-tensioned concrete box-girder bridges under corrosion attack. The proposed approach is illustrated by determining the optimal life-cycle cost and CO2 emissions of several initial designs of post-tensioned box-girder bridges with different objectives, i.e. the lowest initial costs, the longest corrosion initiation time, or the maximum safety. The study was conducted in two steps. Firstly, the Pareto set presents initial designs considering the cross-section geometry, the concrete strength, the reinforcing steel and the prestressing steel. Secondly, the maintenance optimization was conducted with the proposed method, aimed at minimizing the economic, …