COST 345 - Procedures Required for the Assessment of Highway Structures, Numerical Techniques for Safety and Serviceability Assessment. Report of Working Groups 4 and 5

This document treats the following aspects of the assessment of existing highway structures: Levels of assessment: Five levels of assessment are recommended varying from simple but conservative to complex but accurate. Uncertainty modelling: An integrated approach to traffic loading, structure condition and structural response is described. Load modelling: There can be considerable unused capacity in highway structures that are not subjected to the full design levels of traffic loading. This can be calculated from traffic weight statistics obtained from a weigh-in-motion system. Modelling materials for assessment: The processes are reviewed by which material properties in existing structures can be estimated. Structural response modelling: The types of analysis appropriate to the five recommended levels of assessment are proposed. Target reliability levels: The levels of reliability considered appropriate for highway structure assessment are discussed. Reliability analysis: The available procedures for full reliability analysis of highway structures are reviewed. All of these topics are covered in detail in the following chapters. It is not possible in a report of this nature to provide sufficient details for an engineer to use all of the methods by reading this re- port alone. The report aims to provide sufficient information for engineers and network managers and authorities to choose the appropriate methodology for assessing their structures. It also aims to inform Engineers charged with assessment about some of the procedures available. It is sincerely hoped that this report will contribute to the continued safety and serviceability of the land transport fixed assets in Europe and elsewhere.