Bridge performance can often be expressed in a reliability format, typically as the probability of failure. Information about present and anticipated bridge reliabilities, in conjunction with decision models, provides a rational and powerful decision-making tool for the structural assessment of bridges. For assessment purposes, an updated reliability (after an inspection) may be used for comparative or relative risk purposes. This may include the prioritisation of risk management measures (risk ranking) for inspection, maintenance, repair or replacement. A risk-cost-benefit analysis may be used to quantify the expected cost of a decision. The present paper will present a broad overview of the concepts, methodology and immediate applications of risk-based assessments of bridges. In particular, two practical applications of reliability-based bridge assessment are considered. For example, a risk-cost-benefit analysis suggests that proof load testing may not be cost effective if the costs of bridge failure (unsuccessful test) and the test itself are considered. (A)
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