A Generalized Framework for the Alternate Load Path Redundancy Analysis of Steel Truss Bridges Subjected to Sudden Member Loss Scenarios

Owing to their distinct features, such as structural simplicity and excellent load-carrying capacity, steel truss bridges are widely applied critical transportation networks. However, many previously designed that located in harsh environmental conditions facing severe challenges of overloading aging or deteriorating members due increasing traffic load corrosion problems (i.e., chloride-induced corrosion). As a consequence, these overloaded deteriorated may initialize localized damage (e.g., sudden member failure scenarios) then trigger disproportionate collapse progressive collapse) bridges. To this end, protect the from resulting locally induced damages removal member), paper proposed generalized framework identify qualify alternate path (ALP) redundancy subjected loss member. Demand-to-capacity ratio (DCR) for linear elastic analysis strain (SR) nonlinear dynamic were employed design metrics performance indicators ALP Effectiveness qualifying was demonstrated through I-35W bridge under (MR) analyses. Results obtained study provide beneficial information could serve good references protection vulnerable scenarios.