Calibration of Probabilistic Damage Control Approach (PDCA) for Seismic Design of Bridges - Phase II

Probabilistic Damage Control Approach (PDCA) is a new design method used to quantify various performance levels from “functionality” to “life safety/no collapse” states and in between. Acceptable damage and hazard levels, or the probability of exceedance within certain number of years are established. The performance level is classified based on a null factor called damage index (DI) that will have direct correlation to the damaged state of the bridge. In this approach multiple levels of performance can be compared for a specific probabilistic hazard level or multiple probabilistic hazard levels. Research at University of Nevada, Reno has established the fragility curves for the ductility capacity of modern California Department of Transportations' (Caltrans’) columns. Also, some work has been done for the probabilistic demand values in the DI definition; however, more work is needed to improve the demand model. Furthermore, upon successful application of the PDCA to modern bridges there will be a need for the calibration of PDCA for existing bridges. Use of “Reliability Index” in the PDCA procedures will be a step towards compatibility with the load and factor resistance design (LRFD) concepts for new and existing bridges providing a probabilistic basis to facilitate decision making.