Abstract:The overturning stability of cantilever beam bridges in demolition process was assessed by the method of reliability, the causality chains method of system reliability was proposed, and the application of total probability formula was developed. Moreover, the system reliability formula of causality chains was derived with the developed total probability formula, and the calculated results by the formula were found to be well anastomosed with the series parallel connection. Furthermore, the application of Bayes formula was developed, by which the most important failure mode was analyzed. The sensitivity of parameters of the most important failure mode was analyzed. It is concluded that the lifting rope strength, rope number and temporary support strength have a significant influence on the overturning stability of the demolition system.