23 - Metaheuristic Applications in Bridge Infrastructure Maintenance Scheduling Considering Stochastic Aspects of Deterioration

Abstract

There are two underlying aspects of developing computational models for transportation infrastructure maintenance scheduling: (1) development of a maintenance scheduling optimization model that uses a deterioration prediction model and (2) a deterioration model that accounts for the stochastic aspects of deterioration. We develop an optimization model for bridge infrastructure maintenance scheduling, present a deterioration model that considers stochasticity, and develop an experimental procedure for examining the deterioration of bridges. We further discuss the importance of accounting for structural deterioration, particularly due to corrosion and aging, for metaheuristic applications in bridge infrastructure maintenance scheduling consideration. The implications of bridge infrastructure maintenance scheduling can lead to more environmentally sustainable structures. Specifically, applications for using composite materials to replace steel rebars within bridge decks are presented as an alternative, sustainable approach to help minimize and to obviate the need for bridge deck repair and maintenance scheduling due to corrosion of steel rebars. The paper concludes with a numerical example.