A probabilistic framework for the resilience assessment of transport infrastructure systems via structural health monitoring and control based on a cost function approach

Abstract

The essential role of transport infrastructure systems for economic development, territorial cohesion and social transformation is widely recognized. However, key structural components of this systems, such as bridges, are rapidly aging, while the loading conditions to which they are subjected are evolving to become increasingly severe, for instance, due to changes in vehicle loads, climate crisis, etc. These circumstances contribute to reduce the level of reliability and safety of these vital infrastructure systems. Therefore, assessing the current state and predicting the future condition of transportation infrastructure, and protecting it against external hazards, proves essential. This paper focuses on an in-depth study of the role of structural control and monitoring in improving the structural resilience of transportation infrastructure as a life-cycle indicator. Subsequently, a novel framework based on a cost function approach is introduced, recognizing that the benefits of enhanced resilience come with associated investments. This enables stakeholders to assess the balance between initial investments and long-term gains, facilitating informed decisions on control and monitoring to ensure structural resilience.