Analysis of parameters of structure deterioration models within the Moscow Bridge Management System

Abstract

Adequate description of the deterioration of structures and their elements is very important for the effective use of bridge management systems. In the course of operating the Moscow Bridge Management System, deterioration processes have been studied using the results of standard inspections of 1,059 facilities containing over 500,000 standard elements. The analysis shows that for structural standard elements, deterioration of strength properties virtually does not occur or is of accidental character. In most cases, deterioration is attributable primarily to the wear of materials, which depends to a large degree on the quality of their manufacturing and protection. Also, lifespan prediction for a set of standard elements should take into account their mutual effects on each other. The methodological sequence of adjustment of deterioration models for different standard elements, initially adopted on the basis of experts' judgments, is suggested.