Abstract
This paper presents a novel approach to the creation of a ranking list of bridges with the highest priority for repair, renovation or exchange. Two main aspects addressed herein are studied. First concerning parameters, which must be taken into account while creating the list of bridges with priority for repair or renovation. Second concerning proposition of algorithms for creating such list. A set of factors that affect this priority has been created; the three main ones were selected: technical condition factor, safety factor and the importance for the roads network factor. Three self-reliant algorithms of the ranking list creation are presented. One of them is the so-called “expert algorithm”, based on artificial neural networks – gives the best result and has been indicated as the recommended one. This algorithm, engaging back-propagation multilayer artificial neural network, is implemented in the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways in Poland and is applied as a supporting tool in managing road-engineering structures.
Highlights
Polish national roads and motorways network currently includes about seven thousand bridges of different types
The main objective of bridge management is the achievement of the designed “lifespan” by each bridge at a minimal cost, in a proper condition and the ability for the bridge to be used without distractions and with the minimal risk of failure
To achieve this goal the experts have to analyse the entire set of bridges and to create ranking lists of objects that have to be repaired in the first instance
Summary
Polish national roads and motorways network currently includes about seven thousand bridges of different types. The General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (abbreviation in Polish GDDKiA) needs a tool for creating such a list using different kinds of data collected in databases, concerning, e.g. technical condition of bridges. The primary criterion determining the priority for repair was often the technical condition of investigated objects This approach has not taken into account any other relevant factors, such as safety of pedestrians in case of the lack of sidewalks, too small clearance gauge on or under the bridge or too low (reduced) load carrying capacity. The assessment of the technical condition is a significant factor in creating a list of objects indicating the need for renovation. It describes the characteristics of objects unsatisfactorily. Detailed and specialised courses for inspectors are carried out in carefully selected centres
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