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Abstract
Bridge infrastructure provides an important effect on contemporary transportation networks, and its upkeep is significant for ensuring public safety and reducing economic impacts. Nevertheless, the aging and degradation of bridge structures present considerable challenges for asset managers, who must navigate the necessity of maintenance against constrained financial resources. Conventional maintenance approaches typically emphasize reactive repairs, which can result in elevated lifecycle expenses and risk structural integrity. This paper introduces an innovative framework aimed at optimizing bridge maintenance expenditures while maintaining structural safety. The proposed methodology incorporates a reliability-based deterioration model, an intervention effect model, a financial model, and an optimization model empowered by an Improved Electric Fish Optimization (IEFO) algorithm. The framework is demonstrated through a case study of a reinforced bridge framework designed according to the standards of Canadian highway bridge design. The findings illustrate that the proposed methodology can substantially lower lifecycle costs by investigating the most economical maintenance strategies, including minor repairs that can postpone the necessity for expensive major interventions. The optimal scenario identified by the IEFO algorithm yielded lower equivalent uniform annual costs in comparison with the traditional scenario focused solely on major repairs. This research advances the field of data-driven maintenance planning for bridge infrastructure, empowering asset managers to make well-informed decisions that effectively balance cost and safety considerations.
Highlights
This study aims to contribute to the development of bridge maintenance optimization frameworks by proposing an innovative approach that integrates reliability-based deterioration modeling, financial modeling, intervention effect modeling, and optimization using an Improved Electric Fish Optimization (IEFO) algorithm
The aging and degradation of bridge structures present considerable challenges for asset managers, who must identify the necessity of maintenance against constrained financial resources
Conventional maintenance approaches typically emphasize reactive repairs, which can result in elevated lifecycle expenses and risk structural integrity
Summary
Bridges are one of the basic components of highways in all countries, and their construction costs are usually higher than other road infrastructures [1]. Deterioration of bridges, along with increased traffic load, extreme environmental conditions, and their specific locations, leads to a rapid decrease in the integrity of their structural elements, which requires urgent maintenance efforts [2]. Bridges are significantly affected by environmental factors, and despite proper design and implementation, various elements affect their lifespans and conditions. Due to their high cost and sensitivity, maintenance is often inadequate [3]. In this scenario, it will have detrimental effects. Many policies regarding the management and oversight of bridges worldwide acknowledge the necessity of routine inspections and maintenance throughout their operational lifespan [4]
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