Abstract
The deterioration and failure of steel bridges around the world is of growing concern for asset managers and bridge engineers due to aging, increasing volume of traffic and introduction of heavier vehicles. Hence, a model that considers these heuristics can be employed to validate or challenge the practical engineering decisions. Moreover, in a time of increased litigation and economic unrest, engineers require a means of accountability to support their decisions. Maintenance, Repair and Rehabilitation (MR&R) of deteriorating bridge structures are considered as expensive actions for transportation agencies and the cost of error in decision making may aggravate problems related to infrastructure funding system. The subjective nature of decision making in this field could be replaced by the application of a Decision Support System (DSS) that supports asset managers through balanced consideration of multiple criteria. The main aim of this paper is to present the developed decision support system for asset management of steel bridges within acceptable limits of safety, functionality and sustainability. The Simplified Analytical Hierarchy Process S-AHP is applied as a multi criteria decision making technique. The model can serve as an integrated learning tool for novice engineers, or as an accountability tool for assurance to project stakeholders.
Highlights
Steel bridges are subject to continuous degradation and many of them in existence, which were constructed 50–100 years ago, have exceeded, or are approaching the end of their design life [1].With many listed on heritage registers, road authorities have extra incentive to rehabilitate these structures to their former glory
Scientists and practitioners have the technology to understand how a tunnel, a building, a bridge, or a railway line is performing during its service life
This will lead to improved asset management, as decision makers will know how to prioritise the assets and when, and how, to manage it more competently
Summary
Steel bridges are subject to continuous degradation and many of them in existence, which were constructed 50–100 years ago, have exceeded, or are approaching the end of their design life [1]. The research presented in this paper deals with the development of a decision support system for asset management of steel bridges using Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods. MCDM has emerged as a support to integrate various stakeholder preferences and technical information [7] These methods are useful ways in optimising decisions under complex environment and can better formulate the problem with respect to reality. The proposed model provides an extensive knowledge base for defect identification and selecting appropriate repair methods and is the first decision support system that has been developed for management of steel bridges. A questionnaire was sent to bridge asset managers of thirty public and private transportation agencies to collect information about bridge inspection techniques, common remedial strategies and major criteria for decision making.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
