00636337

Component

The objective of bridge management is to allocate and use the limited resources in an optimal way for the provision of service. The bridge management process entails the following activities: (1) Formulation of system goals and objectives; (2) Collection of data; (3) Impact prediction; (4) Strategy selection; (5) Strategy implementation; and (6) Revision and feedback. Data collection and data analysis are essential components of a bridge management process. Without these two activities, the rest of the process could not function efficiently. Data collection and analysis are therefore conducted not for their own sake, but to enable the other activities in the process to be well executed. An important purpose of data analysis is the prediction of the impact of different strategies on the system objectives. This involves predicting future conditions of bridge elements, agency costs of different projects and activities, and user and non-user consequences in terms of user costs, user time, accident rates and other impacts. In this paper the application of a number of data analysis techniques, such as regression analysis, Markov chains, Bayesian estimation, and fuzzy set theory for the prediction of bridge element condition, agency costs, and user costs, is discussed. Whatever techniques are utilized, the point is stressed that the success of data analysis depends ultimately on the quality and sufficiency of data gathered. The objective of data analysis is not the analysis, however, but better strategy selection. To assist in strategy development, a number of ranking and optimization procedures exist that can be usefully applied. Some of the more common techniques for priority setting and optimization, such as the analytic hierarchy process, linear and integer linear programming, dynamic programming, and network techniques, are briefly discussed.

Preprint Number 3

English

17 p.

1993

7TH CONFERENCE ON BRIDGE MANAGEMENT - PREPRINTS

References (23)

Bridge management systems; Bridges; Costs; Data analysis; Data collection; Estimation theory; Forecasting; Fuzzy sets; Inspection; Markov chains; Mathematical analysis; Optimization; Ratings; Regression analysis; Strategic planning

Bridge condition; Bridge management; User costs

Bridges and other structures; Data and Information Technology; Design; Finance; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I60: Maintenance

TRIS, TRB

Sep 15 1993 12:00AM