ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the condition evaluations of the New York City bridge network and the known expenditures for rehabilitation, repair and maintenance. In contrast with probabilistic forecasting models, this exercise directly compares the bridge condition database with the magnitude of the remedial measures. Bridges are assigned an overall sufficiency rating combining structural and serviceability factors, modified by importance considerations. Scientific research focuses on measurable events, commercial production develops marketable technologies, and bridge owners must manage the life-cycle of their assets optimally. Bridge preservation has gained importance as a combination of maintenance and improvement. In the early 1990's New York City bridge management designated repairs as component rehabilitation and the program has qualified for capital funding ever since. Rehabilitations usually include deck replacement. If bridges are designed to minimize first cost under budget supply, and managed to minimize risk under growing traffic demand, they will perform as liabilities rather than assets.
