ABSTRACT
The two principal authors have been developing a Bridge Management System, viz. the J-BMS for individual bridges. The system when integrated with the Concrete Bridge Rating Expert System (BREX) can be used to evaluate the serviceability of existing concrete bridges. The integrated system is able to predict the deterioration process of the existing bridge superstructure components as well as assess a broad array of optional corrective strategies. The system has the capability to search and retrieve from a data bank, the necessary information, carry out suitable analyses to arrive at some recommendations that would help users to optimize their decisions based on engineering aspects, cost and economic issues and bridge management policies. A characteristic feature of the present system is the use of the Genetic Algorithm (GA) technique to search for an approximate optimal maintenance plan. The present study is part of an attempt to develop a comprehensive decision support system for maintenance strategies based on life cycle cost analysis of an entire bridge inventory, which form part of a highway network. Since formulation of an optimum bridge maintenance program for an entire stock of bridge structures is usually impeded by a lack of sufficient information on their existing conditions, the capability of the system was tried out, with a view to enhancing its capability, by applying it to a limited number of individual existing bridges, categorised as belonging to a typical bridge inventory. The results obtained are compared to those provided by experienced maintenance engineers by way of specially designed survey forms.
