ABSTRACT
Dealing with uncertainty and lack of opportunities to incorporate engineers’ heuristic in structural health monitoring of bridges (BSHM) is often a challenge for practical applications. This study aims to present a decision-making framework that combines bridge cable tension monitoring data with expert opinions. As part of an exploratory study, long-term monitoring of cable tension is conducted by installing accelerometers on a cable-stayed bridge. The cable tension, identified from acceleration data, is used to model monitoring uncertainty and probability density under normal conditions. Subsequently, a method of statistical judgements utilizing reliability analysis is proposed. When statistically inconclusive situations, expert opinions are incorporated supplementary. In the decision-making process, both the optimal decision plan for the target structure and the life-cycle cost, including risks, are calculated. Future studies are expected to demonstrate the feasibility of this evidence-based decision-making framework by comparing it with other bridge maintenance strategies.
