Novel Prioritization Mechanism to Enhance Long-Term Performance Predictions for Bridge Asset Management

Abstract

Current strategies for prioritizing bridge preventive maintenance, rehabilitation, or replacement (MRR) include predicting future conditions by delineating depreciation rates from existing conditions and preventive MRR activities. Such predictions are overly conservative because element interactions, although present, are not considered in quantifying bridge deterioration. This study proposes a novel prioritization mechanism that leverages time-dependent element interactions, referred to as coactiveness, in predicting bridge performance resulting from MRR activities. The proposed coactive model hypothesizes that if one repairs one element, it should reduce the deterioration of other elements. The improved elements in turn reduce the deterioration of the repaired element, improving the overall health of a bridge. The element-level bridge inspection data from three southeastern US states (Alabama, Georgia, and Florida) are investigated to illustrate the capability of the proposed mechanism. In Georgia, the results show that changes in the condition of expansion joints are most critical to the long-term performance of bridge elements. Alabama’s bridge management strategy slows the depreciation of expansion joints when more MRR resources are allocated to its deck elements. It is concluded that early preventive maintenance implemented in Florida is effective and has a similar effect as leveraging the proposed prioritization mechanism in enhancing bridge long-term performance.