Towards advanced bridge management systems : investigation of the possibility of developing an improved appraisal model based on a novel system architecture

• Main Author: Pinto da Silva Filho, Luiz Carlos
• Other Authors: Smith, Nigel
• Published: University of Leeds 1999
• Subjects: 624
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.680527

Bridge Management Systems have been an emergent area of research in this decade. This has been fostered by the recognition of the need for computer support in the decision making process involved in defining maintenance and improvement strategies to networks of bridges. While existing systems have already prove their worthiness, there are still far from satisfying entirely the complex and evolving user needs. Changing society perceptions are introducing new requirements and demanding the consideration of issues like environmental quality and congestion minimisation. At the same time, IT developments are opening various new alternatives to the problem of creating flexible, user-friendly and easily maintainable systems. Given this panorama, this study investigates the possibility of developing more advanced Bridge Management Systems that could lead to a more open, integrated and socially aware approach to Bridge Management. It proposes the adoption of a new appraisal model based on a wider consideration of maintenance and deterioration consequences and an innovative view of bridge utility as a measure of benefits. An innovative system architecture is used to support the model based on three main elements: object orientation, geo-referencing and soft reasoning. The results obtained indicate that the use of this new approach can significantly alter the allocation of the budget. The conclusion of the work is that it is possible to develop more advanced systems and that the adoption of the framework proposed can have a significant impact on Bridge Management decision-making. Further researches will be necessary to refine the model and investigate how to develop other components of an ABMS. The flexibility of the system architecture proposed is an important advantage in this sense because it allows a progressive and steady advance, with the results of new researches being gradually and seamlessly incorporated.