Abstract:

In this paper, a dynamic model to determine the inspection and maintenance strategy of bridges is set up based on Bayes analysis method. The proposed model follows the process from information collection to data analysis and further to decision-making. It provides more sufficient data for the decision-making by combining the prior information with the inspection results. The authors also make an example analysis considering two inspection methods and four maintenance schemes, and determine the best inspection time and scheme to maximize the net inspection benefit in a benchmark period. Finally, the best maintenance scheme for the possible inspection results is determined based on the principle of minimizing the maintenance cost.

Key words: bridge, inspection/maintenance strategy, Bayes analysis, net inspection benefit