MANAGING THE LIFE-CYCLE SAFETY OF DETERIORATING BRIDGES

This study summarizes recent bridge research work at the University of Colorado including a segment-based inspection and reporting methodology, deterioration modeling, probabilistic evaluation of bridge inspection methods, and a novel methodology for life-cycle reliability-based cost optimization. The latter methodology proposed is broad and includes intact (undamaged) and residual (damaged) constraints, planning of inspection and repair during the life-cycle of a bridge, and initial, maintenance, and failure costs. An example of managing the life-cycle safety and cost of a reinforced concrete bridge is presented.