Algorithm weighs up strategies for bridge management

Civil engineers have come up with a decision-making algorithm for the cost-effective management of bridges.

The method helps decision makers choose which bridges to focus on by assessing several key factors.

‘Most bridges in North America are in really bad shape,’ said Sabah Alkass of Concordia University in Canada. ‘We talked to different municipalities, and the reason is that they just don’t have funds. The budget is so limited that they only do corrective maintenance. But in the long run, although it requires more planning, it’s actually cheaper and more effective to avoid problems now rather than fix them later.’

The method takes into account the fact that some criteria are more important than others: a bridge that is in poor condition would be prioritised over one that has an inefficient drainage system.

A bridge that gets a lot of traffic, has an inefficient drainage system, is at seismic risk and is in poor condition would be at the top of the list. After assessing which bridges require the most attention, the next issue facing decision makers is whether to rebuild the bridge, repair it or increase maintenance.

Register now to continue reading

Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.  

Benefits of registering

  • In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends

  • Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year

  • Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox