Towards a rule-based matrix for evaluating distress mechanisms in bridges

Venkatesan, S and Setunge, Sujeeva and Molyneaux, Tom C. K. and Gravina, R.J (2006) Towards a rule-based matrix for evaluating distress mechanisms in bridges. [Conference Paper]

Abstract

The effective management of bridge stock involves making decisions as to when to repair, remedy, or do nothing, taking into account the financial and service life implications. Such decisions require a reliable diagnosis as to the cause of distress and an understanding of the likely future degradation. Such diagnoses are based on a combination of visual inspections, laboratory tests on samples and expert opinions. In addition, the choice of appropriate laboratory tests requires an understanding of the degradation mechanisms involved. Under these circumstances, the use of expert systems or evaluation tools developed from “realtime” case studies provides a promising solution in the absence of expert knowledge. This paper addresses the issues in bridge infrastructure management in Queensland, Australia. Bridges affected by alkali silica reaction and chloride induced corrosion have been investigated and the results presented using a mind mapping tool. The analysis highights that several levels of rules are required to assess the mechanism causing distress. The systematic development of a rule based approach is presented. An example of this application to a case study bridge has been used to demonstrate that preliminary results are satisfactory.

Additional Information

Item Type: Conference Paper
Collection: CRC for Construction Innovation
Date: November 2006
Keywords: CRC for Construction Innovation; Program C : Delivery Management of Built Assets; Project 2004-018-C : Sustainable Infrastructure for Aggressive Environments
Date Deposited: 11 Mar 2014 03:15
Last Modified: 11 Mar 2014 03:20
Copyright Owner: Copyright 2006 Icon.Net Pty Ltd
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URI: https://digitalcollections.qut.edu.au/id/eprint/1769
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