Bridge management

The objectives of a bridge manager are to ensure bridges achieve their design life, remain open to traffic continuously and their risk of failure is always very low. These objectives are to be achieved sustainably and at a minimum lifetime cost. The chapter divides the subject into project and network level bridge management. Project level is concerned with individual bridges whereas network level deals with the management of bridge stocks. Project level management includes aspects such as inspection, testing, deciding maintenance requirements and appropriate prevention and remedial methods and monitoring strategies. Network level management includes estimating the rate of deterioration, the prediction of future condition using Markov chain models, planning optimal maintenance programmes, prioritising maintenance, and assessing the effectiveness of different maintenance strategies. Maintenance affordability, backlogs and long term plans are also discussed. The chapter also discusses some important techniques used by bridge managers e.g. whole life costing, probability modelling, risk analysis and sustainability assessment.