Bridge condition forecasting for maintenance optimisation

Abstract

The bridge management system used on the national road network of the Republic of Croatia does not contain the deterioration forecasting model that could be used for planning future remedial activities. A database on the condition of bridge elements has nevertheless been compiled, containing numerical values of the degree of deterioration. Results obtained by analysing usability of three deterioration models are presented in the paper in order to estimate which one would be the most favourable for Croatian conditions. The model based on the Markov process was found to be the most appropriate.