Framework to evaluate the value of monitoring-technique information for structural performance monitoring

Abstract

The management of existing civil infrastructure is becoming more crucial as a large share of bridges is approaching their theoretical end of service duration. Structural performance monitoring aims to verify bridge safety at a given time, and it should be differentiated from structural health monitoring, which aims at detecting structural damage. Possible monitoring techniques include bridge load testing, non-destructive testing, and continuous monitoring of structural behaviour, environmental conditions, and load levels. Nonetheless, selecting the optimal combination of monitoring techniques is challenging as each method provides unique but also redundant information. This study proposes a framework to assess the value of information from multiple bridge monitoring techniques. This framework enables defining the appropriate set of monitoring techniques to ensure that the collected information will potentially correct engineering decisions regarding structural safety. A full-scale bridge in Switzerland is used for validating the framework predictions. Combining four monitoring techniques, the expected average increase of degrees of compliance of structural verification is estimated to 19%, which is consistent with the 36% obtained after performing these monitoring techniques. The methodology supports decision-makers in selecting an optimal combination of monitoring techniques for structural performance monitoring by maximizing the value of information.