Application of multiple assessment items optimization method to determining the repair ranking of existing reinforced concrete bridge system

Abstract

The D. (Degree) E. (Extent) R. (Relevancy) evaluation method is widely used to assess the damage states of existing reinforced concrete (RC) bridges in Taiwan. The present study is first to distinguish between relevancy (R^a, a = 1.5, 2) and non‐relevancy (R^a, a= 1) for the repair ranking of the existing RC bridge system to be assessed. The multiple assessment items optimization method was mainly applied to seek the optimum repair ranking. The five existing RC bridges, i.e. Chi‐jou, Lan‐yang, Dah‐jea, Dah‐duh and Dah‐an in Taiwan are chosen as practical examples. The results show that when each bridge is judged to be non‐relevant by the system, the repair ranking predicted by the D.E.R. evaluation method is correct. Nevertheless, when the bridge system has one or more one important bridge, the repair ranking predicted by the D.E.R. evaluation method is not accurate. The proposed method may be remedied the defect of the D.E.R. evaluation method to predict the repair rankings of existing RC bridge system.

Key words:

• damage
• evaluation
• membership function
• repair ranking

Notes

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