Life cycle analysis addressing maintenance and repair options and its affections on remaining lifetime

摘要

The current publication focuses on Integral Life Cycle Analysis merging major components of structural assessment (Visual Inspection, Design Code Considerations and Structural Health Monitoring). The paper represents the authors contribution to the US Long-Term Bridge Performance Program based on an individual case study (reference bridge NEW JERSEY) in 2010. The developed methodology for the management of infrastructure is based on 20 years of experience in structural assessment - linking research and consulting purposes by means of a constant and synergetic approach. The following major aspects are covered: 1. The determination/estimation of the DESIGN LIFE OF THE INVESTIGA TED structures. 2. The determination/estimation of the RESIDUAL LIFE OF THE INVESTIGATED structures. 3. Assessment criteria whether the REAL DEGRADATION PROCESS corresponds with the assumed and applied life cycle model in order to take corrective measures in cases of accelerated ageing. 4. MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS to guarantee the original design life and operability. The elaborated approach delivers all necessary measures to guarantee the functional capability of structures during the overall design life, considering even individual characteristics of each structural member. The chosen categorisation reflects the common composition of available inspection reports making it coherent with civil engineering practice all over the world.