Intelligent Infrastructure Health Monitoring Based On Fuzzy Analysis

This paper presents evaluation of BART - Bridge Assessment and Rating Tool, an intelligent decision support tool for analysis of reinforced concrete, pre-stressed concrete and steel/concrete composition type of bridges based on fuzzy arithmetic and fuzzy reasoning. BART relies on data obtained from field measurements and observations on bridges to predict a "safe" window within which maintenance can be carried out. The use of fuzzy reasoning permits knowledge gained from human experts, through research and experience to be incorporated into the decision making process. The parameters analysed are bridge type, dead loads, type of vehicle loading, bridge dimensions and cross-section, material properties, reinforcement details, and existing physical condition of the bridge. Although BART has been proposed for use in evaluation of existing infrastructure, it is envisaged that the analysis and evaluation framework can be built into new construction projects.