EXPERT SYSTEM CONTROL OF AUTOMATED ICE PREVENTION EQUIPMENT FOR BRIDGES

An expert system has been developed for use by winter road maintenance operations in conjunction with an automated ice prevention systems for bridges to aid in implementing an anti-icing strategy. The expert system advisory software is coupled to an automated anti-icing system that applies anti-icing liquid to bridge decks. Because the anti-icing system is unconstrained by manpower and equipment logistics, the application of ice prevention liquids can be done at an optimal time as suggested by the expert system. The expert system advises on when and how much liquid deicing chemical to apply. The benefit of an expert system is its ability to model human thought in a manner that can be processed on a computer and recalled by a user with less experience. The expert system strives to simulate the very sophisticated and intricate thought process used by humans to solve problems, recall information and make decisions. However, transferring expert knowledge from the resident expert to the computer is difficult. The expert system relates RWIS (Road Weather Information System) and other data to a defined strategy for ice prevention. The expert system is designed to grow so that it will also incorporate the following parameters: (1) predicted traffic density, (2) contemporaneous traffic condition, (3) storm events, (4) unique ice formation characteristics of the bridge. It will also include equipment diagnosis and error checking features. This paper will report on the performance of the expert system in this application as well as the long term program to improve its effectiveness.

• Corporate Authors:

  PTRC Education and Research Services Limited

  Glenthorne House, Hammersmith Grove
  London W6OL9,   England 
• Authors:
  • Ask, B
• Conference:
  • Xth PIARC International Winter Road Congress
  • Location: Lulea, Sweden
  • Date: 1998-3-16 to 1998-3-19
• Publication Date: 1998

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 899-912
• Serial:
  • Volume: 3

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automation; Bridge decks; Deicing; Deicing chemicals; Expert systems; Ice prevention
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I62: Winter Maintenance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00752054
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Technical Report, Volume 1, Volume 2
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 21 1998 12:00AM