DEVELOPMENT OF COST-EFFECTIVE BRIDGE SYSTEMS: PHASE I REPORT

In selecting a replacement for a structurally deficient or functionally obsolete bridge, the important considerations are structural integrity, adequate serviceability, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The intent of this study was to conceptualize a selection procedure that would limit subjectivity and minimize user bias. In the method developed in this study, the user initially responds to a set of questions with yes/no responses in order to narrow the number of bridge types that should be given further consideration. The user then applies an assessment procedure to establish a quantitative score for each of the remaining bridge types. The procedure is normalized so that a score of unity is the upper-bound value for any given structure, and the highest score amont the alternatives is considered the best bridge type. The input to the assessment procedure is a set of measurable quantities, which provides a degree of assurance against user bias. This procedure could readily be programmed for a computer in an interactive format. (FHWA)

• Corporate Authors:

  Pennsylvania State University, University Park

  Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, Transportation Research Building
  University Park, PA  United States  16802

  Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

  Office of Research and Special Studies, P.O. Box 2926
  Harrisburg, PA  United States  17120
• Authors:
  • West, H H
  • Mafi, M
  • Jastrzebski, R C
• Publication Date: 1983-2

Media Info

• Pagination: 62 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge design; Bridges; Cost effectiveness; Design; Needs assessment; Optimization; Statistical bias; Structural design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Design criteria; Selecting; User needs
• Old TRIS Terms: Optimum design
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00389036
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-PA-83-006 Intrm Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: Res Project 80-8
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Oct 30 1984 12:00AM