A decision model for a sequential testing problem in civil engineering

A sequential decision problem in civil engineering is formulated as a dynamic programming model. A set of theorems lead to a more efficient formulation, permitting the solution routine to be programmed on a microcomputer. The solution is printed in table form, directly providing a decision rule usable by the foreman in the field. The paper illustrates a point which is becoming increasingly apparent: the power and availability of portable computer sysems are making many decision problems amenable to on-site analysis using models based upon rigorous theory.