Bridge network maintenance optimization using stochastic dynamic programming

This paper presents a stochastic dynamic programming (DP) procedure for multiobjective optimization of bridge network maintenance planning that involves a group of existing highway bridges with various remaining service lifetimes and different reliability importance factors to the bridge network. The complex multiobjective optimization problem is solved by using a two-phase DP approach. The Phase I problem consists of identifying the optimal maintenance plans for individual bridges that have minimum life-cycle maintenance costs, while satisfying both condition and safety requirements for a targeted service lifetime period. This problem is solved by using a specific DP optimization algorithm along with Monte Carlo simulation. The Phase II problem is to rationally allocate the limited annual maintenance budgets.