YOUR BRIDGES ARE FAILING, WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU FIX FIRST? AN OBJECTIVE YET SIMPLE METHOD TO RATE BRIDGES

Abstract

There is no simple and objective method for rating the criticality of bridges that conveys multi-sector components. This thesis addresses this problem using a multi-sector approach that accounts for sector-specific disruptions that can arise from damage to a single bridge. Methods for rating bridges are drawn from the existing academic, industrial, and international communities’ efforts to quantify criticality. Using this sector-specific information, a novel solution is proposed for rating the criticality of a bridge, or other structure, that conveys co-linear links or nodes associated with multiple infrastructure networks.