Assessment of a cantilever bridge deck slab using multi-level assessment strategy and decision support framework

Abstract A Multi-Level Assessment Strategy has previously been proposed and proved feasible for structural analysis of existing RC slabs. In this paper, the Multi-Level Assessment Strategy, which focuses on sophisticated structural analysis, was used to investigate the load-carrying capacity and structural behaviour of a composite bridge with an RC bridge deck slab subjected to a concentrated load. In addition to more sophisticated structural analysis, improved knowledge content about the structure and more advanced models for uncertainty consideration were also incorporated in a systematic way for higher levels of assessment. Furthermore, a decision support system was adopted, in which the cost for different alternatives regarding if and how the assessment should be enhanced with respect to model sophistication, knowledge content and modelling uncertainty were compared in a systematic way. The results show not only that the load-carrying capacity and the structural behaviour can be assessed with different level of detailing, but also that the cost for each level of assessment can be evaluated with a decision support system, facilitating more sustainable management of infrastructure.