ISEC 10


BURIED TRANSPORTATION STRUCTURES: FUZZY-MARKOV COMPUTATION CASE STUDY

KOOROSH GHAREHBAGHI, KEN FARNES


Abstract

This paper will focus on how to improve buried structures' resilience and sustainability so that they hold up over time, withstand extreme weather events, and minimize the use of natural and financial resources. Generally, buried Transportation structures are those which have some portion of their elements and configuration dormant, such as culverts, bridges, and their foundation systems. These structures are a significant part of transportation networks and their related systems. These structures can be disrupted by extreme weather events such as seismic activities, extreme wind gusts, tornado, and tropical cyclones. Repairing the damage after such events can challenge resources and negatively impact the area's economy by disrupting traffic. Moreover, a common problem with buried structures is the lack of understanding about each individual structural element. Accordingly, as a part of this paper's focus, careful attention is given to such important structural integrity. Nevertheless, a number of Australian case studies were undertaken to further improve the buried structures' resilience and sustainability. To support this paper's aim a Fuzzy-Markov computation using a modified FuzzyStatProb for buried assets were also explored. The Fuzzy-Markov computation accurately identified the appropriate treatment regimes for selected bridges; which ultimately reduced the natural and financial resources usage.

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