Resilience and sustainability: an integrated method for quantitative assessment of a bridge – a case study

Abstract

Sustainability and resilience are important properties of transportation infrastructure. Considering the connection and interaction between them, this paper provides an integrated method for quantitative assessment on resilience and sustainability of transportation infrastructure. In view of the complex, multidisciplinary nature of the problem, this paper breaks the process into three logical modules that can be studied and resolved in a rigorous and consistent manner. By employing time-dependent reliability and the time-dependent probability of exceeding a damage state as parameters, a robust multi-objective maintenance decision-making method simultaneously considering effects of probable extreme events and natural deterioration is provided. By introducing the 3-D resilience model and six-parameter sinusoidal-based recovery model in resilience theory, the result of risk assessment which involves much inherent uncertainty turns to be more reasonable. Finally, advancing quantification methods of sustainability and resilience are proposed to accomplish the comprehensive assessment with a case study. The method can be used to guide informed decision making in transportation asset management, promote the construction of resilient transportation infrastructure, and accelerate the sustainable development of the city.