Life-cycle performance, reliability, redundancy and optimal management of infrastructure systems: Applications to bridges and naval ships

Abstract

Throughout the life-cycle of an infrastructure system, gradual deterioration of its performance and sudden occurrence of hazards inflict risks that may seriously compromise the reliability of this system and make its use no longer safe. Optimally managed infrastructure systems are those with reliable predicted performance and planned maintenance interventions so that their life-cycle performance, reliability and redundancy are sustained, with a minimum expected cost, over their intended life-cycle (Frangopol 2010). The evaluation and prediction of the life-cycle performance, reliability and redundancy of infrastructure systems is crucial in ensuring their durability and the safety of their users (Okasha and Frangopol 2010a, b). In order to keep track of these structural qualities, indicators are developed and used as the main tool in deciding the optimization of life-cycle maintenance. The uncertainties in the available