Rasoulimanesh, M.; Rahai, A. and Shahhosseini, V. (2025) An integrated decision support system for strategic budget/resource allocation in bridge infrastructure management based on digital technologies. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 15(5), pp. 1939-1966. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to develop a digital decision support system (DSS) for strategic budget allocation in bridge infrastructure maintenance, improving lifecycle cost efficiency and sustainability through data-driven planning. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed system integrates building information modeling (BIM), a web-based data management platform and a genetic algorithm (GA) to automate and optimize maintenance and repair (M&R) planning. BIM models were created in Autodesk Navisworks and linked via API to a role-based web server. The GA was implemented to generate cost-effective M&R schedules by simulating multiple scenarios and evaluating trade-offs between cost and performance improvement. The system was validated using expert opinion from 12 participants through a structured questionnaire. Findings – The expert evaluation indicated significant improvements over traditional methods. The DSS scored high in sustainability (4.69/5), labor savings (4.58/5) and time efficiency (4.41/5), while accuracy (3.89/5) and maintenance knowledge utilization (4.03/5) also showed positive results. The system demonstrated the ability to extend infrastructure lifespan, improve planning efficiency and support proactive budget allocation. Practical implications – The DSS can be adapted to other infrastructure types and regional contexts, offering a practical solution for improving maintenance efficiency, transparency and cost control in asset management. Originality/value – This study presents an integrated and scalable infrastructure maintenance framework that bridges digital modeling, web-based collaboration and heuristic optimization. Unlike existing tools, the DSS enables real-time data updates, visualization and scenario-based planning, supporting both strategic and operational decisions.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | bridge maintenance; decision support system; genetic algorithm; multi-objective optimization; stakeholder engagement; web-based BIM |
| Index terms: | resource allocation, transparency, digital technology, savings, cost control, methodology, accuracy, modelling, data management, decision support, collaboration, asset management, repair, lifecycle, visualization, infrastructure management, heuristic, genetic algorithm, lifespan, real-time data, questionnaire, performance improvement, multi-objective optimization, stakeholder engagement, evaluation, time efficiency, building information modelling, efficiency, platform, cost efficiency |
| Subjects: | risk assessment, economics, algorithms, economic analysis, information systems, computing systems, community and social dimensions, analytical methods, professional development, design practice, resource management, digital design, research methods, management, asset management, infrastructure engineering, data analysis and analytics, material degradation and durability, maintenance engineering, performance measurement, data management, project delivery, decision analysis, data collection methods, performance management, financial and cost management |
| Topics: | Cost Management, Organizational Design, Risk Management, Design Practice, Stakeholder Management, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy, Project Management, Research Practice, Digital Applications, Site Management, Information Management, Quality Management, Construction Materials |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here