Lokuge, W; Gamage, N and Setunge, S (2016) Fault tree analysis method for deterioration of timber bridges using an Australian case study. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 6(3), pp. 332-344. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose - Deterioration of timber bridges can often be related to a number of deficiencies in the bridge elements, connectors and/or as a result of been in aggressive environments which they are exposed to. The maintenance cost of timber bridges is affected significantly by a number of deterioration mechanisms which require a systematic approach for diagnosis and treatment. Evaluating the risk of failure of these bridges is of importance in bridge performance assessment and decision making to optimize rehabilitation options. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach - This paper identifies common causes for timber bridge deterioration and demonstrates an integrated approach based on fault tree analysis to obtain qualitative or quantitative estimation of the risk of failure of timber bridge sub-systems. Level 2 inspection report for a timber bridge in Queensland, Australia has been utilized as a case study in this research to identify the failure modes of the bridge. Findings - A diagnostic tool for timber bridge deterioration will benefit asset inspectors, managers, and engineers to identify the type, size and the distress mechanisms in order to recognize the proper corrective measures either to prevent or to reduce further deterioration. Timber bridge maintenance is a major issue in Queensland, Australia. If a decision support tool can be developed, it will benefit road authorities and local councils. Originality/value - Timber bridge maintenance is a major issue in Queensland, Australia. If a decision support tool can be developed as initiated in this research paper it will benefit road authorities and local councils.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | evaluation; deterioration; fault tree analysis; preventive maintenance; road structures; timber bridges |
| Index terms: | distress, manager, deterioration, research paper, integrated approach, road structure, failure mode, case study, decision support, engineer, Australia, preventive maintenance, inspection, estimation, Queensland, methodology, decision-making, fault-tree analysis, timber bridge, option, maintenance cost, performance assessment |
| Subjects: | maintenance engineering, research methods, structural engineering, financial management, infrastructure engineering, Geography, decision analysis, assessment methods, quality assurance, infrastructure and transport systems, profession, research dissemination and communication, data collection methods, practitioner, reliability engineering, risk management, material degradation and durability, financial and cost management, contractual arrangements |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Roles and Professions, Procurement, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Information Management, Construction Materials, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Quality Management, Human Resources |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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