New Computer Models Can Help Maximize Impacts of Maintenance Bugets
Posted: Dec 9, 2024
Researchers at the University of Colorado Denver and Colorado State University have developed computer models that will help decision-makers, such as highway agency staff and building owners and managers, allocate limited financial resources in ways that will most effectively extend the lives of structures such as bridges and buildings. The researchers integrated machine leaning and a binary linear program to create a computer model that can predict the condition of concrete bridge elements and select optimal maintenance actions to maximize performance within budget constraints. The model can also be used for buildings to identify upgrade and maintenance plans that minimize annual operation and maintenance costs. These innovations can lead to substantial cost savings; for example, optimal maintenance and upgrade interventions for buildings can save operational costs by up to 50% over a 20-year study period.
Moatassem Abdallah, Ph.D. University of Colorado Denver
Researchers at the University of Colorado Denver and Colorado State University have developed computer models that will help decision-makers, such as highway agency staff and building owners and managers, allocate limited financial resources in ways that will most effectively extend the lives of structures such as bridges and buildings. The researchers integrated machine leaning and a binary linear program to create a computer model that can predict the condition of concrete bridge elements and select optimal maintenance actions to maximize performance within budget constraints. The model can also be used for buildings to identify upgrade and maintenance plans that minimize annual operation and maintenance costs. These innovations can lead to substantial cost savings; for example, optimal maintenance and upgrade interventions for buildings can save operational costs by up to 50% over a 20-year study period.