Development of a bridge maintenance strategy based on modern scientific approaches

Bringing the road network and its artificial structures up to standard is one of the priority objectives of the ‘Transport Strategy of the Russian Federation through 2030’ and the national project ‘Infrastructure for Life’. Increasing traffic loads and intensity, particularly in the southern direction, on Russian highways places increasingly stringent demands on the technical condition of artificial structures. 
Bridges are the most complex and important elements of road infrastructure, requiring increased attention throughout their entire life cycle. The consequences of unsatisfactory or emergency condition of bridges include economic losses due to changes in traffic patterns, reduced speeds, and reduced throughput. The operation of individual artificial structures and the entire bridge fleet is a complex, multi-factorial process, the effectiveness of which depends on timely decisions and maintenance measures.  
The purpose of this study was to determine the order of actions and planning stages for bridge maintenance from commissioning to reconstruction, and to develop the most effective maintenance strategy for these structures to increase their durability and reduce operating costs. 
The article presents the main stages of bridge operation and their characteristics, the types and sequence of maintenance work, and an algorithm for planning and selecting the optimal strategy for performing the work, taking into account actual time between repairs under limited funding conditions. 

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