Quantitative assessment and forecast for structurally deficient bridge diagnostics

Diagnostic instrumentation and monitoring of bridges are essential for reliable structural condition assessment and performance evaluation. Particularly, structurally deficient bridges cannot be accurately evaluated by inspection and/or analysis alone. Reliable evaluation is an economic and engineering requirement before any decision-making for preventive action. Although structural health monitoring for bridge diagnostics appears to be accepted, it is not yet a typical field practice. This article assesses quantitatively the future needs for bridge diagnostics of structurally deficient bridges through structural health monitoring. Logistic components of bridge diagnostics are also discussed. The detailed aspects are intended to help, plan, and manage financial resources and implementation practices for bridge evaluation.