@article{LIU2026, 
author = {Gang LIU and Ruiqing SUN and Qi LI and Kun YAN},
title = {Optimization of multi-stage bridge maintenance strategies based on sequential decision-making},
year = {2026},
journal = {Journal of Chongqing University},
volume = {49},
number = {1},
pages = {60-69},
keywords = {bridge, maintenance, sequential decision-making, two-level decision-making, dynamic programming},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.11835/j.issn.1000-582X.2026.01.006},
doi = {10.11835/j.issn.1000-582X.2026.01.006},
abstract = {To address the limitation of existing bridge maintenance optimization methods that fail to consider interactions between sequential decisions across the entire service life, this study proposes a multi-stage, two-level optimization framework grounded in sequential decision-making principles. The upper level model determines performance improvement goals for the maintenance sequence, while considering the influence of preceding decisions on subsequent maintenance policies. The lower-level model then identifies the optimal maintenance actions for each component at each stage, subject to the upper-level constraints. Case analysis shows that, while maintaining superior structural condition over the full life cycle, the proposed method reduces cumulative maintenance cost by 28.6% compared with the traditional strategies. Moreover, when the average deterioration rate of the performance condition index is below 1.425 per year, total life-cycle maintenance and rehabilitation cost can be further reduced by reducing the number of decision-making stages.}
}