Case-based reasoning system for bridge management

A bridge deterioration model is an integral part of any complete Bridge Management Systems (BMSs). Popular models, such as Markovian deterioration models, have some limitations that affect the reliability of predicting bridge future condition. A Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) approach is being investigated to provide BMSs with a deterioration model that eliminates the shortcomings of Markovian models. The proposed approach consists in the implementation of a framework for a generic case-based reasoning system in modeling infrastructure facility deterioration. This paper presents the design of that framework and focuses on its case and knowledge representation, case retrieval, and case adaptation aspects. A special emphasis will be given to techniques used for measuring case similarity and matching time-dependent attributes.