Bayesian Belief Network Model for Decision Making in Highway Maintenance: Case Studies

This paper presents two case studies that were conducted to illustrate the functionality and application of a decision support system for predicting the influence of decisions made by state highway agencies regarding important work zone project variables such as work window, work zone length, lane closure strategy, and contract incentives on the cost, duration, quality, safety, and public satisfaction of a particular project under consideration. The first case study describes in detail the operation and function of the three major levels of the proposed framework using a completed project, whereas the second case study provides an opportunity for the application of the decision support system to a work zone project in the planning stages using the input of the actual decision maker for the project.