Goal-Programming Methodology for Integrating Pavement and Bridge Programs

A goal-programming methodology is presented for integrating the decisions involved in the development of annual pavement and bridge programs. The methodology involves four major steps: (1) identification of multiple objective functions with specific numerical goals; (2) assessment of the “importance” of each objective; (3) development of an assignment model that enables both project and network levels of integration; and (4) formulation of a goal program for optimal program development. Project-level integration is achieved by defining integrable highway units that constitute a bridge and adjacent pavement sections whose repair work can be implemented simultaneously. Network-level integration is achieved by defining objectives and constraints that link the decision variables corresponding to the entire population of pavement sections and bridges. The methodology has the advantage of capturing economies of scale and scope, and determines an optimal program that best achieves the goals. The results from the prototype implementation of the methodology are presented and important findings are discussed. It is concluded that the presented methodology accommodates both pavement and bridge perspectives fostering effective integrated annual-program development.