AI-based bridge maintenance management: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Over recent decades, the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various industrial fields from automation to cybersecurity has been transformative. Whilst the implementations of linking AI and data sciences remain complex and thus limited, they both aim to harness data for actionable insights and future predictions. A research focal point in the application of AI in maintenance is crucial for the sustainability and efficiency of assets. Typically, in the civil infrastructure, there are significant benefits to be gained from AI-driven applications. This study reviews the implementation of the AI in bridge maintenance decision-making by conducting a review of literature on major works undertaken by researchers and analysing 102 scientific articles published from 2010 to 2023. Our literature review revealed an emerging trend in recent studies, focusing on the exploration of defect prognosis in bridge maintenance. However, upon further analysis, it becomes evident that there is a notable gap in the existing literature, in the studies related to performance-based prognostic maintenance strategies for bridges. This gap presents an opportunity for future research, one that could yield valuable insights in the field of bridge maintenance and asset management. The review also reveals the focus of the existing literature on defect identification by using the bridge imagery processing. While the AI’s potential in damage detection using bridge imagery is evident, challenges persist including the computational processing and data availability. This review of the literature includes a comprehensive overview of the current implementation of AI in bridge maintenance, highlighting limitations, challenges, and prospective directions.