Methodology to determine optimal intervention strategies for structures adversely affected by latent processes

Determination of optimal intervention strategies depends on predictions of the future, with which there is uncertainty. The degree of uncertainty varies significantly depending on whether the processes that can result in the structure providing an inadequate level of performance are manifest or latent under normal inspection regimes. In this paper a methodology is presented that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention strategies for structures adversely affected by latent processes. The steps of the methodology include the determination of the most effective intervention strategy and the verification that it satisfies all absolute constraints, e.g. constraints on the allowable probability of failure, and relative constraints, e.g. marginal cost constraints for saving lives. The methodology is not dependent on the level of detail required and can be used for single structures as well as entire road networks.