The Condition Evaluation of Bridges Based on Fuzzy BWM and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation

Accurate and objective evaluation of existing bridges is critical for ensuring the bridge’s safety and optimizing maintenance strategies. This study proposes an integrated Fuzzy Best and Worst Method and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FBWM-FCE) model to evaluate uncertainties in expert judgments an...

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Main Authors: Yunyu Li, Jingwen Deng, Yongsheng Wang, Hao Liu, Longfan Peng, Hepeng Zhang, Yabin Liang, Qian Feng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/6/2904
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author Yunyu Li
Jingwen Deng
Yongsheng Wang
Hao Liu
Longfan Peng
Hepeng Zhang
Yabin Liang
Qian Feng
author_facet Yunyu Li
Jingwen Deng
Yongsheng Wang
Hao Liu
Longfan Peng
Hepeng Zhang
Yabin Liang
Qian Feng
author_sort Yunyu Li
collection DOAJ
description Accurate and objective evaluation of existing bridges is critical for ensuring the bridge’s safety and optimizing maintenance strategies. This study proposes an integrated Fuzzy Best and Worst Method and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FBWM-FCE) model to evaluate uncertainties in expert judgments and complex decision-making. A four-layer evaluation indicator system and five distinct grades for bridges were established, aligned with the JTG 5120-2004 and JTG/T H21-2011 standards. The FBWM innovatively employs triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs) to reduce linguistic uncertainties and cognitive bias in bridge evaluation. Subsequently, by integrating FCE for multi-level fuzzy comprehensive operations, the method translates qualitative evaluations into quantitative evaluations using membership matrices and weights. A case study of Ding Jia Bridge and Jigongling Bridge validated the FBWM-FCE model, revealing Class <i>III</i> Bridge (fail condition), consistent with on-site inspections in the <i>2020 Bridge Inspection and Evaluation</i> Report (Highway Administration of Hubei Provincial Department of Transportation). Comparative analysis demonstrated FBWM’s operational efficiency, requiring 20% fewer pairwise comparisons than AHP while maintaining higher consistency than BWM. The model’s reliability stems from its systematic handling of epistemic uncertainties, offering a high reduction in procedural complexity compared to standardized methods. These advancements provide a scientifically rigorous yet practical tool for bridge management, balancing computational efficiency with evaluation accuracy to support maintenance decisions.
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spelling doaj-art-af09b82ea333499187b6fd20134787f22025-08-20T03:40:43ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-03-01156290410.3390/app15062904The Condition Evaluation of Bridges Based on Fuzzy BWM and Fuzzy Comprehensive EvaluationYunyu Li0Jingwen Deng1Yongsheng Wang2Hao Liu3Longfan Peng4Hepeng Zhang5Yabin Liang6Qian Feng7School of Transportation and Logistics Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, ChinaSchool of Transportation and Logistics Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, ChinaChina Construction Second Engineering Bureau Ltd., Beijing 100176, ChinaChina Construction Second Engineering Bureau Ltd., Beijing 100176, ChinaChina Construction Second Engineering Bureau Ltd., Beijing 100176, ChinaSchool of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, ChinaSchool of Safety Science and Emergency Management, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, ChinaSchool of Safety Science and Emergency Management, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, ChinaAccurate and objective evaluation of existing bridges is critical for ensuring the bridge’s safety and optimizing maintenance strategies. This study proposes an integrated Fuzzy Best and Worst Method and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FBWM-FCE) model to evaluate uncertainties in expert judgments and complex decision-making. A four-layer evaluation indicator system and five distinct grades for bridges were established, aligned with the JTG 5120-2004 and JTG/T H21-2011 standards. The FBWM innovatively employs triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs) to reduce linguistic uncertainties and cognitive bias in bridge evaluation. Subsequently, by integrating FCE for multi-level fuzzy comprehensive operations, the method translates qualitative evaluations into quantitative evaluations using membership matrices and weights. A case study of Ding Jia Bridge and Jigongling Bridge validated the FBWM-FCE model, revealing Class <i>III</i> Bridge (fail condition), consistent with on-site inspections in the <i>2020 Bridge Inspection and Evaluation</i> Report (Highway Administration of Hubei Provincial Department of Transportation). Comparative analysis demonstrated FBWM’s operational efficiency, requiring 20% fewer pairwise comparisons than AHP while maintaining higher consistency than BWM. The model’s reliability stems from its systematic handling of epistemic uncertainties, offering a high reduction in procedural complexity compared to standardized methods. These advancements provide a scientifically rigorous yet practical tool for bridge management, balancing computational efficiency with evaluation accuracy to support maintenance decisions.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/6/2904bridge evaluationbridge safetyfuzzy set theoryfuzzy best and worst methodfuzzy comprehensive evaluation
spellingShingle Yunyu Li
Jingwen Deng
Yongsheng Wang
Hao Liu
Longfan Peng
Hepeng Zhang
Yabin Liang
Qian Feng
The Condition Evaluation of Bridges Based on Fuzzy BWM and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation
Applied Sciences
bridge evaluation
bridge safety
fuzzy set theory
fuzzy best and worst method
fuzzy comprehensive evaluation
title The Condition Evaluation of Bridges Based on Fuzzy BWM and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation
title_full The Condition Evaluation of Bridges Based on Fuzzy BWM and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation
title_fullStr The Condition Evaluation of Bridges Based on Fuzzy BWM and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation
title_full_unstemmed The Condition Evaluation of Bridges Based on Fuzzy BWM and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation
title_short The Condition Evaluation of Bridges Based on Fuzzy BWM and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation
title_sort condition evaluation of bridges based on fuzzy bwm and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation
topic bridge evaluation
bridge safety
fuzzy set theory
fuzzy best and worst method
fuzzy comprehensive evaluation
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/6/2904
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