The Application of Markov and Semi-Markov Models in Transportation Infrastructure Management

Abstract

This chapter outlines how Markov and semi-Markov models can be used in Transportation Infrastructure Management Systems, in particular Pavement and Bridge Management Systems. The use of Markov models have been used in both Pavement and Bridge Management Systems for years. In more recent times the use of semi-Markov models have been introduced in Bridge Management Systems. Research has shown that if there is enough data available to develop semi-Markov models for transportation infrastructure, then this stochastic technique can be used to predict the future network level conditions and can be used in the development of preservation models for transportation infrastructure. The application of these techniques are not only limited to transportation infrastructure, but can also be applied in other areas.