The paper briefly introduces an element-based multi-objective optimization (EB-MOO) methodology to support state departments of transportation with their decision-making process, asset management, and performance-based transportation planning and programming. The methodology focuses on the bridge asset class and consists of five modules: (i) data processing, (ii) improvement, (iii) element-level optimization (ELO), (iv) bridge-level optimization (BLO), and (v) network-level optimization (NLO) modules. These five modules jointly produce short- and long-term intervention strategies detailed at the bridge element level for planning and programming. The paper focuses on the BLO module, specifically: the basic framework of underlying processes and concepts, the optimization problem types and mathematical formulations, and the heuristic algorithm to solve the BLO problems. A prototyping tool is developed to implement these five modules of the EB-MOO methodology, test concepts, prove effectiveness, and demonstrate potential benefits. The paper also includes an illustrative example using the prototyping tool. The example consists of the BLO problems under different budget and/or performance scenarios. The implementation proves the module’s capability in producing a diverse set of Pareto optimal or near-optimal solutions, recommending set of element intervention actions and timings, predicting performance, and determining budget requirements for the entire program period. The BLO results associated with the recommended solutions serve as the fundamental inputs for the NLO module. Nevertheless, the BLO module can be used independently, providing a systematic process for the development of bridge improvement/preservation programs detailed at the element level.
