View article

In comparison with the well‐researched field of analysis and design of structural systems, the life‐cycle performance prediction of these systems under no maintenance as well as under various maintenance scenarios is far more complex, and is a rapidly emergent field in structural engineering. As structures become older and maintenance costs become higher, different agencies and administrations in charge of civil infrastructure systems are facing challenges related to the implementation of structure maintenance and management systems based on life‐cycle cost considerations. This article reviews the research to date related to probabilistic models for maintaining and optimizing the life‐cycle performance of deteriorating structures and formulates future directions in this field.