Development of Proactive Bridge Maintenance Management Model to Enhance Resilience against Extreme Weather Events in Tanzania
Abstract
This study developed a proactive bridge maintenance management model to enhance resilience against extreme weather events in Tanzania, using Kilwa District in Lindi Region as a case study. Tanzania's bridge infrastructure faces mounting challenges from increasingly frequent and severe climate events, with traditional reactive maintenance management approaches proving inadequate for ensuring long-term resilience. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative assessment of 37 bridges using the Relative Importance Index (RII) methodology with qualitative stakeholder consultations to identify critical factors affecting maintenance practices. The study revealed significant implementation gaps in fundamental maintenance components, with Inspection Frequency (RII = 36.2%) and Condition Rating System (RII = 37.8%) emerging as the most deficient areas. In contrast, documentation and assessment technologies showed strong implementation (RII > 85%), indicating a paradoxical focus on recording problems rather than preventing them. Multiple regression analysis established quantitative relationships between technical components and resilience outcomes, yielding a predictive model with strong correlation (R = 0.880) and explanatory power (R² = 0.774). The developed model demonstrates that systematic improvements in inspection frequency, condition rating systems, and vulnerability mapping can enhance bridge resilience from 19% to 83% under comprehensive implementation scenarios. Validation through scenario testing confirmed the model's practical utility, establishing performance benchmarks ranging from "Very Severe" to "Very Good" risk classifications. The research provides evidence-based prioritisation guidance for maintenance authorities, demonstrating how targeted interventions can optimise limited resources while maximising resilience improvements against extreme weather events in Tanzania's challenging bridge infrastructure management environment.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Fadhili Faustini Festo, Blasius Henry Ngayakamo
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