An assessment model for structural performance of subway systems

Abstract

The transit federal administration estimated in 2009 that 15.8 billion USD is needed annually to maintain and 21.6 billion USD in order to improve the US transit network to reach satisfactory conditions. This paper focuses on a new developed model that assesses the structural performance assessment of the subway systems elements. This model (i) identifies the hierarchy for different elements, (ii) assesses the physical condition and functional performance, and (iii) develops an integrated performance index. The model uses the analytic hierarchy process and multi-attribute utility theory mathematical tools in order to evaluate the performance factors weights and indices respectively. Data are collected from the Société de Transport de Montréal inspection reports and through questionnaires. The developed model is implemented to several systems within the STM subway network. Results show that some elements have deteriorated by 5% in 40 years while others by 5% in 14 years. This research is relevant to industry practitioners and researchers since it develops a structural performance assessment model for subway systems.