Damage assessment of existing transmission towers using fuzzy weighted averages

The author introduces a transmission structures damage assessment model that can be used for the fuzzy inferences of an expert system. The model is based on a fuzzy computational technique called resolution identity of fuzzy sets. In this technique a fuzzy set is decomposed into non-fuzzy level-sets by slicing the fuzzy set at different α-levels or membership levels. In the proposed model a transmission structure is broken up into six major components ranked by their importance to the overall stability of the structure. The proposed model utilizes fuzzy weighted average formulas to combine the fuzzy condition ratings of the structural components. Using the proposed model it is possible to systematically incorporate the inherent human bias and subjective judgment that prevail during visual inspection of existing transmission structures. An illustrative example is presented