Bridge Data File Protocols for Interoperability and Life Cycle Management - Volume II: Information Delivery Manual Elements for Highway Bridge Interoperable Data Protocols

The research resulting in this report and its companion report (“Model View Definition Elements for Highway Bridge Interoperable Data Protocols”) develops, implements and demonstrates an efficient and robust digital data protocol that could be used to automate the exchange of bridge information in the various activities of design, detailing, fabrication, construction, inspection, and evaluation involved in the bridge lifecycle. This data protocol is intended for public domain use and provides the relevant information that requires exchange regarding the bridge from “cradle to grave.” This data exchange protocol, dubbed “openBrIM,” is developed and presented in a manner that is software neutral (a.k.a. “vendor agnostic”), but is developed with consideration of relevant software vendors to facilitate their development of conforming translators to automate the transfer of data among software applications. Focus is placed on common “workhorse” steel and concrete girder bridge structures.