Integration of Information and Automation Technologies in Bridge Engineering and Management: Extending the State of the Art

The current U.S. practice of information transfer during the bridge design, fabrication, construction, and operation processes is fragmented. These processes involve repeated manual transcription of data, which is error prone; approvals (e.g., of shop drawings) that are time-consuming; and formats that beg for standardization to facilitate electronic information transfer. Without such standards, electronic information exchange is impossible. This paper surveys the shortcomings of current piecemeal applications of information and automation technologies. It then explores the promise of parametric three-dimensional bridge information modeling as an enabling technology for accelerating the design and delivery of bridges and articulates aspects of the envisioned accelerated bridge delivery process for two purposes: to provide a glimpse of current technologies available to streamline the process of bridge delivery and to articulate anticipated advances that can be expected to facilitate accelerated bridge deli...