Integrated Modeling Systems for Bridge Asset Management—Case Study

A system to store and analyze bridge data collected during field inspections is presented. The management of an existing bridge asset is a multistep process that involves bridge inspectors, owner/agency for the overall management and maintenance, structural engineers for rating and design of repairs, fabricators and detailers for execution of repairs. The described approach is based on the integration of existing commercial bridge software and Building Information Modeling (BIM) techniques and other applications to the life cycle management of existing bridge assets. A case study is presented with an application to a medium span steel truss bridge. The model used for the truss bridge contains easy-to-reference databases built from record plans and field inspections data and is integrated with rating and analysis software. The use of the model allows the stakeholders to evaluate at various times different aspects that affect the structural safety of the asset.