Bridges

Bridge management is how to care for a bridge asset from design to demolition. A system that comprises tools for managing bridge assets is called a 'bridge management system (BMS)'. BMS aims to assure safe ongoing serviceability by optimising the maintenance costs and increasing the structures' useful life. BMSs have been computerised to process more data since the mid-1980 with the emergence of smaller powerful computers and the internet. With the advent of 3D modelling, visualisation and Building Information Modelling (BIM), a new stem called Bridge Information Modelling (BrIM) emerged in the last decade to enhance the bridge engineering industry with state-of-the-art tools. In this study, the use of BrIM in the development of bridge management systems in Australia and New Zealand is reviewed and evaluated. Assessment criteria have been determined through a literature review. Hence, these eight components of BMSs are selected to examine the maturity of the existing systems concerning implementing the information modelling: (1) BIM-Based Inventory; (2) Automated Inspections; (3) BIM-Based Load Rating; (4) Sustainable safety risk assessment; (5) Deterioration prediction; (6) Whole-life-cycle costing; (7) Multicriteria network-level maintenance prioritisation; and (8) Service interruption risk/cost calculation. Then, through a questionnaire completed by experts, the relevant maturity was scored based on a 1-5 scale, in which 1 reflects 'no process in place' and five is associated with a fully mature component/BMS that is optimising continually. Finally, as per the survey result, the shortcomings and strong points of different bridge management systems are recognised; and solutions are provided by presenting Mott MacDonald's asset management capabilities and digital platforms such as MOATA and INSET.