PROPOSED RESEARCH PROBLEM STATEMENT
Submitted by:
AASHTO Technical Committee on Software and Technology (T-19)
Mr. Scot Becker., WI DOT, Chair
July 2014
TITLE
Standardized Format for Bridge and Structure Information Models for Life Cycle Management
BACKGROUND
Software used for bridges and structures is numerous and varied. Some perform specific tasks and functions in
analyzing a bridge (such as splice analysis); while others perform a broader analysis over the entire structure. As
state agencies and their consultants struggle to determine which software best matches their analysis philosophies
and project delivery needs, they are burdened with the task of manually entering in the description of the structure,
or model for each piece of software used in the bridge analysis.
Frequently, the differing software is interconnected. The output from one software can be used as input for another
software during the design or evaluation phase of a project. For instance, once piece of software may generate
section properties for a structure that may subsequently then be used by another software to calculate load carrying
capacity.
Alternatively, an agency may check their models and subsequent results by employing two different pieces of
software that essentially perform the same task, in order to perform quality control checks, or to test software
updates. In this case, the user must model the bridge separately for each software.
During the life of a structure state agencies use a variety of software and hardware which rapidly changes or
becomes obsolete. Vast resources are required to ensure the digital files are useful and much efficiency is lost.
Most state agencies are not able to keep current with these changes. Using a standardized format could allow bridge
and structure information to be used within multiple software programs and different hardware operating systems
during the life of the asset.
The AASTHO Subcommittee on Bridges and Structures (SCOBS) has identified this need to manage information
intelligently in their recent strategic plan. The information embedded in standardized models could be used during
the life cycle of the structure similar to the approach in the current vertical building industry practice. The SCOBS
recognizes software and technologies have changed rapidly over the past few years. Leveraging these improved
technologies will allow innovation and major efficiency gains in the transportation bridge and structure industry.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this project is to gather information about the current state of software modelling, by studying
modelling formats of some of the more common software in use by state agencies or countries, studying research
already performed on the issue of common modelling formats, and gathering input from stakeholders in state
agencies, consultants and software vendors. After gathering this information, conclusions and recommendations for
further and more expansive research will be developed, with the goal of developing a common modelling format for
bridge software, so only one model is created and used for all bridge software during the life cycle of the structure.
TASKS
The scope of the proposed project includes the following tasks:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Use the T-19 state survey and the results of a more in-depth survey performed by Iowa to determine
common software currently used by state agencies and gather information on the models required to
produce a successful analysis by the states’ software.
Perform a synthesis of existing common modelling formats, either developed or proposed (such as
TransXML). Evaluate the ability of these formats to be used across the spectrum of state agencies software
determined in Task 1. Included in this synthesis of modeling formats should be other similar infrastructure
industries, i.e. the vertical building industry.
Hold a two day stakeholders meeting of selected state agency personnel, consultants, contractors, and
software vendors to gather information on how a common modeling format may impact them, and discuss
possible recommendations to improve current practices.
Develop conclusions and recommendations that provide future direction for further research that would
develop a common modelling format that is compatible with all bridge software. In addition identify areas
in the work flow or life cycle of these structures that may provide the greatest benefit to require these
models.
Provide this report and a close out presentation to T-19 to determine next steps in implementing modeled
information.
FUNDING REQUESTED
It is estimated that this research will take 12 months and will cost $100,000.
URGENCY AND POTENTIAL PAYOFF
Because of the various formats used for modelling structures in bridge software, this research is necessary in order
to set direction for further research that will ultimately result in a common bridge model that will be compatible with
bridge software used by state agencies.
This is an extremely important first step research for SCOBS T-19 to develop a work plan to implement research as
part of the new SCOBS strategic plan objective 7 “Model and Manage Information Intelligently”. The creation of
this standardized format would create cost effective efficiency benefits during the service life of the structure.
Agencies could effectively manage their bridge information models and reuse them for a variety of program and
operational needs including: archival, emergency or extreme event, load rating, bridge management and
preservation, long term maintenance, and major rehabilitation of these structures.
ENDORSEMENT
This research proposal has been endorsed unanimously by the voting members of the Technical Committee on
Software and Technology (T-19).
CONTACT PERSON
Scot Becker, P.E.
Chair, T-19
State Bridge Engineer
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
4802 Sheboygan Avenue
Madison, WI 53707
Phone (608) 266-5161
Scot.Becker@dot.wi.gov
PERSONS PREPARING PROBLEM STATEMENT
Timothy A. Armbrecht, S.E., P.E.
Acting Engineer of Structural Services
Illinois Department of Transportation
2300 S. Dirksen Parkway, Room 240
Springfield, Illinois 62764
Phone (217) 782-2125
tim.armbrecht@illinois.gov
Scot Becker, P.E.
Chair, T-19