Uniform Bridge Element Identification System for Database Management for Roadway Bridges

Abstract

Managing a complex roadway bridge system requires a comprehensive system of management tools to aid decision making. During the decision making process, a major effort is needed to define which bridge(s) or which element(s) of the bridge(s) needs attention regarding rehabilitation or replacement. Any effective rehabilitation or repair of a given structure demands a proper understanding of its existing condition. This understanding starts with inspection. The bridge inspector's findings can be stored in a comprehensive database system and can be used by the bridge owner to decide which structures should be considered for rehabilitation or replacement. The main objective of this paper is to develop a Uniform Bridge Element Identification System (UBEIS) that can be used in a bridge management system. UBEIS is a generalized multidimensional coordinate system that consists of a string of alphanumeric characters. The string of alphanumeric characters consists of groups of letters and groups of digits to provide a unique global identification for structural elements. The groups of letters define the generalized coordinates and the type of element, and the digits provide the coordinate values. The UBEIS is a self explanatory identification system that does not require any structural detail drawings, such as framing plan, cross sections, etc., to identify a unique structural element. This paper incorporates the current New York State bridge inspection rating system, and also presents a flowchart for a simple database model for a roadway bridge management system based on UBEIS and the bridge inspection rating system. This system can be considered as a practical link between inspection and rehabilitation, and is a warning system against bridge deterioration and potential failure.