Automated Data Acquisition for Bridge Inspection

Abstract

Bridge management systems have a common need for a well-established inspection data acquisition system. Inspection data management requirements have expanded after establishment of new Federal Highway Administration regulations that require bridge inspection to be performed on an element-level basis. Currently, paper forms are the typical media used to record field-generated bridge inspection data. Better methods of data recording are needed to improve the accuracy and speed of the bridge inspection process. This paper discusses pen-based data acquisition technology and its potential in automating bridge inspection. The pen-based technology was utilized to develop an Automated Bridge Inspection System for the South Carolina DOT. As illustrated herein, the use of an automated inspection system simplifies the data processing effort, improves inspection data accuracy, and permits bridge inspectors to devote more time to the actual inspection process.