Bridge Management System Implementation at CALTRANS

by Paul D. Thompson, Cambridge Systematics Inc, Cambridge, United States,
Richard W. Shepard, Cambridge Systematics Inc, Cambridge, United States,
Imad Abed Al-Rahim, Cambridge Systematics Inc, Cambridge, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Computing in Civil and Building Engineering

Abstract:

Development of a new generation of Bridge Management System (BMS) capabilities has been a high priority for CALTRANS for the past four years. Although the Department has had a bridge inventory system, with a very extensive suite of management reports, since the late 1970s, CALTRANS has recognized that selected newly-available technologies could be integrated into its management decision-making, planning, and operations to substantially enhance its effectiveness in managing a 24,000-bridge inventory. One of the key components of CALTRANS' BMS is Pontis, a network-level optimization system which analyzes bridge deterioration, costs, and functional needs to plot a long-term bridge management strategy, and recommend a short-term program of projects consistent with that strategy and funding availability. To complement the network level analysis provided by Pontis, CALTRANS is implementing a computerized image storage and retrieval system named BWS to aid an engineer in project level analysis by providing quick and easy access to bridge inspection records and as-built construction plans.

Subject Headings: Bridge management | Maintenance and operation | Systems management | Infrastructure construction | Highway bridges | Expert systems | Bridge engineering

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