• Prioritizing NCDOT Bridge Preservation Projects Using Bridge Element Inspection Data

    NCDOT Research Project Number: 2023-05

 Executive Summary

  • This research aimed to develop a comprehensive framework with which to assist the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in prioritizing bridge preservation activities based on bridge inspection data, preservation cost, and individual bridges’ criticality to local business. 

    Focusing on the 442 bridges in Division 10, the research team worked with the experts in the department’s Structures Management Unit to collect data on such items as bridge condition status, decision trees, overwriting rules, unit cost, and extended service life. The traffic volume for vehicles and trucks, detour length, and detour travel time cost were also collected. 

    Employing that data, the research team established three core models. The preservation activity triggering model develops preservation plans using routine element inspection data from Structure Safety Reports. The preservation cost estimation model enables accurate budgeting, strategic planning, and timely maintenance. 

    The bridge criticality assessment model calculates the criticality index for bridges based on traffic volume and detour length. An R-based Shiny web application was built to enable NCDOT to efficiently identify bridge preservation activities, estimate cost, and prioritize projects based on the inspection data. With suitable adjustments, the models and web application can be generalized to all bridges in North Carolina. 

    The findings will enhance the maintenance strategy under the conditions of a limited budget for critical bridge infrastructure, ensuring safety and longevity.

  
Daniel Findley
Researchers
  
Daniel Findley; Min Liu
  
Nick A. Pierce
  
Mustan Kadibhai, PE, CPM
  
NC State University - ITRE
  

 Report Period

  • August 16, 2022 - August 15, 2024

 Status

  • Complete

 Category

  • Structures, Construction and Geotechnical

 Sub Category

  • Miscellaneous

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