Page 50 - Bridge and Highway Structure Rehabilitation and Repair

CHAPTER 1 OVERVIEW OF BRIDGE ENGINEERING 25

longitudinal frame behavior is offered by moment connections between the ends of beams
and pinned connections with the structural approach slab resting on grade.
1.8.7 Improved Bridge Management

1. Monitoring by using NDT, SHM and remote sensors: The potential exists for the development
of early problem detection and warning systems and the use of NDT facilities. Enhanced
nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and visual techniques can result in increased structural
reliability. Monitoring systems assist in more efficient management of existing bridges and

highway structures. Cost savings can be achieved through effi ciently managing existing
bridges by implementing bridge monitoring systems. The present biennial bridge inspection
interval could be transitioned to longer periods through the use of enhanced monitoring.
2. The management objectives are:
• To understand what information should be collected from prototype structural components
and to characterize the condition, or health, of both the superstructure and the substructure.
Through efficient asset management, the service life of bridges and highway structures

can be extended.
• Promising cost-effective technologies and enhanced monitoring strategies need to be
identifi ed.
• Deployment of multiple integrated health assessment systems is needed.
3. Resources for bridge inspection are becoming scarcer as inspection budgets are strained by
our aging bridge inventory. These circumstances require more intensive inspection, but at
a lower cost. With the recent increase in available monitoring and computing technology, it
is feasible to develop and deploy intelligent bridge monitoring systems.
4. Implementation of effective monitoring systems results in reduction of man-hours and devel-
opment of optimum inspection and repair schedules. Effective monitoring systems can:
• Assess long-term performance and increase system reliability
• Improve the credibility of inspections and subsequent ratings through less subjective
data
• Improve uniformity of data, enabling the development of better decision-making tools
• Improve and augment visual assessment, and provide early detection and warning.
Details are provided in Chapter 6 of this book.

1.8.8 Enhancing Knowledge Base
1. Applying knowledge and use of FEM by software development, CADD, and graphics:
The quality of a technical workforce must be maintained to meet the rapid development of
new technology and the preservation of existing technology when required. Improvement in
relationships between the various bridge industry sectors, i.e., owners, consultants, industry,
and academe, can assist in maintaining a quality workforce.
2. The current workforce needs to be trained in planning and leadership development.
3. Long term economic benefits can be achieved by disseminating bridge engineering knowledge

and developing new and more effective approaches consistent with the evolving bridge-
engineering community and emerging technology.
4. Research ideas can be found through journals, seminars, and conferences.
5. Managing pools of knowledge presented in textbooks, journals, conference proceedings,
and seminars: For the highways agency, research is a key source of new ideas, knowledge,
tools, and technologies. We need to deliver innovative solutions for our customers. It also
enables us to set technical standards and provide expert advice so that our bridges are safe
and reliable.