EXPERIENCE FROM THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A BRIDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR UKRAINE

The methodology and processes developed for a Bridge Management System (BMS) for bridges on the national roads of Ukraine are explained. The system covers all aspects of bridge management, including a bridge inspection method, a database to store information about bridges, and software to assist in planning maintenance activities and allocating the budgets required. The BMS is designed for use at both regional and central levels. At regional level, bridge data is entered, maintenance is planned, priorities are assessed and a budget for the next year is requested. At central level, the budget requests from all of the regions can be compared and an appropriate budget allocation for each region can be determined. The system includes an optimisation module designed to assist in minimising the long term cost of maintaining individual bridges. The method of optimisation is explained, but the method is also presented with some caution, since some of the simplifications and approximations needed to make the method work may also limit the quality of the optimisation that can be achieved. One theme that is evident throughout all aspects of this system is that the engineer retains the ability to apply engineering judgment rather than becoming dependent upon computerised analysis. The system can assist in organising information and in making recommendations, but the engineer decides whether to accept the advice that is offered. (A)

• Corporate Authors:

  TRL

  Crowthorne House, Nine Mile Ride
  Wokingham, Berkshire  United Kingdom  RG40 3GA
• Authors:
  • VASSIE, P
  • VINCENT, S
  • PARUBETS
  • QAMAR, K
• Publication Date: 2004

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 12 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge management systems; Computer programs; Costs; Databases; Decision making; Design; Time duration
• Uncontrolled Terms: Long term
• Geographic Terms: Ukraine
• ITRD Terms: 3409: Bridge management system; 224: Cost; 8614: Database; 2248: Decision process; 9011: Design (overall design); 9110: Long term; 8645: Software; 8155: Ukraine
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Finance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00978196
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Sep 3 2004 12:00AM