Development and Implementation of the 3D Bridge App for Collection and Retrieval of Bridge Inspection and Management Information

To increase the efficiency and reliability of bridge inspections, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) worked closely with a Michigan Technological University research team to develop a three-dimensional (3D) model-based data entry application for mobile tablets to aid inspectors in the field. The 3D BRIDGE App does this by enabling inspectors to enter element-level bridge condition data using 3G/4G network-enabled tablet devices. The system collects information from MDOT’s bridge management database, and then generates and renders an interactive 3D model of the desired bridge. The bridge inspector is able to record the locations and attributes of new defects in an element-level form by touch interaction and manipulation of the 3D model. By utilizing previously existing defects, the application also allows for bridge inspectors to better visualize and edit past inspection data in future inspections, creating a defect timeline charting the severity and extent of the problem. Inspectors can also take pictures of the defects using the tablet’s camera, as well as record comments, creating a location-specific chain of evidence through each inspection. The application also runs on desktop computers and all resulting data may be uploaded to the department’s bridge management database, allowing results to be integrated into bridge management workflows to provide better understanding of the overall condition of bridge infrastructure.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AHD35 Standing Committee on Bridge Management.
• Authors:
  • Brooks, Colin N
  • Sawtell, Reid W
  • Ahlborn, Theresa M
  • Sullivan, Glenn
  • Kathrens, Richard
  • Curtis, Rebecca
  • Banach, David M
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 97th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2018-1-7 to 2018-1-11
• Date: 2018

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 14p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge management systems; Bridges; Data collection; Defects; Inspection; Mobile applications
• Identifier Terms: Michigan Department of Transportation
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Data and Information Technology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01663053
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 18-05137
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Mar 20 2018 5:08PM