Data-Driven Decision-Making Framework for Inspection of Bridge Decks

About the project:

Routine inspections as per National Bridge Inspection Standards regulations provide rough estimates of bridge deck conditions at least every 24 months. Being primarily visual, this information does not provide in-depth information needed for maintenance decisions. So, when severe deterioration is suspected, more extensive inspection approaches are pursued. However, very little guidance exists for when to trigger further inspection and what methods to employ. In addition, rapid growth in technology has made available several affordable non-destructive evaluation techniques with reduced traffic impacts. Similarly, no guidance exists on when to apply them and what value they can provide. This study seeks to develop a methodology to improve routine inspections for consistency, evaluate available technologies to better inform inspection strategies, and develop a preliminary data-driven framework for decision-making regarding bridge inspection levels.

Project Team

Principal Investigators

Other Investigators