Project Details
KEYWORDS
Bridge preservation, bridge preservation technologies, data-driven, LCCA, lifecycle analysis, Materials, resilience, risk-based planning
Project description
Since the publication of the Transportation System Preservation Research, Development, and Implementation Roadmap in 2008, most State departments of transportation (DOTs) have established bridge preservation programs and have made significant progress in the areas of bridge preservation practice and research.(1) State DOTs have investigated, developed, and used bridge preservation technologies, materials, planning strategies, and tools to extend the service life and restore the serviceability of existing bridges. The use of high-performance materials and low-maintenance structure types and details to extend the maintenance-free service life of new construction has become more widely accepted. In recent years, developments in data technologies have enhanced data-driven performance evaluation, risk-based decisionmaking, and lifecycle analysis capabilities. As more bridges in poor condition are replaced, proactive bridge preservation is becoming increasingly important to cost-effectively maintain bridge inventories in states of good repair. Considering the advances mentioned, the 2008 roadmap needs to be reevaluated to determine whether those gaps are still valid and identify new ones. The author reviewed publications and research led by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), State DOTs, and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) from 2010 to 2022 to assess accomplishments and remaining gaps. Additional gaps were also identified to support FHWA initiatives in sustainability, infrastructure resilience, risk evaluation, and big data as they relate to bridge preservation and management. The author also investigated FHWA initiatives in climate change, infrastructure resilience, and big data related to bridge preservation to identify new gaps. This roadmap is intended for use primarily by FHWA. Other agencies or organizations may also use the roadmap in selecting and funding research in bridge preservation programs.
