Bridge Asset Management: A Digital Approach to Modelling Asset Information

Asset management in the built environment has been the subject of changing practice and research for years and is often complicated by inconsistency in measuring and monitoring the condition and performance of assets across... [ view full abstract ]

Asset management in the built environment has been the subject of changing practice and research for years and is often complicated by inconsistency in measuring and monitoring the condition and performance of assets across the industry. There is a strong need for the industry to develop a consistent model for gathering and maintaining the most relevant digital asset information to support owners and asset/facility managers.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has emerged as the prevailing digital approach to asset management due to its fully integrated systems for collecting, managing and utilising building data across all phases of the asset life cycle. However, its use in digital asset information (DAI) management is presently limited by a lack of effective methods for exchanging information during project handover and an inability for model developers to provide access to a wide range of users and stakeholders across the asset life cycle.

This paper, with a clear focus on bridge infrastructure within the transport industry, seeks to develop a Digital Asset Information Model framework to support the operation and maintenance of key assets. The proposed model framework addresses issues of DAIM through a three-pronged approach, including a literature review, case study of an existing BIM bridge project and concept study utilising the BIM software TEKLA. The implementation of a BIM-based approach to DAIM has the potential to improve collaboration between clients and contractors, facilitate complete information handover to an asset’s operation and maintenance phase and streamline the design documentation process.

Ultimately, the use of BIM in DAIM will enable significant cost and resource savings across a bridge asset’s life cycle. To enable acceptance of BIM as a DAIM methodology, further work is required to develop standardised file formats for storing, exchanging and validating asset information.