Microcomputer Bridge Management System

Abstract

The U.S. Department of Transportation and most of the state transportation agencies have identified a growing problem with deficient and obsolete bridges throughout the country. This paper summarizes the results of a study undertaken to help alleviate these problems. The result of this effort was a generic computer bridge management system to help bridge engineers and administrators manage and improve their bridge networks. The software developed through this study organizes and analyzes bridge inventory, inspection, and appraisal data to assist management in making decisions that will give the maximum benefits from bridge maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement activities on a network of bridges. The software consists of six major modules: data base module, level of service module, improvements module, maintenance module, system upkeep module, and help module. These modules interact to perform the basic functions of bridge management.