Research Project:

Iowa DOT Bridge Asset Management Using PONTIS: Data Integration, Performance, and Decision Support Tools

Principal Investigator

Omar Smadi
Iowa State University
(515) 294-7110
smadi@iastate.edu

External Project Contact

Dave Plazak
Iowa State University
(515) 296-0814
dplazak@iastate.edu

Project Objective

The objective of this research is to work with the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) to develop, implement, and operate an integrated bridge asset management system (IBAMS). The system will enable Iowa DOT to make objective, cost effective, and timely decisions regarding bridge maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement programs.

Project Abstract

This project will address three research areas. The first covers the collection and integration of bridge structural performance data using strain gages and basic data acquisition devices. The second area deals with the development of a computerized system to capture bridge visual inspection data. The last deals with using PONTIS bridge management software to integrate the data for the purpose of developing an integrated bridge asset management program.

Task Descriptions, Milestone, and Dates

Performance Data

Select bridges that will be candidates for monitoring, January 2003
Identify procedures for data collection, May 2003
Processing of data from PDA, October 2003
Develop analytical calculation procedures, February 2004
Develop deterioration models, April 2004
Correlate bridge performance data to deterioration models, August 2004

Bridge Inspection Data

Identify or develop software for PDA data collection, May 2003
Develop electronic data collection forms, August 2003
Beta test data collection system, October 2003
Develop procedures for integrating PDA data into IBAMS, January 2004
Develop data collection forms and PONTIS integration, January 2004

PONTIS

Setup PONTIS, December 2002
PONTIS Initial Customization, May 2003
PONTIS Parameters Customization, September 2003
Inspection Data Integration, May 2004
PONTIS Training, May 2003
PONTIS Users Conference, September 2002 and 2003

Student Involvement (e.g., Thesis, Assistantships, Paid Employment)

Graduate Students (24 month equivalent)
Undergraduate Students (1650 hours total)

Relationship to Other Projects

The project will be directly integrated with the development and implementation of a bridge management system using PONTIS. The system will allow Iowa DOT to make consistent and cost effective decision for their bridge maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement program.

Technology Transfer Activities

The project will include distribution of the findings to participants involved in the study, publication and presentation at professional conferences, training, two users' conferences, and other activities.

Potential Benefits of the Project

The project will allow the Iowa DOT to have a fully implemented PONTIS program to use for their identification of needs both at the project and network levels.

Budget

$420,000 ($210,000/year equivalent)

TRB Keywords

Bridge inspection, inventory, data collection, asset management, decision support