New Developments in Bridge Management Methodology

Currently available bridge management systems (BMSs) are broadly based on two principles: firstly, the bridge maintenance needs are directly related to the condition states of the structures and, secondly, the justification for any proposed work is that it will cost more later if the work is not carried out now. However, contrary to the first assumption, experience gained from the UK Highways Agency's bridge maintenance activities shows that the major part of the work depends on the load carrying capacity (or structural adequacy) of the structures rather than on their conditions alone. This paper describes the principles and basic steps of a new bridge maintenance bidding and bid prioritisation procedure being developed by the Highways Agency for implementing in the near future.