Application of 3D Bridge Information Modeling in the Life-cycle of Bridges

Building information modeling (BIM) is a new technology in the bridge construction industry. 3D models can provide perfect numerical expression of drawings from design results. 3D information models for bridge structures improve design quality in terms of accurate drawings, constructability, and collaboration. However, there are lots of challenges to apply these techniques to actual bridge projects. For instance, bridge engineers are facing the challenge of making the vast information generated by their structural model useful for professionals further down the line in the lifecycle of the bridge. Contractors and inspectors require a 3D model which is created after the design process to add extra information related to activities and store that information in the same model. In this paper, technologies available to generate, manage, and enrich the bridge 3D model with intelligent information from construction to design and inspection are proposed.