An assessment of alternative intervals for bridge inspection frequency: A framework and case study involving 24- and 48-month intervals
Abstract
The resources of the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) are limited. INDOT has specific requirements that it must meet. One of these requirements involves collecting information for the National Bridge Inventory (NBI). Currently INDOT uses the standard 24-month inspection interval for the NBI. One possible area of increased efficiency available would be to use a longer interval between inspections. An extended interval is allowed under regulations by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). INDOT may be able to utilize this extended interval and produce a plan for better allocation of resources. Bridges are inspected to ensure the safety of the users. This safety cannot be compromised, because a bridge failure can lead to traffic disruption, bodily harm or even death. This study looks to use econometric methods to model behavior of bridges. The models have shown that bridges can be inspected on an extended interval without compromising safety. If the 48-month interval is used in the state of Indiana by INDOT, it could lead to a resource saving of about 18% with around a loss of 0.5% reliability. This saving can be reallocated to more at risk areas to make the overall system even safer. The use of the 48-month inspection interval is recommended by this study and an implementation method is described.
Degree
M.S.C.E.
Advisors
Fricker, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Statistics|Civil engineering
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