Management of Highway Structures

In recent years the bridge stocks which are part of the transport networks around the world have grown collectively older and signs of deterioration have become increasingly evident. An alarming backlog has resulted from the rapid growth of maintenance needs without methods for prioritising essential work. As a result, the bridge engineering profession has taken steps to develop databases and comprehensive bridge management systems. Following on from these initial works, a new technology is emerging in the interface between bridge engineering and financial planning, given impetus by the need to prioritise funds and plan future demands. This book introduces the latest developments in this emerging technology to engineers, accountants and financial decision makers. Contributions from representatives of bridge authorities as well as international experts address the important political and socio-economic needs which are relevant to bridge maintenance and give details of the engineering and financial tools and procedures which are currently being developed. Management of highway structures begins with an overview of the needs and objectives of bridge management as seen by various highway authorities and operators both from the UK and overseas. It discusses a number of bridge management systems and methodologies currently available or under development internationally. A description of the recent procedures and computer systems being developed for the Highways Agency includes the procedural standards for whole life assessment, appropriate interim safety measures for sub-standard structures and whole life costing. The book concludes by giving details of current research projects from different countries relating to various aspects of bridge management. The new procedures and tools described in this book represent the first applications of some of the state-of-the-art developments of today in bridge management methodology. With its contributions from experts around the world, Management of highway structures will be essential for anyone involved in this field.