Work

Digitalizing Bridge Inspection Processes Using Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Business Intelligence (BI)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) face challenges with traditional bridge inspections that are time-consuming, inconsistent, and paper-based. This study focused on an existing research gap regarding automated methods that streamline the bridge inspection process, prioritize maintenance effectively, and allocate resources efficiently. Thus, this paper introduces a digitalized bridge inspection framework by integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Business Intelligence (BI) to enable near-real-time monitoring and digital documentation. This study adopts a Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, a recognized paradigm for developing and evaluating the innovative SmartBridge to address pressing bridge inspection problems. The method involved designing an Autodesk Revit-based plugin for data synchronization, element-specific comments, and interactive dashboards, demonstrated through an illustrative 3D bridge model. An illustrative example of the digitalized bridge inspection with the proposed framework is provided. The results show that SmartBridge streamlines data collection, reduces manual documentation, and enhances decision-making compared to conventional methods. This paper contributes to this body of knowledge by combining BIM and BI for digital visualization and predictive analytics in bridge inspections. The proposed framework has high potential for hybridizing digital technologies into bridge infrastructure engineering and management to assist transportation agencies in establishing a safer and efficient bridge inspection approach.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app152010927

Authors: Luke Nichols, Amr Ashmawi, Phuong H. D. Nguyen

Institution: South Dakota State University

Language: English

Topic: BIM and Construction Integration

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896