Ten Minutes With The Godfathers Of Bridge Information Modeling

AS: It came about back in the late '80s. I was visiting a think tank operation, a consulting group to NASA. I saw a model of the space station and saw how they would deal with any problems, design repairs, etc. I thought: "Why not something similar for bridges?"

It is a 3D concept for design and construction, maintenance and operation, and relevant data. The system deploys that data as needed, allowing for real-time use as the conditions change throughout the bridge life-cycle

How did the term "BrIM" originate? Clearly it's a version of BIM.

AS: Dr. Chen and I have been working together on research projects [since 2001]. The first was with the NCHRP. The second was from the IDEA program...out of that work came this idea of BrIM. Dr. Chen said, "Well, there is BIM. Let's put an R in it."

SC: BIM was coined shortly after 2002. At the time I thought: "Yes, this is what we are talking about. It would be nice for us to have a concise acronym." Many of the concepts are the same [as BIM]. Reuse of information, interoperability between software stovepipes, "islands of automation" and linking different parts of the architectural/engineering/construction life-cycle. Except, we don't have the A part.

But why do some engineers think BrIM isn't necessary?

AS: Bridge engineers see design, construction, operations and management as distinct functions. Seldom do they cross lines...people don't realize the benefits because they don't see the day-to-day problems. This is a holistic cradle-to-grave asset management approach. It's a different ballgame. Engineers do quite well in project decision-making. But now we have to manage networks of bridges.

Elaborate on why BrIM IS necessary.

AS: We've finished 50 years since the Interstate was built. We're in the renewal era. This is where we recognize we have to look at a bridge as an asset from the beginning. When I first started talking about bridge management, people laughed at me and said it was a waste of time.

Give me a scenario for how it would improve bridge management.

AS: Let's say you're doing inspections on a major crossing. A red flag comes in. When I was in Albany, what we needed to do was go back to the drawings, find the location, figure out what needed to be done. In this scenario you have all that at the tip of your finger. The inspector will have a handheld device with which he takes a picture and transmits it to Albany. You can analyze the situation much faster. Faster action is critical.