The AASHTO Committee on Bridges and Structures has been working on a comprehensive plan to advance the use of BIM specific to bridges and structures. In 2017, TPF-5(372) BIM for Bridges and Structures project provided the primary funding mechanism for developing the foundational elements to implement openBIM data standards to support BIM for Bridges and Structures in the U.S. This multi-year effort focused on developing the openBIM data standards for enabling digital exchange from design to construction for workhorse bridges using the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) schema. A significant amount of progress was accomplished  through this effort, which resulted in an implementable AASHTO guide specification to exchange 3D model-based information for workhorse bridges to execute construction. Specifically, the resulting standard was adopted by AASHTO COBS on June 22, 2022, as the AASHTO Information Delivery Manual: Guide Specification for Design to Construction Data Exchange for Highway Bridges. Additional products from this effort included foundational elements necessary for implementing openBIM standards at the project level, including (1) U.S. Bridge Data Dictionary, (2) Model View Definition Extension and Documentation for Software Providers, (3) Unit Test Suite Documentation and Testing Criteria for Software Certification, (4) Educational Kit and Implementation Guide for AASHTO Members, and (5) Updated Bridge Lifecycle Map and Prioritization of Data Exchanges. While the progress was significant, there are many other needs that still need to be addressed to facilitate the use of model-based data exchanges to support the bridge asset lifecycle. 

This pooled fund project will provide the primary mechanism for AASHTO COBS T-19 to expand and refine the outcomes of TPF-5(372) and developing additional guide specifications for openBIM national data standards to support model-based exchanges of workhorse bridges.

Major tasks in this scope of work include:

1. Based on the BIM uses prioritized under TPF-5(372), develop national standards for data definitions, requirements and validation tools for the bridge life cycle for multiple data exchanges for transportation bridges and structures. These national standards are to be in compliance with buildingSMART openBIM requirements.
2. Develop training materials to continue deployment of the outcomes from TPF-5(372) and additional data standards developed under this project.
3. Provide technical support, organize training workshops, and facilitate pilot/demonstration projects for bridge owners to encourage and accelerate the adoption of BIM for Bridges and Structures. 
4.  Assist AASHTO members with collaboration efforts with the AASHTO Joint Subcommittee on Data Standardization, FHWA, the Transportation Research Board, and other transportation pooled funds.
5. Collaborate with buildingSMART and software vendors .
6. Collect and quantify the benefits of using the IFC standard per the methodology suggested in TPF-5(372).
7. Explore technology or tools to enable secure mechanisms for signing and sealing model-based deliverables.
8. Conduct a literature search on contractual provisions for digital model-based delivery and develop recommendations for a national framework.
9. Investigate opportunities to improve existing workflows to leverage model exchanges for the bridge lifecycle.

Desired total commitment from each partner is $100,000 split between FY23-28, generally achieved through 5 years at $20,000 per year. Commitment covers travel for one representative to an in-person meeting approximately once per year throughout the life of the project. For partners that would like to send an additional representative to an in-person meeting, an additional $2,500 commitment per attendee per year is required. Specific meetings and locations to be determined during the project.

Will be pursuing a 100% SPR Part B waiver.

Additional partners are always welcome. Please reach out to the Lead Agency Contact at any time.