RBI can improve asset management by reducing unnecessary efforts and focusing inspection resources toward the most need. The National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) require the periodic routine inspection of bridges with a required interval of 24 months. This interval can be extended to 48 months for certain bridges meeting criteria identified by the FHWA. Such time-based inspection intervals do not consider that certain bridges in good condition may require inspections less frequently than bridges with deterioration or damage. A risk-based approach to determining the most appropriate inspection interval could improve the quality of bridge inspections by focusing inspection resources based on need, rather than a calendar basis. Looking forward, planned changes to the FHWA 48-month policy and later the NBIS will consider a risk-based framework for determining the inspection interval for bridges as required in the MAP-21 legislation. The implementation of this new inspection regime will require training in RBI practices for bridge owners, and research to examine the most effective tactics and strategies for implementing RBI practices with state programs is needed. NCHRP report 782 describes a methodology for RBI that envisions a flexible inspection interval for highway bridges that ranges from 12 months to 72 months. The NCHRP study demonstrated that RBI practices developed within the research were effective for ensuring the safety and serviceability of bridges. The proposed research described herein is intended to amplify the results of the NCHRP research, to further develop and test these methodologies and support the future implementation of RBI practices. The study will also examine the use of data-driven processes and data from the Long Term Bridge Performance Program (LTBP) for supporting RBI, and the interaction of preservation and maintenance with RBI approaches. The research will examine the use of advanced technologies such as NDE and UAVs, and the role of inspection reliability in the RBI process. The research will improve asset management tools available to optimize limited resources and ensure the safety and serviceability of bridges and highways.

1. Study the implementation of RBI processes within State DOT programs a. Develop a paradigm for conducting risk-based inspection analysis through training and workshops with participating states. b. Develop a handbook for implementation of RBI describing key processes, key attributes and scoring methodologies for implementation c. Develop strategies for using data-driven risk analysis within the RBI framework d. Develop methodologies for supporting preservation activities within an RBI framework 2. Study the implementation of technologies to support RBI: a. Reliability of inspection technologies and implementation of NDE to support RBI.

The research envisions developing a handbook for implementation of RBI practices that will provide a resource to participating states, presenting examples and case studies that define suitable attributes and characteristic for RBI. Workshops and training will be provided to participating states to assist with implementation of RBI, and tools will be developed to assist with future implementation of the RBI technology. Analysis of the bridge inventory to evaluate risk-based strategies will provide data for better asset management.

The anticipated commitment from each state interested in participating is $50k/year/state. This will be for two years of funding commitments/state. It is anticipated that there will be additional states coming on-board so the pooled fund is being planned for 60 months, however, two years of funding is requested from each state to cover the costs for one state and their deliverables.