Bridge management system for the Western Cape provincial government, South Africa: implementation and utilization

Abstract

This paper describes the implementation and utilization of the bridge management system (BMS) of the Department of Transport and Public Works of the Western Cape Provincial Government. The implementation of the BMS as well as the visual assessment of all the structures on its road network was completed in 2003. The system consists of inventory, inspection, condition, budget and maintenance modules and is capable of utilizing visual assessment data to prioritize structure maintenance projects. The BMS database is integrated with the Department’s Road Network Information System. The system’s visual assessment methodology is based on a 4-point DERU (Degree, Extent, Relevancy and Urgency) system for rating observed defects. The Relevancy rating forces the bridge inspector to evaluate the consequences the defect in terms of the structure’s serviceability and safety. Each of these parameters is combined in the condition module to determine a priority ranking of structures requiring repair. During 2006 a bridge and culvert rehabilitation project was identified in the Eden District Municipality, utilizing the BMS for the first time in the validation of assessments and prioritizing of structures in terms of their maintenance needs in that particular region. The project, which included the rehabilitation of 65 structures, was awarded in September 2006 and completed in a period of 15 months. The paper discusses the implementation of the pilot project, lessons learned and proposed enhancements in terms of the BMS, structure visual assessments and the implementation of contracts