Bridge Element Data Collection and Use (2022)

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54 Glossary AASHTO Manual for Bridge Element Inspection (MBEI). First published in 2011 and updated in 2013, MBEI builds on, updates, and enhances AASHTO’s Commonly Recognized (CoRe) Structural Elements through improvements such as changes in the measurement units of decks and slabs, development of a bearing surface element, standardization of the number of element states, addition of elements constructed of innovative materials, and development of protective coating elements for concrete and steel and for deck protection systems. Agency-Defined Elements (ADEs). ADEs are custom elements in accordance with the defined element framework. ADEs may be sub-elements of NBEs or BMEs or may have no ties to the NBEs or BMEs (AASHTO 2013). Asset Management. Asset management is the strategic and systematic process of operating, maintaining, and improving physical assets—with a focus on engineering and economic analysis based on quality information—to identify a structured sequence of maintenance, preservation, repair, rehabilitation, and replacement actions that will achieve and sustain the desired state of good repair over the life-cycle of the assets and will do so at minimum practicable cost, per 23 U.S.C. 101(a)(2), MAP-21 § 1103. Bridge Management. Bridge management is a core bridge discipline that focuses on making informed and effective decisions on the operation, maintenance, preservation, replacement, and improvement of bridges in a bridge inventory. Bridge management decision-making is highly dependent on relevant and quality data and on methodologies and tools for analyzing those data across an inventory of bridges (FHWA 2020). Bridge Management Elements (BMEs). BMEs are components of bridges, such as joints, wear- ing surfaces, protective coatings systems, and deck and slab protection systems that are typically managed by agencies utilizing BMSs (AASHTO 2013). Bridge Management System (BMS). A BMS includes formal procedures and methods for gather- ing and analyzing bridge data to predict future bridge conditions, estimating network mainte- nance and improvement needs, determining optimal policies, and recommending projects and schedules within budget and policy constraints. A BMS includes a network-level computerized database and decision-support tool that supplies analyses and summaries of the data; uses models and algorithms to make predictions and recommendations; provides information on how alternative policies and programs may be efficiently considered; and facilitates the ongoing collection, processing, and updating of necessary data. Bridge Preservation. Bridge preservation actions or strategies prevent, delay, or reduce the deterioration of bridges or bridge elements; restore the function of existing bridges; keep bridges in good condition; and extend the life of bridges. Preservation actions may be preventive or driven by condition (FHWA 2018).

Glossary 55   Commonly Recognized (CoRe) Structural Elements for Bridge Inspection. The AASHTO Guide for Commonly Recognized (CoRe) Structural Elements was published in 1997 and adopted by FHWA and AASHTO as the preferred standard for collecting bridge element condition information. The AASHTO Guide for Commonly Recognized (CoRe) Structural Elements (AASHTO 1997) precedes the AASHTO Manual for Bridge Element Inspection (MBEI) (AASHTO 2011, 2013, 2019). Element Condition States (CSs). CSs include defect descriptions and severity, with guidelines for the inspector on determining defect severity and condition assessment for a bridge element (AASHTO 2013). General Condition Ratings (GCRs). These condition ratings are used to describe the existing, in-place bridge or culvert as compared to the as-built condition. GCR evaluation addresses the materials related to the physical condition of the deck (NBI Item 58), superstructure (NBI Item 59), and substructure (NBI Item 60) components of a bridge. Culverts are also rated and coded for overall condition evaluation (NBI Item 62) (FHWA 1995). Maintenance. Maintenance work is performed to maintain the condition of the bridges or to respond to specific conditions or events that require restoration of the highway system to a functional state of operations (FHWA 2018). National Bridge Elements (NBEs). NBEs are the primary structural components of bridges and are necessary to determine the overall condition and safety of the primary load-carrying members (AASHTO 2013). National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). These federal regulations establish require- ments for inspection procedures, frequency of inspections, qualifications of personnel, inspec- tion reports, and preparation and maintenance of a state bridge inventory. The NBIS applies to all structures defined as bridges located on all public roads. National Bridge Inventory (NBI). The NBI is a collection of information (database) of the nation’s bridges located on public roads, including interstate highways, U.S. highways, state and county roads, and publicly accessible bridges on federal lands. The NBI presents a state- by-state summary analysis of the number, location, and general condition of highway bridges within each state. Collection of NBI data is authorized by statute, 23 U.S.C. 144 (National Bridge and Tunnel Inventory and Inspection Standards), and is implemented by regulation, 23 CFR 650.301 et seq. (FHWA 2007). Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE). NDE is a means of analyzing and assessing the condition of various structural components of in-service highway infrastructure assets—i.e., pavement, bridges, and tunnels—without impairing their future usefulness. Quality Assurance (QA). QA is the use of sampling and other measures to ensure the adequacy of QC procedures to verify or measure the quality level of the entire bridge inspection and load rating program (23 CFR Part 650). Quality Control (QC). QC procedures are intended to maintain the quality of a bridge inspec- tion and load rating at or above a specified level (23 CFR Part 650).