Iowa DOT already leads the nation in working with 3-D virtual models to design the state’s bridges. Now the agency is taking the technology another step further.
Because modifications often occur during construction, the model that was used to design the bridge can be outdated by the time it’s completed. On site revisions and updated specifications are hand-drawn on paper, which can be difficult and time-consuming to collect and integrate with the original digital design. This can pose an issue when it comes time to manage the bridge, as inspectors and maintenance workers may have a digital blueprint that doesn’t match the real structure.
In a pilot project, Iowa DOT pushed the limitations of the proprietary design software it uses. Working with agency engineers and construction contractors, Iowa DOT incorporated changes from a recently completed bridge, updating the original design with the alterations made during construction. Links to supplementary information, such as photos and materials certifications, provide a holistic record of the completed bridge.
With a better understanding of how the software needs to improve to keep up with modern needs, Iowa DOT is closer to achieving its goals for a fully digital design, construction, and asset-management process.
Learn more about this project in Iowa DOT’s new research brief.
Delivering targeted solutions for Iowa's transportation future.
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