Implementation of a bridge management system in the municipal environment

Abstract

This paper describes the implementation of a bridge management system (BMS) in the municipal environment, with specific reference to the City of Cape Town, the Johannesburg Roads Agency and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. Implementation takes place in three phases. During the first phase, the standard BMS is customised to meet the specific needs of the client municipality and includes the integration of the BMS with the municipality's Asset Management Information System. The second phase involves the appointment of structural engineers to carry out visual assessments using a defects-based rating system in order to determine the priority ranking of all inspected structures. The third phase involves the validation of assessments and prioritisation of structures in terms of maintenance needs and selection of suitable rehabilitation projects.