A Parameter-Driven Method for Modeling Bridge Defects through IFC
Publication: Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering
Volume 36, Issue 4
Abstract
Bridges experience regular inspections from transport agencies/authorities periodically. However, current approaches for the storage and visualization of inspection-related data are often restricted to spreadsheets and inspection reports and cannot sufficiently support open building information modeling (BIM) processes. This research proposes an industry foundation classes (IFC)-based method to document and represent inspection-related information in bridge BIM models. Specifically, the geometry of defects, including spatial placement and shape representation, was modeled parametrically. Interrelationships between defects and other IFC entities (e.g., bridge elements, root causes, and maintenance actions) were represented. The proposed method was validated on a concrete highway bridge, with two scenarios designed to illustrate its capability to support cause diagnosis and maintenance decision making. The interoperability of the proposed method across different BIM tools was evaluated as well. This work demonstrates the parametric-driven representation of defect information based on the latest IFC, facilitating an integrated BIM environment for the lifecycle management of civil assets.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available in a repository or online in accordance with funder data retention policies. The data includes (1) the IFC-based bridge BIM for case study; and (2) IFC files of both original and integrated bridge BIMs. It can be accessed through https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5673439.v1.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the Australian Research Council Discovery project (Grant No. DP170104613) and the Australian Research Council Linkage project (Grant No. LP180100222).
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Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering
Volume 36 • Issue 4 • July 2022
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© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Aug 17, 2021
Accepted: Feb 9, 2022
Published online: Apr 29, 2022
Published in print: Jul 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Sep 29, 2022
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