Building information modeling (BIM) has been widely used in the commercial sector and vertical construction to manage projects from conception through design, fabrication, construction and for future maintenance. Although some fabricators who perform work on both vertical construction and transportation structures have begun employing BIM tools in the fabrication of bridge components its use in transportation infrastructure is severely limited due to the lack of standardization. It became obvious that in order to take advantage of the efficiencies associated with the use of BIM in transportation structures, a comprehensive strategic plan by AASHTO SCOBS is needed. As a first step, the technical committee on technology and software (T-19) initiated a study that was funded by NCHRP. The NCHRP project 20-07 Task 377 titled “Standardized Format for Bridge and Structure Information Models” presented a framework for BIM implementation roadmap and provided T-19 a list of actionable items. Following the conclusion of the NCHRP study and after extensive discussions, T-19 identified a path forward for BIM implementation in bridges and structures. The initiative involved the following key decisions: • Identity: The initiative is being named BIM for Bridges and Structures, as it encompasses the goal of this endeavor without potentially violating trademark rights. • Governance and Stewardship Framework: The roadmap involves the identification of a governance structure. The selected model will be overseen by T-19 with collaboration with AASHTO Technical Joint Committee on Electronic Standards, FHWA, and various stakeholders. • Data Exchange Schema: Multiple schemas for the governance structure of BIM for Bridges and Structures were discussed, with the decision being made to develop an MVD (Model View Definition) compliant with IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) data models. Some consideration was given to OpenBridge model, with the biggest benefit being more control of the governance model. However, IFC is the industry standard in the vertical industry and is well established. BuildingSmart International, the global organization with IFC oversight, also has global initiatives working toward implementing BIM for bridges in other countries, making a natural alignment with IFC the most appropriate approach. • Funding Mechanism for Support: It became evident through the discussions that the initiative to move BIM for Bridges and Structures into standard practice would require much more effort than could be taken on solely by T-19 members. The committee agreed that the use of a consultant/contractor would be necessary to accomplish many of the tasks needed to move forward. The committee discussed several funding options, ultimately deciding on two sources: FHWA and pooled fund study.

The pooled fund project will provide the primary funding mechanism for AASHTO SCOBS T-19 to perform the duties of governance and stewardship of BIM for Bridges and Structures.

Although not all tasks have been identified, the work will include: 1. Establish standards, guidelines, or manuals for bridge project stakeholders to facilitate the wide use of IFC as an exchange standard in BIM for Bridges and Structures in bridge projects. This would include recommending or mandating the use of common modeling format and IFC submittal. 2. Develop the national standard MVD, data definitions, and data requirements for the model life cycle for all data exchanges for transportation bridges and structures. This national standard will use the above governance and stewardship model to facilitate the development and future maintenance. 3. Collaborate with stakeholders to provide timely update of IFC data dictionary for common bridge elements. 4. Collaborate with buildingSMART and software vendors to design and offer suitable training covering BIM for Bridges and Structures model development, management, and usage. 5. Conduct return on investment (ROI) analysis to quantify the benefits of using a common modeling format, BIM for Bridges and Structures, in terms of time and cost savings. 6. Develop a template of BIM for Bridges and Structures-specific contractural provisions for managing, reducing, or eliminating the risks associated with IFC-BIM for Bridges and Structures. Project stakeholders/owners could use the template to conduct a risk evaluation for deploying BIM for Bridges and Structures at a project and organization level. 7. Provide recommendations to T-19 on changing existing work flows to leverage model exchanges for project delivery and asset management for transportation bridges and structures owners. 8. Provide a work plan, progression schedule, and coordination web and face to face meetings with T-19 on the development and implementation of BIM for Bridges and Structures. 9. Establish a forum/expert hub for practitioners in the bridge industry to promote the common modeling formats and share experiences. 10. Provide technical support, organize training workshops, and facilitate pilot/demonstration projects for bridge owners to encourage and accelerate the adoption of BIM for Bridges and Structures.

It is envisioned that the tasks listed above will be contracted to a consultant with proven expertise in this area. Funding Request: The minimum partner funding required: $1,000,000 Each partner’s commitment should total $20,000 per year for five years.

**Update April 2022 - An additional funding year (FY23) has been approved and a request of $25,000 per partner was sent to the TPF contacts to cover activities in CY23.**