CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE ISSUES ON BRIDGE MAINTENANCE AND BRIDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

Bridge maintenance is becoming increasingly important all over the world. In Japan, many highway bridges have been constructed over the past 50 years, of which 35% bridges were constructed during the so-called rapidly developing period. In the next ten years, the number of bridges older than 50 years would reach three times of that of the present time, and at the end of 10 years after the next 10 years, it would become 7 times. It is certain that most of these bridges are aging and suffering from damage, deterioration and environmental attack. The number of deteriorating bridges is predicted to increase significantly in the near future at an astonishing speed.
This paper presents the current status of bridge maintenance and bridge management system or asset management system. The outline of bridge management system is illustrated and defects and problems to be overcome are clarified. Several suggestions are provided to realize the rational and economic maintenance program and to develop a practical asset management system.