Bridge assessment for PSC girder bridge using digital twins model

Abstract

Bridge maintenance nowadays is no longer a “reactive activity” to the severe degradation or unexpected disaster. Aging and deterioration are inevitable, sometimes arises exponentially if maintenance strategy is neglected. Leading to structural failure, or worse case is the functional failure and seriously threaten the safety, interrupt the public transportation system. This paper proposes a new concept for preventive maintenance strategy for existing aged PSC Girder Bridge using a digital twin model. Digital Twins concept is mainly based on the use of parallel models: digital twin model (DTM), reality twin model (RTM) and mechanical twin model (MTM). DTM authoring is introduced using an integrated BIM mod-el, while RTM is verified by a reversed engineering surface model based on 3D scanning data. The RTM is generated continuously during bridge lifecycle in order to make a field-verified replica of the structure, aims to records all the bridge damage time by time. The mechanical twin model is derived directly from DTM through the interoperability of BIM model and adjusted by damage information from RTM. Discussion on bridge assessment model is induced based on the supposed analysis model and deterioration history, significant support for the decision making team in order to make a long-term strategy for bridge maintenance task.