Pavement condition information modelling in an I-BIM environment

In recent years, the growing survey capability for continuous and frequent inspections of road pavement conditions has raised questions regarding the optimal solutions for data management. Considering traditional approaches, classical Pavement Management Systems seem inadequate for exploiting the potential of similar data, especially for visualization and infrastructure modelling. The development of BIM procedures may be helpful although the existing solutions are not ready for handling road condition and maintenance management. Furthermore, the recent international regulations gradually adopt BIM in all infrastructure projects, as reference model. Then, as a preliminary approach, in this paper, a solution for presenting and elaborating pavement condition information in an I-BIM environment is proposed. This procedure simplifies representation and elaboration of survey information regarding structural and functional conditions of pavements in a realistic 3D environment, exploiting smart object potential. Specific routines have been coded for upgrading and elaborating specific extended attributes related to pavement condition. This approach represents an important evolution compared to traditional methodologies, as a modern and ‘user-friendly’ decision support tool for road agencies, combining in a single environment all the life cycle phases of the infrastructure. The proposed approach has been tested, in a preliminary form, on an existing motorway, with positive results.