User requirements for an automated bridge inspection system

Abstract: 42% of bridges in the USA are at least 50 years old, and 46,000 bridges are in poor condition. A predictive maintenance program can help extend the bridges’ life, thereby minimizing the need to replace the majority of bridges within a short time. For designing an automated inspection system, the technological needs of inspectors in the Florida Department of Transportation were analyzed after reviewing federal highway standards. This work presents the synthesis of user requirements which will serve as guidelines for prototype development of a system to expedite the inspection process by data collection, 3D model generation, and report processing.