Freight
- Publication no: AP-R634-20
- ISBN: 978-1-922382-26-9
- Published: 14 September 2020
- PDF (free) Download
Earlier Austroads investigations seeking to develop Bridge Formulae for inclusion in the Performance Based Standard Network Classification Guidelines concluded that there is little benefit to be gained from attempting to recompose the existing bridge formulae. The large variability of bridge stock types and span lengths in different jurisdictions is such that it is highly unlikely that adjusting the existing formulae using a variant clear space rule will be agreeable to all jurisdictions.
Therefore, another approach was recommended by Austroads members that caters for the ongoing need for individual bridge assessments with greater speed and transparency: this scoping study has been commissioned to assess the feasibility of a National Heavy Vehicle Bridge Assessment System (NHVBAS) and initiate consultation / discussions amongst relevant stakeholder organisations. The NHVBAS is described in this scoping study as a fully integrated and automated end-to-end access system for bridge assessment of heavy vehicle applications across Australia.
This scoping study explores different engineering solutions (assessment approaches), presents a functional architecture for the NHVBAS, outlines some considerations over hosting arrangements and governance, and captures initial information on impact, costs, and benefits of such system.
Following on the recommendations contained in this scoping study, options for a possible NHVBAS will be further developed and assessed as part of Austroads project NEF6274 in financial year 2020/2021 to enable next steps towards delivery and investment.
- Summary
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1 Problem Definition
- 1.2 Project Background
- 1.3 Purpose
- 1.4 Scope
- 1.5 Methodology
- 2. System Vision
- 3. Bridge Assessment Capabilities - Current State
- 3.1 Road Agencies
- 3.2 Local Government
- 4. High Level Functionality
- 4.1 Design Principles
- 4.2 Proposed System Model
- 4.3 Incorporating Road Authority Assessment Systems
- 4.4 Modular Approach Considerations
- 4.5 Data Governance
- 4.6 Data and Structural Assessment Physical Location
- 5. Heavy Vehicle Access Assessment (Bridge Capability)
- 5.1 Model Assumptions and Limitations of Bridge Capability Assessment Using Line Models
- 5.2 Strength of Bridge Capability Assessment Using Line Models
- 5.3 Initial Heavy Vehicle Bridge Assessment Model
- 5.4 Data Requirements for Line Model Reference Vehicle Module
- 5.4.1 Day 1 Data Set
- 5.4.2 Ensuring Legacy Access is Considered
- 5.4.3 Refinement Over Time
- 5.4.4 Local Government Considerations
- 6. Functional Architecture
- 6.1 Overview
- 7. Implementation
- 7.1 Implementation Context: Projects and Legislation
- 7.2 Defining and Actioning Data Collection
- 7.3 System Development Phases
- 7.4 Implementation Pathway
- 8. Custodianship and Hosting
- 8.1 Custodianship Options
- 9. Costs and Benefits
- 10. Recommendations
- References
- Appendix A Bridge Assessment and Heavy Vehicle Access Assessment Explanations
- A.1 Capacity-Based Bridge Assessment
- Appendix B Road Manager Requirements
- B.1 Mapping Issues
- B.2 Data to Inform Investment Priorities
- B.3 Consistency of Assessment Methodology
- B.4 Width Assessment
- B.5 Road Geometry Module
- B.6 Facilitation of non-NHVR participating jurisdictions
- Appendix C Future Assessment Modules
- C.1 Stiffened Kerb Slab Bridge
- C.2 Buried Structures
- C.3 Arches
- Appendix D Functional Components Architecture
- D.1 Functional Components Summary
- D.2 System Components Architecture
- Glossary