ABSTRACT
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Transport (MOT) is responsible for an extensive transportation network including 6,000 bridges and culverts. MOT is challenged to maintain an aging inventory subjected to harsh environmental conditions, high traffic volumes and truck loads. MOT is also challenged by climate change as bridge collapses have occurred due to flash flooding. Corrosion of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures is a major problem due to chlorides in sand, aggregates, and wind-blown contaminated sand and this has also led to bridge collapses.In one of the largest initiatives of its kind, MOT has implemented major changes to bridge management in the Kingdom including adopting a standardized international bridge inspection methodology, commissioning inspection of all structures in the highway system, and implementing a bridge management system (BMS) together with associated training programs. In 2016, a comprehensive bridge inspection training program was developed and provided to Ministry staff and their inspection consultant. Over the next 3 years the inspection of approximately 6,000 structures on the National Highway was completed using the latest AASHTO methodology.MOT also wished to implement an advanced BMS which would help the Ministry better manage their structures. The BMS would help standardize and centralize all structures data and provide access to this information through a GIS interface. MOT desired a BMS that could provide condition and risk performance measures and allow development of KSA specific deterioration models and cost models for the 13 Provinces in the Kingdom. MOT wished to be able to establish prioritized work programs for their highway network using a lifecycle cost analysis framework.This paper summarizes challenges and lessons learned in implementing a nation-wide bridge inspection standard, completing inspections of the structures in the highway system and implementing a new BMS. In completing this project, MOT has taken a significant step forward in developing an accurate bridge management database, completing inspections of all structures to the AASHTO methodology, and implementing modern bridge management practices. It should be of interest to other agencies and practitioners.
