1 Report to International Baltic Road Conference in 2006 in Saaremaa Author: Laila damsone, Bridge Department, LATVIAN STATE ROADS

Language of presentation: English Session 3. Bridge management

Bridge administration and management in Latvia

Annotation The report gives an overview on the experience of Latvian State Roads in bridge administration and management in Latvia, their historical development, current situation and development possibilities. Latvian State Roads is responsible for 922 bridges in state road network and for 740 large dimension (l 2 m) culverts. Additionally, Latvian State Roads monitors approximately 1500 bridges and large culverts of municipalities. The major part of bridges is in poor technical condition and their lifetime is close to the end. At the same time traffic loading and the amount of freight transport grows rapidly. In order to fully understand and analyse the present situation and its development in future Latvian State Roads has established a computerized Bridge Management System. 1. Introduction In Latvia as in other countries different bridge management systems have always existed. The question was only about their quality and efficiency of use. Improvement of bridge database and system had to be considered as the number of monitored bridges and the amount of processed information rapidly grew. Computers and software provided such a possibility. In 1995 as an interim solution, the Latvian Road Administration introduced a simplified Bridge inventory and inspection form, as well as, determined types of inspection and their sequence. With 200 bridge inventories and inspections per year the Latvian Road Administration monitored all bridges under its responsibility. The results were compiled in MS Access database. However, the initially used collection of main bridge data in MS Access database was incomplete and served as an interim solution. Practise and experience of other countries showed that it was necessary and possible to establish a more perfect Bridge Management System.

2 In 1997 a specialist work group from Norway and Latvia was established, which defined the tasks of the work to be implemented, its staging and execution schedule. The work was finished in 2002 when the Bridge Management System LatBrutus was introduced. In 2005 Latvian Road Administration was divided in two companies: Road Engineers and Latvian State Roads. Latvian State Roads continue using the Bridge Management System LatBrutus. 2. Historical overview on bridge and Bridge Management System development in Latvia. In Latvia the bridge development historically passed through all stages of technical solutions beginning with stone masonry and timber until modern reinforced concrete, steel and bridge structures, as well as modern timer structures. During the World War II more than 80% of bridges on state roads were completely or partly destroyed. After the war bridges were repaired, but in the place of destroyed ones mostly bridge structures from timber were built. Several bridges from cast-in-site reinforced concrete were built. According to governmental directives from the year 1955 only reinforced concrete bridge type structures from pre-cast elements were built. At present more than a half of bridges in state road network are older than 30 years (Figure1) and their structures are seriously damaged in the operation time. Figure 1. Existing bridge age Age of the existing bridges
1000 900 800 700 Bridge number 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 23 1930 54 67 1970 1980 1990 Year 2000 2006 202 581 735 844 890 922

1940 1950 1960

3 In former times, according to the technical possibilities, the bridge database existed in the form of a bridge list and its maintenance was performed according to the existing instructions. Bridge Management System passed a long way of development starting from lists and punch cards up to modern computer systems. 3. Bridge management Bridge management includes actions from bridge construction until demolition. Bridge Management System takes care of bridge technical condition and their use, and is closely tied to the rest of processes in the bridge sector (Figure 2). Analysing the previous experience the Latvian Road Administration defined main conditions to diminish maintenance expenditures in the period of bridge lifetime: Good bridge maintenance starts with a good design, where a lot of attention has to be paid to diminish maintenance problems during operation. Special attention has to be paid to quality control during bridge construction or reconstruction. During operation time it is important to maintain qualitative inspection programme that is made up by experienced bridge engineers. Maintain preventive maintenance programme, before serious defects in construction arise. Establish a modern Bridge Management System.

Bridge construction and reconstruction: Planning and programmes Designing Construction Bridge operation and maintenance: Inventory Inspection Planning and programmes Maintenance Extraordinary transport driving

Latvian Road Administration Bridge Division: Planning and programmes Norms Standards Guidelines and handbooks Experience and research

Figure 2. Processes in bridge lifetime 4. BMS LatBrutus Analysing the experience of other countries in the establishment of Bridge Management System and evaluating own financial and technical possibilities the

Bridge demolition

BMS

4 Latvian Road Administration made an agreement with the Norwegian Public Road administration about the establishing of such a system for the needs of Latvia. In 1997 a group of Latvian - Norwegian bridge specialists and a programme was created for the establishment of Bridge Management System for Latvian needs and its practical introduction in the Latvian Road Administration. Computerized Bridge Management System LatBrutus was established with the support of and in cooperation with the Norwegian Public Road Administration. The programme was finished in 2002. Bridge Management System LatBrutus was formed in conformity with the mentioned programme and consists of: Handbooks: Guidelines of bridge management; Handbook of bridge inventory; Handbook of bridge inspection; Handbook of bridge maintenance; Handbook of LatBrutus user. Software: Module of inventory; Module of inspection; Module of maintenance; Codes and system administration. Training programme: Use of computer programs; Bridge inventory; Inspection of bridges; Bridge maintenance.

INVENTORY MODULE Administrative data Identification data Construction data Load data Bridge types Statistical systems Elements Materials Details Historical data Experience and accidents Archive data Reports CLIENTS

INSPECTION MODULE Inspection plans Inspection programs Technical condition Inspection

MAINTENANCE MODULE Maintenance plans Maintenance programmes Executed works

Maintenance Costs

Codes ADMINISTRATION MODULE User authorizing Report defining

Figure 3. Structure and information flow block scheme of Bridge Management System LatBrutus LatBrutus is a modular computerized Bridge Management System. It allows operational control and managing of bridge management and bridges included in the maintenance system. System includes necessary handbooks to ensure a transparent and systematic data collection and system use. . 4.1. Inventory module Module is formed for the collection of necessary data about all bridges in road network to obtain the necessary technical information. Module includes base data for inspections and maintenance. 4.2. Inspection module Module includes inspection planning and data registration about bridge technical condition over their service time. Every bridge has an individual inspection plan with

6 inspection intervals. An inspection programme based on bridge individual inspection plans is established every year. The division of bridge inspection and execution time is, as follows: Commissioning inspection transfer of the structure to maintenance; Guarantee inspections at the end of guarantee period; General inspections - annually; Main inspections at least once in five years; Special inspections depending on necessity. Description of damages and assessment of technical condition During the inspection the visual survey of every element has to be performed and defects or damages have to be described. It has to be assessed how the discovered defect or damage influences the element, bridge, environment or bridge user, establishing the degree of damages and their consequences. The degree of damages is assessed in digital format, which is used for the evaluation of condition and for the planning of maintenance actions. For the evaluation of damage degree the following codes are used: 1 Minimal damage/defect actions are not necessary; 2 Average damage/defect actions are necessary in 4- 10 years 3 Serious damages/defects actions are necessary in 1 3 years; 4 Critical damages/defects actions are necessary in 1/2 year; 9 Is not supervised. The consequences of damages are capable to influence bridges, their users and the environment. To define the possible consequences the following codes are used: C damage endangers load carrying capacity; T damage endangers traffic safety; M damage can increase the costs of maintenance and traffic; E damage can influence the environment/ aesthetics. Main and special inspections establish the cause of damage. They have an important role in making decisions about actions to be performed. To define the damage cause two digit figure codes are used. The index of bridge quality (BCI). The bridge quality index gives a notion about the technical condition of bridge and its changes. The quality index BCI is calculated from the following factors: damage degree, damage consequences and damage type. Calculation is performed with two methods. At the beginning the damage index (DI) of every damage is calculated. Then on the basis of all damages the index BCI is calculated. BCI determines the bridge quality in the given time and the deviations in bridge lifetime. BCI = (DI F + DI 2 F 2 + +DI n F n)

4.3. Maintenance module The module is established to help to perform maintenance planning, prioritisation and execution with according financing. In Latvia the Bridge Management System is divided for: Routine maintenance; Periodic maintenance; Rehabilitation. The purpose of routine maintenance is to ensure the same traffic safety and driving conditions as on road where the bridge is situated and to preserve visually pleasant appearance of the structure; to ensure bridge functioning as it is planed in the design. Road maintenance companies execute appropriate works. Routine maintenance works include: Cleaning of bridge elements; Cleaning of area under the bridge; Elimination of soil scours; Temporary elimination of accident consequences; Prevention of small amount structure damage. Aim of periodic maintenance is to prevent damages, which can influence traffic and the bridge load carrying capacity, traffic safety, environment and bridge lifetime. Maintenance works have to be executed in time that causes smaller costs. Specialised construction companies according to specific Bills of Quantities execute the works. Periodic maintenance works include: Renewal of steel structure surface coating; Renewal of concrete structure surface coating; Renewal of wood structure surface coating; Works at wearing parts of carriageway structure and insulation layer. Aim of rehabilitation works is to renew the functionality of bridge defective element by not replacing it and not reducing traffic possibilities, traffic safety and bridge lifetime. Works are executed by specialised construction companies according to construction designs developed for this purpose. Rehabilitation works include: Repair of supports and concrete foundation damages above and under the water; Repair of under structure or superstructure damages of steel, stone, wood or other materials; Change of structures damaged elements.

Distribution of finances The distribution of finances is performed according to the following scheme (Figure 4)

BRIDGE FINANCING
Calculation Requirements

Maintenance funds
Management: Inspection Maintenance: Routine Periodical Rehabilitation Figure 4. Distribution of financing to bridges

Investment funds
Reconstruction: Strengthening Rebuilding Newly erected building

5. Bridge Management System development in the future The Bridge Management System used in Latvia cannot be estimated as completed. Work shall be continued in all sections covered by the System: Complete guidelines and handbooks; Development of computer programmes and a entire use of information technology (IT); Use of modern construction materials and technologies; Training of specialists involved in the process. 6. Conclusion As a unit the bridge demands greater investments as any other road network element. Bridge deterioration or absolute failing causes greater potential of negative impact on traffic and endangers traffic safety. To ensure the necessary bridge carrying capacity and traffic safety requirements in restricted financing conditions the bridge specialists have to balance between the preservation of old bridges and their reconstruction. The Bridge Management System introduced in Latvia is a modern instrument to solve bridge problems. However, the system is not a replacement of engineers. Competence of engineers in the preparation of bridge programmes and monitoring of their implementation is crucial. Bridge Management System is a good instrument for the bridge supervisor and it has to be used by specialists that are experienced in bridge engineering.

26th International Baltic R oad Conference

Bridge Administration and Management in Latvia

Laila damsone Bridge Department LAT VIAN ST AT E R O ADS

Bridge ,-ara*teristi*s
33 Steel bridges 15 Stone bridges 8 Timber bridges

866 Concrete bridges

L atvian State R oads is responsible or !"" bridges and #$% big &'("m) *+lverts

,-anges o Bridge T e*-ni*al ,ondition

A g e o f th e e x is tin g b r id g e s
1000 900 B rid g e n u m b e r 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 23 1930 54 1940 67 1950 1960 1970 Ye a r 1980 1990 2000 2006 202 581 735 844 890 922

Bridge Li etime Administration . ro*esses

Bridge construction and reconstruction:

Latvian State Roads

Bridge Division: Planning and programs Norms Standarts Guidelines and handbooks Experience and research

planing and programmes designing construction

Bridge operation and maintanence: inventory inspection planning and programs maintenance extraordinary transport driving

Bridge demolition

BMS

Bridge Distrib+tion in R egions

Bridges Central region Cul erts Bridges K urzeme region Cul erts Vidzeme region Bridges Cul erts #atgale region Bridges Cul erts 245 $$% !"5 2!5 /#$ !5" 245 $#0 !"5 2!5 $$# !5"

VALMIERA

VENTSPILS

RGA

RZEKNE
JELGAVA LIEPJA

DAUGAVPILS

LatBr+t+s
Bridge Management S1stem LatBr+t+s

4andboo5
2 3 +idelines o bridge management 4andboo5 o bridge inventor1 4andboo5 o bridge inspe*tion 4andboo5 o bridge maintenan*e 2 6sers7 g+ide or Lat8 Br+t+s

So t9are
2 Mod+le o inventor1 2Mod+le o inspe*tion 2 Mod+le o maintenan*e 2,odes and s1stem administration

T raining programme
2 6se o *omp+ter programs 2 Bridge inventor1 2 Inspe*tion o bridges 2 Bridge maintenan*e

S*-eme o Lat8Br+t+s
In ent o r, module
&dministrati e data Identification data Construction data #oad data Bridge t,$es Statistical s,stems (lements 'aterials -etails .istorical data ()$erience and accidents &rchi e data R e$orts Clients %ser autorization R e$ort defining Ins$ection $lans

Ins$ection module
Ins$ection $rogrammes Tehnical condition

Ins$ection forms

'aintenance module
'aintenance $lans 'aintenance $rogrammes ()ecuted *or+s

'aintenance costs Codes

&dministration module

Des*ription o Damages and Assessment o T e*-ni*al ,ondition

Damage degree *odes:
2 ' minimal damage;de e*t < a*tions are not ne*essar1 2 " average damage;de e*t < a*tions are ne*essar1 9it-in $8'% 1ears 2 / serio+s damage;de e*t < a*tions are ne*essar1 9it-in '8/ 1ears 2 $ *riti*al damage;de e*t < a*tions are ne*essar1 9it-in %=> 1ears 2 ! is not s+pervised

Des*ription o Damages and Assessment o T e*-ni*al ,ondition

,onse?+en*e *odes:
2 , 2 T damage endangers bearing *apa*it1@ damage endangers tra i* sa et1@

2 M damage *an in*rease t-e *osts o maintenan*e and tra i*@ 2 E damage *an in l+en*e t-e enviroment ; aest-eti*s@ 2 B,I t-e indeA o bridge ?+alit1=

Bridge B inan*ing
BRIDGE FINANCING

Calculation Requirements

Maintenance funds
Management: Inspection Maintenance: Routine
Periodical Rehabilitation

Investment funds
Reconstruction: Strengthening Rebuilding New construction

Maintenan*e Mod+le
2 ro+tine maintenan*e 2 periodi* maintenan*e 2 re-abilitation

Maintenan*e Mod+le: R o+tine Maintenan*e Cor5s

2 *leaning o bridge elements@ 2 *leaning o t-e area +nder t-e bridge@ 2 elimination o soil s*o+rs@ 2 elimination o a**ident *onse?+en*es in *ase it is re?+ired@ 2 prevention o minor str+*t+re damage=

Maintenan*e Mod+le: . eriodi* Maintenan*e Cor5s

2 rene9al o steel str+*t+re s+r a*e *oating@ 2 rene9al o *on*rete str+*t+re s+r a*e *oating@ 2 rene9al o 9ood str+*t+re s+r a*e *oating@ 2 repairs o 9orn elements o *arriage9a1 str+*t+re and ins+lation la1er=

Maintenan*e Mod+le: R e-abilitation

2 repair o s+pports and *on*rete o+ndation damages above and +nder t-e 9ater@ 2 repair o s+bstr+*t+re or s+perstr+*t+re damages o steelD stoneD 9ood or ot-er materials@ 2 repla*ement o damaged str+*t+ral elements=

BMS Development T as5s

2 *omplete g+idelines and -andboo5s@ 2 development o so t9are@ 2 entire +se o in ormation te*-nolog1 &IT )@ 2 +se o modern *onstr+*tion materials and te*-nologies@ 2 training o spe*ialists involved in t-e pro*ess=

,on*l+sions
2 Bridge Management S1stem introd+*ed in Latvia is a modern instr+ment to solve bridge problems= 2 4o9everD t-e s1stem is not a repla*ement o engineers=