Quality specifications and performance indicators for road bridges in Europe

Abstract

Across Europe, multiple management systems were developed with the aim of managing roadway bridges in an efficient manner. Although being generically similar, the condition assessment process, based in the assessment of performance indicators which are compared with performance goals in order to evaluate the accomplishment of established quality control plans, can be identified as one difference among them. This leads to the existence of multiple different methodologies for assessing the bridge condition, and consequently to a considerable variation in roadway bridges quality. COST Action TU1406 aims to achieve the European economic and societal needs by standardizing the condition assessment and maintenance level of roadway bridges. For such purpose it would be required to establish the specific recommendations for the quantification of performance indicators, the definition of standardized performance goals and, finally, a guideline for quality control plans.