Building Information Modeling (BIM), as applied to highway infrastructure (BIM for Infrastructure), is a collaborative work method for structuring, managing, and using data and information about transportation assets throughout their lifecycle. Managing data involves creating data (i.e., supplying data using data models); preserving data (i.e., storing, archiving, securing and retrieving data); and, provisioning, exchanging, or sharing data for use during a variety of business operations. The integration of data sources from multiple business siloes creates a digital twin and increases data accessibility for better decisionmaking.

FHWA is working to advance BIM for Infrastructure as a digital conduit of information between the design, construction, and operations of an infrastructure asset. Increased access to and better integration of geospatially located data will increase the efficiency and productivity of project delivery. BIM for Infrastructure involves delivering capital projects collaboratively (through the planning, design, and construction phases) and managing services that the built infrastructure is expected to provide efficiently using digital processes rather than traditional paper-based processes. By aligning data within and across an agency’s information systems in a manner that allows them to be managed easily (e.g., creating a digital twin), the potential exists to break down information silos and offer major productivity gains and cost efficiencies for roadway agencies across all life-cycle phases of built infrastructure.

Spotlight Project: EDC-6 e-Ticketing and Digital As-Builts

e-Ticketing

Providing stakeholders with an electronic means to produce, transmit, and share materials data and track and verify materials deliveries enhances safety, streamlines inspections, and improves contract administration processing. Using electronic ticket exchanges enables access via mobile devices and simplifies handling and integration of material data into construction management systems for acceptance, payment, and source documentation.

Digital As-Builts

Using digital data such as three-dimensional (3D) models to build road projects is becoming an industry standard. Sharing the design model and associated digital project data allows agencies and contractors to streamline project delivery and contract administration, and to collaborate on challenges "virtually" before they get to the field. The digital information is further leveraged when the model is updated, and other data incorporated, to reflect the project's as-built condition for future maintenance, asset management, and rehabilitation activities.

Image source: FHWA

FHWA research and development in maintenance and preservation of transportation infrastructure improves the cost-effectiveness and accountability of FHWA and other transportation agencies.

Spotlight Project: Using Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in Pavement-Preservation Treatments

RAP is used in surface treatments on a national/international basis, and there are documented case studies, best practices, testing, costs, and specifications for the use of RAP in surface pavement preservation treatments such as chip seals, microsurfacing, and slurry seals. The outcome of this project was documentation and guidance that will be useful to pavement maintenance practitioners as they develop and deploy their pavement maintenance programs.

Image source: FHWA