By Chung C. Fu, Ph.D., P.E.
The Bridge Engineering Software and Technology (BEST) Center
University of Maryland
Since the authorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency
Act (ISTEA) in 1991, transportation professionals realize the importance of
management. Asset management is a systematic process of maintaining, upgrading,
and operating physical assets, such as roadways and bridges, in a cost-effective
way. Recently, attention has been drawn to asset management which needs the
combined knowledge of engineering, business management, economics and use of the
latest computer-aided technology. It provides tools for decision-making and can
create a framework for short- and long-term planning.
An inventory of signs and sign support is a critical element for effective
government transportation management practice. WIN-SABRE - Sign Bridge Analysis
and Evaluation System, which can generate or retrieve any data set from the sign
structural inventory and evaluate the sign support condition (Figure 1), was
recently developed by the Bridge Engineering Software and Technology (BEST)
Center. The BEST Center also cooperated with the industry to develop an
integrated system with an asset management database, integrated with the
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), for the District of Columbia.
A proto-type of SSMS (Sign Structure Management System) was developed for the
Washington, DC Department of Public Works to track their sign structure
inventory and schedule maintenance of existing structures, and to install
replaced structures. The system identifies the types and conditions of sign
structures. A database correlated with the District's GIS was established
(Figure 2). The inventory is capable of cataloging all structures and electrical
components, including posts, chords, foundations, sign size and materials. The
WIN-SABRE program provides the functionality for the overall design analysis and
evaluation details of sign structures.
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Figure 1 - On-screen Graphics for a Sample Sign Bridge
Figure 2 - Sign Structure Management System in GIS
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