Laing, Rebecca (2024) Exploring Current Industry Best Practices for Next Generation Bridge Asset Management. [USQ Project]
Abstract
Despite bridges’ economic criticality, bridge owners are under increasing budgetary pressures, facing restricted capital and operating budgets with increasing service requirements. Bridge management becomes a balance to cost-effectively preserve adequate levels of service and safety whilst maintaining the structures. An structured approach to bridge asset management has the potential to reduce lifecycle costs and optimise outcomes (Frangopol & Liu 2004). While significant development has occurred over the years, there is enduring industry ambiguity regarding the key asset management questions relating to bridges (Too, Eric G. 2010).
A key contribution to this research has been the development and validation of a key bridge asset management decision matrix that aligns lifecycle stages with critical asset management factors of cost, risk and performance. The research employed a mixed method approach of combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection through a structured questionnaire distributed to bridge asset managers and industry professionals.
The research validates a hypothesis decision matrix as a relevant framework of key questions to address bridge asset management decisions, to enhance stakeholder engagement and provide financial sustainability. The study concludes with recommendations for the implementation of a continuous improvement process to foster a collaborative culture amongst stakeholders. Furthermore, it advocates for the adoption of the decision matrix to guide and standardise bridge management decisions in local councils and to ensure that key decisions regarding cost, risk and performance are optimised.
In addition, key industry challenges have been identified and fruitful opportunities for further research have been proposed. By addressing these challenges this study contributes to the development of more sustainable, cohesive and economically beneficial bridge asset management practices in Australia.
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Statistics for this ePrint Item |
| Item Type: | USQ Project |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Current – Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Engineering (1 Jan 2022 -) |
| Supervisors: | Aravinthan, Thiru; Heldt, Tim |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil); Bachelor of Business (Management and Leadership) |
| Date Deposited: | 16 Mar 2026 03:59 |
| Last Modified: | 16 Mar 2026 03:59 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | bridge; local councils |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/53130 |
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