A Framework for Integrated Multi-level Information Modelling and Numerical Analysis of Corrosion-Damaged RC Bridges

This paper discusses a framework for modelling and analysing corroded Reinforced Concrete (RC) bridges using Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology, including the development of a software tool called Bridge Damage Information Modeller (BriDIM) to integrate BIM and Finite Element (FE) environments. BriDIM implicitly creates the as-damaged model combining geometric and semantic data of the structure and its associated damages. An automated two-way link for data exchange between BIM-FE environments is created. Numerical analysis is performed, and the resulting residual structural capacity is evaluated against the limit states. BriDIM modeller automatically transfers the analysis results back to BIM and creates the as-assessed model. The results reveal that this approach is a step towards using the BIM model as a bridge database. The proposed framework reforms how we do the model for structural assessment, and it will be helpful to decision-makers by using one 3D visualised BIM model that contains all geometrical, mechanical, damage, and retrofitting information in one model. The BriDIM can be a useful tool in developing Digital Twins of existing damaged structures. The model can create scenarios of various damage combinations and provide a strong tool to simulate the current condition of the bridge and the expected conditions the bridge might face in case of damage propagation.