Culvert Management System Implementation and Seminar

010382902006Final Report June 1, 2005 - August 31, 2006PDFTech ReportUTCA Report 05209DTR598-G-0028Bridge management systemsBridges and culvertsCostsCulvertsData collectionQuestionnairesSoftware packagesAdministration and ManagementBridges and other structuresDesignFinanceHighwaysSafety and Human FactorsI10: Economics and AdministrationI24: Design of Bridges and Retaining WallsAlabamaUnited StatesUniversity Transportation Center for AlabamaDavidson, James S.Grimes, Thomas C.University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dept. of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham. University Transportation CenterUS Transportation CollectionThe Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Culvert Management System (CMS) Seminar project presented and documented the implementation of a federally funded culvert management system software product in a County bridge inspection program. Investigators culminated the year-long research implementation project with a day-long seminar including the installation and use of the software with hands-on practice, the issuance of a free copy of the culvert management system, and additional design and construction aids that were utilized during the investigation process by the studied County. This report compiles the implementation processes completed during the life of this project. The implementation process consisted of literature research, software installation and use, data-gathering visits, and peer review. County Engineers, Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) officials, and associated researchers served in advisory roles to steer and review findings. The implementation and review process yielded a satisfactory implementation of an FHWA-sponsored culvert management database and the tools to utilize the database for input, prioritization, and reporting of bridge replacement needs and costs at the local government level. Next, the investigators developed a structured demonstration program to distribute the results of the implementation to interested local government officials, county engineers, ALDOT engineers, and city engineers. Finally, exit questionnaires were distributed, collected, and analyzed. They are presented in this report to demonstrate the effectiveness and impact of this implementation project. In these ways, the investigators supported the University Transportation Center for Alabama (UTCA) theme, "Management and Safety of Transportation Systems" and contributed to the transfer of this vital technology to those who can immediately benefit from its application.78