TC36

Objectives

The bridge infrastructure is critical for economic development, social integration, and disaster response across Asia. However, complexities of long span bridges, aging infrastructure, limited maintenance budgets, environmental stressors, and a lack of region-specific technical guidance hinder sustainable bridge management.

To address these challenges and promote appropriate and forward-looking solutions, this TC aims to:

1) Develop Context-Specific Guidelines and Standards: To create technical guidelines, best practices, and policy recommendations tailored to the economic, environmental, and institutional realities of Asian countries, with an emphasis on cost-effective inspection, maintenance, and preservation strategies for regular and long-span bridges.

2) Advance Data-Driven Asset Management: To promote the use of data-centric asset management systems, including inventory databases, condition assessment technologies, life-cycle cost analysis, and risk-based prioritization methods, especially suited for resource-constrained environments.

3) Promote Climate Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction: To support the integration of climate adaptation and disaster resilience into bridge maintenance planning, particularly in regions prone to floods, earthquakes, and extreme weather, by encouraging scenario planning and resilient design interventions.

4) Foster Local Capacity and Knowledge Transfer: To build technical capacity through knowledge-sharing initiatives, training programs, and partnerships that empower local governments, engineers, and technicians with the skills and tools necessary for effective bridge preservation.

5) Facilitate Regional and International Collaboration: To provide a platform for collaboration among policymakers, academics, practitioners, and funding agencies across Asia and beyond, facilitating the exchange of research findings, case studies, and innovative solutions relevant to long-span bridge maintenance in emerging economies.

6) Encourage Low-Cost Technological Innovation: To identify and promote affordable technologies such as mobile inspection tools, remote sensing, drones, and AI-based decision support systems that enhance bridge condition monitoring and reduce maintenance costs.

7) Align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): To support the achievement of the United Nations SDGs, particularly Goals 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 13 (Climate Action), by embedding sustainability and inclusivity in bridge infrastructure practices. 

Terms of Reference

The TC will work to develop technical guidance, promote innovation, and build capacity in sustainable bridge management practices. Its scope will include the following thematic areas:

1) Bridge Asset Management Systems: Development and promotion of scalable asset management frameworks that support data collection, inventory creation, and condition rating for all types of bridges, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

2) Inspection, Monitoring, and Diagnostics: Advancement of practical and cost effective methods for routine and advanced bridge inspections, including the use of non-destructive testing, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and low-cost structural health monitoring technologies.

3) Maintenance and Preservation Strategies: Formulation of guidelines for preventive and corrective maintenance strategies, with a focus on life-cycle performance, budget optimization, and prioritization of critical infrastructure.

4) Climate Adaptation and Resilience Planning: Development of strategies and tools to assess and enhance the resilience of key bridges against climate related risks such as flooding, temperature extremes, and seismic activity.

5) Affordable and Innovative Technologies: Identification and evaluation of emerging technologies including mobile apps, AI powered tools, low cost sensors, and decision support systems that improve bridge maintenance while remaining accessible to low and middle-income countries.

6) Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing: Facilitation of regional training workshops, webinars, technical exchanges, and publications aimed at enhancing professional capacity and institutional knowledge across countries in Asia.

7) Policy and Governance Recommendations: Support the development of national and regional policies that promote sustainable investment, maintenance funding mechanisms, and regulatory oversight for bridge infrastructure.

8) Sustainability and SDG Alignment: Ensure all committee outputs contribute to long term sustainability by aligning with global development priorities such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDGs 9, 11, and 13).

9) Case Studies and Best Practices Repository: Documentation and dissemination of successful practices, lessons learned, and innovative maintenance programs from across the region to foster cross learning and adaptability. 

Expected Outcomes

The Technical Committee on Sustainable Management and Preservation of Bridge Infrastructure is expected to generate a range of practical, strategic, and capacity-building outputs that support sustainable bridge management and preservation across Asia.

The major works are listed as follow:

1) Published Guidelines and Technical Manuals: Development and dissemination of practical guidelines, technical specifications, and standards tailored to the management, inspection, and maintenance of bridges in low and medium-income countries.

2) White Papers and Research Reports: Production of white papers, policy briefs, and thematic research reports addressing regional challenges, cost effective technologies, climate resilience, and data driven asset management approaches.

3) Training Programs and Educational Materials: Creation of training modules, manuals, and online courses designed to build local capacity among engineers, technicians, and decision makers in sustainable bridge maintenance practices.

4) Workshops, Webinars, and Conferences: Organization of regional and international workshops, knowledge sharing forums, and conference sessions to engage stakeholders, showcase innovations, and facilitate collaboration.

5) Case Studies and Pilot Projects: Compilation and publication of case studies documenting successful bridge preservation strategies, inspection technologies, and maintenance programs implemented in Asia and globally.

6) Bridge Asset Management Tools and Templates: Development of user friendly tools, templates, and checklists that support bridge asset inventory, prioritization, life cycle planning, and decision making for resource constrained agencies.

7) Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Recommendations: Engagement with governments, multilateral donors, and professional associations to advocate for supportive policies, funding models, and governance frameworks that enhance infrastructure resilience and maintenance sustainability.

8) Regional Collaboration Network: Establishment of a collaborative network across Asia for continuous knowledge exchange, joint research, and coordination on bridge management and preservation efforts. 

Period of Activity

October 2025 - Present 

Financial Background

The activities of the TC will be carried out with the funds provided by each TC member. Additionally, KSCE/ASCE may be able to arrange possible partial support for major events of the TC.