Model for evaluating bridge construction plans

Effective planning has considerable influence on the successful completion of a bridge project, particularly with respect to minimizing effects on traffic flow, safety, and adjacent business activity. The optimization of such plans is, hence, desirable. However, designers lack objective tools with which to evaluate the effectiveness of their plans. This paper presents a model for evaluating bridge construction plans during the design phase. The model includes five major factors: safety, accessibility, carrying capacity, schedule performance, and budget performance. An additional 22 subfactors were developed to assist in evaluating these major factors. The model was developed based on observation of actual construction sites and through input from industry experts. It was validated through input from another set of industry experts and application to an actual bridge construction planning case.