Creating New Open Standards to Allow for Widespread Use of BIM in the U.S. Bridge Industry

The use of building information modeling for bridges is increasing in popularity in the U.S., yet historically there hasn’t been a standard non-proprietary method for exchanging 3D models and other digital data — meaning that to use BIM, designers and contractors have faced interoperability issues if they don’t utilize software from the same technology provider. 

More than 20 state transportation agencies, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the AASHTO Committee on Bridges and Structures have come together to change that. They have pooled funds to create a national open data standard based on the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format specifically to utilize bridge design data for construction and fabrication, an ambitious undertaking that will set the stage for more widespread use of BIM throughout the life cycle of a structure. 

From 2018 through 2024, HDR led the team that developed the first set of open (non-proprietary) national data standards for 3D bridge models through the first BIM for bridges pooled fund study: TPF-5(372) BIM for Bridges and Structures. HDR is leading an international team to work in partnership with the pooled fund states, FHWA and other industry stakeholders to define open data standards for additional use cases and facilitate their deployment within the U.S. bridge industry via a second pooled fund study: TPF-5(523) BIM for Bridges and Structures – Phase II.

As these new data standards are implemented in software and deployed in the industry, software packages will include a consistent and reliable IFC export, much like a 2D document can be exported to a PDF. This will allow each person to work in their chosen software platform while still efficiently share the same data. It will set the stage for more automation during construction and fabrication as well as open the door to better asset management.

Successful completion of an initiative of this complexity requires industry-leading expertise in bridge design as well as extensive knowledge in construction, fabrication, IFC development and technology deployment. Standards established through these efforts will transform how bridge designs are developed and managed for decades to come. With HDR’s global experience delivering roadway and bridge design projects with BIM, our team is well-versed in international BIM standards and how various parties can leverage a data-rich 3D model with properties and attributes to realize tangible benefits. 

A critical success factor is building consensus for adopting BIM and U.S. data standards. This requires working broadly for state transportation agencies across the U.S. as well as contractors and fabricators. Close coordination with technology providers is ongoing to confirm that the standards are being incorporated into updated versions of their software products. HDR is also closely coordinating with agencies such as the Iowa and Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation who are carrying out pilot projects under an FHWA grant program to test the open data standards developed by the first pooled fund study.

We are proud to play a role in these national initiatives that are advancing the U.S. bridge industry by creating open data standards and enabling entities to exchange information with greater reliability, predictability and efficiency.