MPC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Transferring Research Innovations in Bridge Inspection Planning to Bridge Inspection Practice
Authors:	Abdelrahman M. Abdallah, Mehmet E. Ozbek, and Rebecca A. Atadero
University:	Colorado State University
Publication Date:	Mar 2022
Report #:	MPC-22-456
Project #:	MPC-594
TRID #:	01845311
Keywords:	bridge management systems, data collection, inspection, nondestructive tests, state departments of transportation, state of the practice, technological innovations

Abstract

Over the last two decades many researchers have focused on providing new ideas and frameworks that can help improve conventional bridge inspection practices; however, little guidance is provided for implementing these new ideas in practice. This, along with resistance to change and complexity of the proposed ideas, resulted in a lack of success in applying new technologies in bridge inspection programs. Accordingly, this qualitative study aims to identify the factors that can help improve research products and accelerate research transfer in bridge inspection departments. This study used semi-structured interviews, written interviews, and questionnaires for data collection to provide rich results. From among different departments of transportation (DOTs), 26 bridge personnel were involved in this study. Although the study focuses on the field of bridge inspection, the findings of this study are expected to have some generalizability to other significant changes to engineering practice at DOTs. Participants stated that collaboration between practitioners and researchers can help improve research products. Also, to facilitate change in transportation organizations, participants suggested that change leaders should focus on showing the need for change, gaining support from the FHWA, allocating the required resources, and enhancing the capacity of DOT staff members through training and effective communication.

How to Cite

Abdallah, Abdelrahman M., Mehmet E. Ozbek, and Rebecca A. Atadero. Transferring Research Innovations in Bridge Inspection Planning to Bridge Inspection Practice, MPC-22-456. North Dakota State University - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, Fargo: Mountain-Plains Consortium, 2022.