The main focus of the project is to establish a link between a physics-based corrosion model and condition rating assessments. This will empower the DOTs to rationally explore the long-term benefits of investments in innovative technologies, such as advanced materials and innovative construction methods. If the framework is implemented on a larger group of bridges, DOTs will be able to better allocate assets by prioritizing bridges for repair and maintenance according to their true vulnerability quantified by the physics-based deterioration models whose results can be directly utilized in structural analyses.

The proposed research will provide recommendations for implementing the results into the state bridge management system (BMS). Relevant documentation, along with the detailed report, will be provided to guide the adoption of the new recommendations.  The findings of this project are expected to facilitate informed screening and classification of bridges for repair and rehabilitation and explore alternative maintenance scenarios. To allow transfer of results into practice, existing deterioration curves and bridge details of DOTs will be used as input for the framework.