Advanced index launched to assess bridge conditions country-wide

DUBAI / WAM

An innovative approach to gauge the condition of bridges nationwide has been launched by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.
Dubbed “Advanced Bridge Condition Assessment Index” the measurement, developed in collabo- ration with the University of Sharjah, ensures periodical inspection of bridges by following a theory of algorithms whereby each and every material used in the construction of a bridge is assessed in order to determine whether or not it needs maintenance, without impingement on the conditions of other material used.
“The data received through the new index will feed the Road Asset Management System, ICARO, according to which priorities of maintenance are set,” said Engineer Ahmed Al Hammadi, Director of the Road Department at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development who affirmed the keenness of Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development, to ensure the ministry’s
sustained support for R&D .
“The results to be delivered by the innovative index will play a significant role in determining the use of building material in roads constructed at the federal level nationwide in accordance with best international practices and standards,” he added.
Such indices effectively contribute to leveraging the country’s ranking in global competitiveness reports, he added, noting that “UAE came first for the fourth year running under the Road Quality Category at the Global Competitiveness Report 2016–2017 published
by Davos World Economic Forum- which is a world testament to
the integrated infrastructure boasted by the country as part
of the 2021 Vision.”