Maintenance of an urban highway network supported by a structure database system.

For efficient management of various structures in a big highway network, systematic handling of the data is essential since its volume increases over time and includes different forms like diagrams and photos. The maintenance information management system established by Hanshin Expressway Company Limited (HEX) is a computerized database and is the processing and reference system for all bridge structure elements. HEX is also developing its own version of a bridge management system, which helps to plan annual budget allotments and work prioritization with a life cycle cost minimization rule. Both systems are supporting tools for rational decision making processes such as maintenance and repair programs under the recently curtailed financial situation. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214938.