Digital engineering models for prefabricated bridge piers

Data-driven engineering is crucial for information delivery between design, fabrication, assembly, and maintenance of prefabricated structures. Design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA) is a critical methodology for prefabricated bridge structures. In this study, a novel concept of digital engineering model that combined existing knowledge of DfMA with object -oriented parametric modeling technologies was developed. Three-dimensional (3D) geometry models and their data models for each phase of a construction project were defined for information delivery. Digital design models were used for conceptual design, including aesthetic consideration and possible variation during fabrication and assembly. The seismic performance of a bridge pier was evaluated by linking the design parameters to the calculated moment???curvature curves. Control parameters were selected to consider the tolerance control and revision of the digital models. Digitalized fabrication of the prefabricated members was realized using the digital fabrication model with G-code for a concrete printer or a robot. The fabrication error was evaluated and the design digital models were updated. The revised fabrication models were used in the preassembly simulation to guarantee constructability. For the maintenance of the bridge, the as-built information was defined for the prefabricated bridge piers. The results of this process revealed that data-driven information delivery is crucial for lifecycle management of prefabricated bridge piers.