In the 2010s, multiple infrastructure incidents raised awareness of aging structures, accelerating technological and academic advancements in this field. Seoul, with bridge lifespans over twice the national average, is particularly susceptible to aging issues. Notable cases include the Jeongneung Stream Overpass incident in 2016 and the collapse of Dorim Overpass in 2023.
Currently, bridge management relies on safety diagnostics, but existing standards are somewhat qualitative and lack detailed analysis, making improvement necessary. Safety assessments focus primarily on “diagnosis” rather than preventive maintenance. Bridges are rated from A to E, but these ratings often fail to reflect specific maintenance needs, requiring more granular evaluation of each component’s condition.
Safety inspection reports are extensive, with inconsistent damage recording formats, complicating data management. Additionally, maintenance records lack uniformity, hindering an accurate assessment of current conditions. The Korea Infrastructure Safety Corporation’s integrated facility management system (FMS) also struggles with inconsistent data formats, limiting effective analysis.
To address these challenges, introducing new technologies like drones, BIM, and monitoring systems, along with standardizing data formats, has been proposed. This approach aims to enhance management efficiency, reduce additional budget and workforce requirements, and clarify maintenance priorities, ultimately supporting more precise decision-making and strengthening infrastructure safety.