During this paper it will be discussed some important novelties related to the topic of bridge
asset management. In a first step, it will be covered the problematic of bridge assessment through the
use of Key Performance Indicators. An emphasis will be made to the outcomes from the COST Action
TU 1406 (www.tu1406.eu). Then, it will be discussed how these indicators can be used in the
management of existing bridge stock. It will be introduced the problematic of performance predictive
models and how maintainability could be integrated for the Life Cycle Cost analysis. At the end it will
be discussed the difference between the management of a single and a network of bridges, what type
of optimization models and decision-support algorithms can be used. An example is shown through the
main results from the research and development project SustIMS – Sustainable Infrastructure
Management Systems. The main objective is to show operators how the standardization of this
procedure, and how these frameworks would contribute for a more sustainable and efficient
management of their bridge stock.This article is based upon the work from COST Action TU1406, Quality specifications for roadway bridges,
standardization at a European level (BridgeSpec), supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and
Technology).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
