Product Update
Published on: August 5, 2013
The following Task Force product update is provided to keep all AASHTOWare Bridge Management Software (Pontis) users apprised of recent activity related to the development of the software. The Task Force is committed to providing these quarterly updates to help improve communication between the Task Force and those interested in the product.
Bridge Management 5.1.3 (Pontis 5.1.3)
Version 5.1.3 was approved and released to the community in May 2013. Since its release we have seen approximately half our users request and download the software. Interested agencies can still request the software either through FTP download, DVD, or both. So far the Task Force has received positive feedback about the product and its improvements over the other 5.X releases.
Service Pack 1 Release
AASHTOWARE Bridge Management 5.13 Service Pack 1 (SP1) is available for distribution with this update. SP1 was recognized as a necessary patch to 5.13 as it fixes two critical bugs:
- SP1 fixes a bug related to NBI fields that had values entered that exceed the cap instated by the NBI coding guide. (e.g. clearance fields with values over 99.99 meters). This cap is now working correctly for the FHWA tape submission and the sufficiency rating calculation. Please note that this will affect all users with any previous release of Pontis 5.X, if they have values entered over the FHWA cap.
- SP1 also fixes a critical bug that occurs on element inspections with agencies that use an Oracle database, that also have spaces to the left of their BRKEY in the database, e.g. _______1234’.
Current licensees may request copies of 5.1.3 SP1 via electronic download and/or on DVD disk by emailing pontis@bentley.com or submitting a help ticket within JIRA. The default delivery method is the secure FTP site. Upon an agency request, each agency will receive a unique password for accessing the downloads. Please specify how you would like to receive the software in your request email, so we can meet your needs in a timely manner.
The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force has been very active in the planning and development of BrM 5.2. To obtain the latest information on the software, development schedule, or other BrM information please refer to the AASHTOWare Bridge Management website.
AASHTO Bridge Element Inspection Manual – What to Expect in BrM
The AASHTO Bridge Element Inspection Manual 2013 revisions was approved by in June. Per MAP-21 these revised elements will be required by FHWA for NBI reporting for all NHS inspections after October 2014. In order to meet the needs of our licensees, the Task Force has planned for this change with the AASHTOWare Bridge Management software. The next software release (version 5.2.1), will support the new elements using minor modifications to the current database structure found in 5.1.3. It is anticipated that an enhanced database structure change will be part of the 5.2.2 version in conjunction with new deterioration models.
The effect of the proposed database revisions will be explained to the TRT in mid-July via a web conference. This will be available for viewing shortly thereafter on our website and YouTube channel. Please keep an eye out for this video, or future, live webinars.
2013 BrM User Group Meeting
The Task Force would like to remind all licensees that our annual User Group Meeting will be held in Portland, Oregon on September 17th-18th, at the Benson Hotel. Registration and room block off information will be forwarded by Bruce Novakovich in the near future. For now, please remember to save these dates, including your travel days. A draft agenda is available topics for presentation. Here are a few topics of consideration:
- Task Force, AASHTO, and FHWA updates
- 2013 AASHTO Bridge Element Inspection Manual overview
- Demo / Walk through of latest additions to BrM (show 5.2.1)
- Migrating from 5.1.0.3 to 5.1.3 – Oregon DOT testimony
- Plans for 5.2.2
- Effects of MAP-21
Contractor Hiring
Bentley Systems currently employs 10 full time employees staffed specifically for development and support of the AASHTOWare Bridge Management software. This team includes individuals to undertake and manage the development efforts for 5.2. Bentley is in the process of expanding their team to avoid delays in delivery and to meet user service unit needs. Please join Bentley and the Task Force in welcoming the new team members.
Task Force Meeting Update
Since the last quarterly update, the Task Force and Contractor have held two meetings (Fort Worth, TX and Seattle, WA). Both meetings were very productive. The next scheduled Task Force meeting is in Brooklyn, NY in November. Please visit the User Group forum page to review the posted meeting minutes.