Category: Bridge Management

The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force is eager to respond to the updated National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI). The AASHTOWare business model strives to keep the annual cost of the software as low as possible for all member agencies. However, at strategic times, AASHTO must pursue solicitations to be able to respond to major initiatives, such as changes in federal law or policy. This solicitation will ensure that the AASHTOWare Bridge Management (BrM) software maintains regulatory compliance, improves product functionality, and builds sustainability all in one effort. The Task Force requests that all member agencies contribute to this important initiative. Full participation in the solicitation will ensure that AASHTOWare will not only implement the new inspection requirements into BrM well in advance of Federal deadlines but also allow agencies to continue bridge management in the new format.

Timeline

Date	Summary
September 2022	States to notify AASHTO of intent to participate and contributing agencies are encouraged to submit work plan comments to the AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force.
October 2022	Solicitation work plan finalization, development of BrM 7.0 starts.
February 2023	BrM 6.7 release – Includes NBI Conversion upgrades, Dashboards, and Ancillary Assets (advancement to the multi-asset framework). The effort is already underway.
Spring 2023	BrM 7.0 (early) release – Available for contributing agencies on a Mayvue hosted environment. Focused on data collection, first version of the migration tool, and data validation. Agencies can adapt their reports, APIs, and business practices to the new requirements.
March 2024	BrM 7.0 release – Complete inspection overhaul including visual form editor (VFE) for custom forms, inspection types, QA/QC module, multimedia, etc.
January 2025	BrM 7.1 release – Updates to the Optimizer, Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA), and Analysis tools using the new data format, in preparation for the 2026 TAMP submittal!
March 2026	First NBI submittal reported to FHWA in SNBI format. Data can consist of mostly transitioned data that has not yet been collected using the SNBI or verified as conformant with the SNBI.

Transition Plan and Incentives

BrM will deliver a seamless transition to the new inspection and data standards. Agencies will be able to continue performing inspections and execute their management programs as planned. This approach allows an agency to transition to the new format on their timeline and well ahead of the FHWA deadlines. There will be early software-as-a-service (SaaS) releases to avoid multiple instance installations and IT-related delays until the BrM 7.1 release. The early release will also allow agencies to begin collecting data in SNBI format and satisfy the FHWA March 2028 milestone date. This will be particularly useful for bridges at extended inspection intervals.

Agencies that participate in the solicitation will receive key incentives: the ability to submit their comments to the work plan governing this effort, receiving early releases before official access to begin using the new standards for data collection, updated reports and API connections, and an early start to begin training inspectors and management staff. Furthermore, contributors will receive free cloud-hosting services during the transition to avoid IT complications and/or confusion associated with running two on-premises AASHTOWare Bridge Management instances. Additional benefits and incentives will be discussed during the upcoming BrM User Group meeting.

Contribution Options

Contributions to this solicitation are critical to the success of this transition and the long-term sustainability of the BrM software. $300,000 per member agency is strongly encouraged but greater or lesser amounts will be gladly accepted. Agencies can use existing service units from any AASHTOWare product or make contributions over multiple fiscal years if needed. Additionally, AASHTO has coordinated with the FHWA to allow contributors to use State Planning and Research (SP&R) funds at 100% Federal participation (0% State match) for this initiative if your agency permits. If you have any funding-related questions, please contact the AASHTOWare Bridge Project Manager (Ryan Fragapane, rfragapane@aashto.org).

Note: Funding in advance of the work plan can be committed to AASHTO via the FY2023 Member Software Request Form: Additional Enhancement Funding. All funding will be reserved to support the project solicitation.

Information related to this solicitation timeline, work plans, progress, funding, and more can be found at https://www.aashtowarebridge.com/bridge-management/solicitation/.

February 2022

The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force product update is provided to keep all AASHTOWare Bridge Management (BrM) Software users apprised of recent activity related to the development of the software. The Task Force is committed to providing quarterly updates to help improve communication between the Task Force and those interested in the product.

BrM Version 6.6 Release Update

While Mayvue is developing the Signs module, the Testing TAG has been hard at work beta testing the other significant portions of the 6.6 release that were previously completed including: 

• Funding by Project Allocation
• Critical Findings/Request for Action Module
• User Certification Module
• Addressed Accrued Technical Debt
• Multimedia Enhancements (various)
• Excel Projects Upload Enhancement 
• BrM Mapping Widget

In the coming weeks, Mayvue will complete 50% of the entire Signs module, followed by 100% development completion in April 2022. At the 100% completion milestone, Mayvue will conduct an additional demonstration of the 6.6 release to the Testing TAG, focusing on the Signs module functionality. Following the demonstration, the Testing TAG will complete another round of beta testing focused entirely on the Signs module prior to providing their release recommendation to the Task Force.

The version 6.6 release is targeted for late May or early June 2022.

NBIS/SNBI Compliance Solicitation Brochure

In January 2022, the Task Force distributed a digital NBIS/SNBI Compliance Solicitation Brochure to the member agency BrM licensees. The brochure highlights the forthcoming NBIS/SNBI solicitation and the importance of contributions to ensure the sustainability of the AASHTOWare Bridge Management software.

This informational brochure provides pertinent details such as the expected contribution amount, elements of the work plan to incorporate SNBI mandates and support the sustainability of the software, and benefits for contributing agencies. The NBIS/SNBI solicitation brochure is intended to inform AASHTOWare Bridge Management end-users, but also includes important information for other decision-makers and management within your agency.

The Task Force requests that you read and forward this brochure to others within your agency and begin taking steps to contribute to this important endeavor. 

BrM Version 6.7 Planning

During the January 2022 Task Force meeting, the scope for the version 6.7 work plan was discussed in detail. The Task Force is focused on adding meaningful functionality to BrM while balancing the potential for the release of the new coding guide in the coming months and the potential need to pivot development activities to focus on the Coding Guide Solicitation project. As a result, the Task Force and Mayvue discussed several potential options for the 6.7 work plan including a small, medium, and large release. Having options will allow flexibility for Mayvue to complete work in sequential order and the ability to quickly pivot to new coding guide efforts immediately following the release of the new coding guide. 

One of the major planned functionalities for the 6.7 release is a Dashboard tool that will allow agencies to set up, manage, and view a variety of visualizations within BrM on a centralized page.

Mayvue is currently drafting the 6.7 work plan, with options, for Task Force review. The Task Force plans to communicate the finalized plan and schedule for version 6.7 in an upcoming product update.

New Coding Guide Efforts Initiated

The Task Force has authorized Mayvue to get a jump on certain deliverables required to issue the solicitation request once the coding guide is released. Specifically, a high-level work plan will be provided to agencies as a component of the Coding Guide Project Solicitation documentation. Mayvue is working to define the work plan items, create visual mockups where needed, build high-level release plans and schedules, and other related materials to support the solicitation project process.  The Task Force is excited about the forthcoming improvements and our ability to quickly deliver an improved product that meets the new Federal requirements.  

AASHTOWare BrM Mobile Inspection powered by Mayvue 

Member Departments and Associate Members wishing to use the AASHTOWare Bridge Mobile Inspection powered by Mayvue can now license this application through AASHTO.

This application enables agencies to conduct inspections via Android and Apple phone or tablet devices remotely. It works offline and online to allow inspectors to collect inspection information without an internet connection. Please reach out to Mayvue or the AASHTOWare BrM project manager for more information or to request a demonstration for your agency.

Reminder – BrM Training Videos Available

The Task Force authorized the creation of numerous BrM training videos focused on frequently asked questions and available functionalities/modules added to the software. These videos contain useful information for all levels of users and are readily available on the BrM YouTube channel located here. Be sure to subscribe and click the bell icon to receive notifications whenever a video is released. Requests for additional topics to be considered for video instruction should be submitted to BrM@mayvue.com. Your input is always appreciated.

2022 BrMUG – Save the Date

Please save the date for the 2022 Bridge Management User Group Meeting (BrMUG) which will be held September 13 – 14, 2022. The meeting is planned to be in person in Minneapolis, MN. We are looking forward to seeing everyone’s faces again in September!

Sincerely,
The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force

November 2021

The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force product update is provided to keep all AASHTOWare Bridge Management (BrM) Software users apprised of recent activity related to the development of the software. The Task Force is committed to providing quarterly updates to help improve communication between the Task Force and those interested in the product.

BrM Version 6.6 Release Update

Mayvue completed the 100% BrM 6.6 release demonstration to the Testing TAG in early November. This demonstration focused on the major enhancements coming in version 6.6 including: 

• Funding by Project Allocation
• Critical Findings/Request for Action Module
• User Certification Module
• Addressed Accrued Technical Debt
• Multimedia Enhancements (various)
• Excel Projects Upload Enhancement 
• BrM Mapping Widget

The Testing TAG is in the process of testing the 6.6 release, including full installation testing. However, the planned path to release version 6.6 to the user community has been changed since the last Product Update. Version 6.6 was originally scheduled to be released in January 2022; however, in October 2021, the Task Force requested a modification to the BrM 6.6 contract with Mayvue to incorporate a Signs Module into the BrM software. This enhancement is possible thanks to the generosity of the following agencies who contributed service units to fund the Signs module design and development. 

• Alabama DOT
• Arizona DOT
• California DOT
• Delaware DOT
• Idaho TD
• Rhode Island DOT

The new release date for version 6.6 is tentatively scheduled for Spring 2022. 

The addition of the Signs Module provides a means for agencies to begin inspecting and managing their signs within BrM. Additional information related to the Signs Module is provided in the subsequent article.

The version 6.6 testing plan has been modified to accommodate this late addition. Mayvue will conduct an additional BrM 6.6 release demonstration focused specifically on the Signs Module. At that point, all testing feedback for the original version 6.6 features (listed above) should be submitted and addressed by Mayvue. Following the Signs Module walk-through, the Testing TAG will complete another round of beta testing focused solely on the Signs Module addition before providing their release recommendation. If you have any questions about the Signs Module or the release plan for version 6.6, please reach out to the Task Force.

BrM Signs Module (Coming Soon)

Similar to the existing Tunnels module, the addition of the Signs Module is a component of the evolution of BrM to provide support for additional agency assets. The Signs Module will leverage many of the existing tools and features already built into BrM and will allow agencies to configure certain parts of the module to inventory and inspect signs (including elements) in accordance with their agency’s policies. Signs Module functionality included in the BrM version 6.6 release includes:

• View a list of signs
• Building and generating sign reports
• Creating, viewing, and editing Sign elements
• Creating, viewing, and editing Sign inventory
• Creating, viewing, and editing Sign inspections
• Creating, viewing, and editing Sign element inspections
• Creating, viewing, and editing Sign panels
• Uploading, viewing, and editing Sign multimedia
• Creating, viewing, and editing Sign work candidates
• Setting and updating Sign element longitude and latitude

This introductory version of the BrM Signs Module will provide agencies with the initial foundation to inventory, inspect, and manage signs in a manner similar to their tunnels and/or bridge assets. It is important to note that the Michigan Department of Transportation is currently working on supplemental enhancements that, once incorporated, will significantly improve the base Signs Module being added in version 6.6. 

NBIS/SNBI Compliance Solicitation Brochure

A digital brochure that highlights the forthcoming NBIS/SNBI solicitation and the importance of contributions to ensure the sustainability of the AASHTOWare Bridge Management software is planned to be distributed to member agencies in the coming weeks. This brochure will also provide additional pertinent information such as the expected contribution amount, elements of the work plan to enhance the software and benefits for contributing agencies.

The NBIS/SNBI solicitation brochure is intended to inform AASHTOWare Bridge Management end-users, but also includes important information for other decision-makers and management within the agencies.

Please keep an eye out for this brochure, and in the meantime, attention to any questions regarding the solicitation or commitments to Ryan Fragapane (AASHTOWare Bridge Management Project Manager).

2021 BrM User Group Meeting (BrMUG) Recap

The Task Force would like to thank all who participated in the 2021 Virtual BrMUG meeting. While virtual for the second straight year, the event was a success with excellent user participation. 

The Task Force would like to remind everyone that video recordings of the BrMUG and speaker PowerPoint presentations are available on the AASHTOWare Bridge website here. 

The Task Force would also like to remind agencies that feedback is always welcomed. Agencies do not need to wait until next year’s BrMUG/annual survey.

Finally, the BrMUG officers will distribute the results of this years’ BrM enhancement voting in the coming weeks, so all participants can see where their votes landed in terms of the user-voted enhancements. 

2022 BrMUG – Save the Date

Please save the date for the 2022 Bridge Management User Group Meeting (BrMUG) which will be held September 13 – 14, 2022. The meeting is planned to be in person in Minneapolis, MN.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone’s faces again in 2022!

AASHTOWare BrM Mobile Inspection powered by Mayvue 

Earlier this year, AASHTO signed a master licensing agreement with Mayvue for the inclusion of a BrM Mobile Inspection application to be included in the annual AASHTOWare catalog. AASHTO Member Departments and Associate Members wishing to use the AASHTOWare Bridge Mobile Inspection powered by Mayvue can now license this application through AASHTO.

This application enables agencies to conduct inspections via Android and Apple phone or tablet devices remotely. It works offline and online to allow inspectors to collect inspection information without an internet connection. Please reach out to Mayvue or the AASHTOWare BrM project manager for more information.

BrM Version 6.7 Planning

The Task Force is currently working with Mayvue to define the scope of release version 6.7. There is no shortage of options when it comes to new enhancements thanks to the BrMUG voting and South Carolina DOT’s and Michigan DOT’s donated enhancements. The Task Force plans to evaluate all options and select enhancements that add the most value to the software. The Task Force is targeting a work plan draft in January 2022. This will then become the work plan from which Mayvue will develop the next version of the software. The Task Force will provide an update of the planned enhancements for version 6.7 with the next AASHTOWare Bridge Management product update.

As always, if you would like to champion one of the BrMUG voted priorities, the Task Force would greatly appreciate your assistance. Please reach out to Mayvue, the Task Force, and/or the AASHTOWare Bridge Project Manager for more information.

Reminder – BrM Training Videos Available

The Task Force authorized the creation of numerous BrM training videos focused on frequently asked questions and available functionalities/modules added to the software. These videos contain useful information for all levels of users and are readily available on the BrM YouTube channel located here. Be sure to subscribe and click the bell icon to receive notifications whenever a video is released. Requests for additional topics to be considered for video instruction should be submitted to BrM@mayvue.com. Your input is always appreciated.

Sincerely,
The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force

The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force is pleased to announce the release of AASHTOWare Bridge Management (BrM) version 6.5. The primary focus of this release is to enhance the functionality of the Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) module. Agencies can now create bridge-level life cycle plans that fit their specific practices and policies for any given bridge. This functionality is useful whether a user is programming work that is scheduled to be done in the short term (5 years or less), or is developing a long-term program (e.g. 10, 15, 20, 50 years, etc.).

What’s New in BrM 6.5

• Implemented a new LCCA Optimization module to generate optimal Life Cycle Plans. The module analyzes different alternatives and recursively selects the alternatives with the least life cycle costs.
• The new LCCA recursive module leverages the current Network Policies and LCCA Policies pages, however, the policies are used in a new context. The Network Policies are used to generate the alternatives that the module will optimize, and the LCCA Policies are used to prevent the bridge from falling below a certain threshold.
• The new algorithm generates Life Cycle Plans from alternative actions (defined by Network Policies), condition-based actions (defined by LCCA Policies), and manually added actions (defined by users selecting from Actions, Projects, Network Policies, or Work Candidates).
• Users can now visually compare up to three Plans via Performance, Timing, and Life Cycle Cost charts.
• Added optimization queues to the Programs > Program Planning and Analysis > LCCA tasks. Users can now easily queue optimizations and observe which optimization is currently running.
• Added an option to the optimizer to allow you to recalculate the structure weight for each year of the optimization period.
• Added Utility without LCC type to rule builder in Admin > Modeling Config > Network Policies and Admin > Modeling Config > LCCA Policy Rules tasks.
• Added Action User Cost as an associated benefit groups option for actions on the Admin > Modeling Config > Actions Defs task.
• Added a User Cost section to the Projects > Create/Edit Projects tasks.
• Added UserCost context and example formulas to the Admin > Modeling Config > Advanced Formulas task.
• Added NBI Element Conversions report that shows how the conversion profiles are interacting with the inspection data.
• Added the Time in State report that shows how long bridges have been in their rating condition.
• Various bug fixes and improvements (full list supplied with the release notes).

The changes included in the latest release, AASHTOWare BrM 6.5, are also highlighted in this release video:

Download BrM 6.5 Now

AASHTOWare BrM 6.5 and supporting documentation are now available for download from ShareFile:
https://mayvue.sharefile.com/d-s52bfb431bd3347698410abea943578c9

Please make sure to read the Release Notes prior to installing BrM 6.5. Email brm@mayvue.com with any questions or concerns, or if any issues during the installation process.

Sincerely,
The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force

May 2021

The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force product update is provided to keep all AASHTOWare Bridge Management (BrM) Software users apprised of recent activity related to the software development. The Task Force is committed to providing quarterly updates to improve communication between the Task Force and those interested in the product.

BrM 6.4 Released

The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force is pleased to announce the release of BrM version 6.4. This release was made available to the user community on January 8, 2021. Here is the release video that summarizes the new enhancements included in the release. Below are some of the key highlights:

• Redesigned Multimedia Module
  • Updated the Inspection > Multimedia task to use the redesigned Multimedia module.
  • Added the Admin > Security > Multimedia task to manage the role-based permission for multimedia contexts and subfolders.
  • Added the Admin > General Config > Multimedia task to configure various settings for the Multimedia module.
  • Added a Multimedia widget that can be added to any new or existing task from the Visual Forms Editor.
• Updated the Program Optimizer to allow for multi-year, manually funded (funding allocated) projects.
• Updated the Programs > Assign Projects task to allow for the assignment of projects to specific program scenarios.
• Added the ability to enable/disable the optimizer log files, control the number of alternative logs maintained in the system, and set the number of rows of data permitted in each alternative log.
• Added the ability to download optimizer log files, including the web output log and the alternative log, on the Programs > Program Planning task.
• Added a Weighted option to the Percent Condition State field for the Element Condition State action type on the Admin > Modeling Config > Network Policies task.
• Added the Bridges > Mapping > Enhanced Mapping task that allows you to view the surrounding bridges on a map within a particular area of the selected bridge. You can also draw your own area from which to view surrounding bridges.
• Various bug fixes and improvements (full list supplied with the release announcement).

Note: There are some new considerations when adding multimedia file links to custom Crystal Reports. Please see the attached document for more details about what’s changed: Adding Multimedia to Custom Reports in 6.4.pdf

As always, please contact Mayvue by emailing BrM@mayvue.com with questions, installation support, or to report issues.

BrM 6.4.1 Patch Release

Shortly after the release of version 6.4, the Task Force authorized Mayvue to complete a patch release to address a potential security vulnerability discovered in one of the application frameworks used to build BrM. Upon identification, Mayvue contacted all agencies that downloaded version 6.4 to explain the situation and suggested delaying their 6.4 implementations until the patch release was made available. 

The 6.4.1 patch was released to the user community on February 4, 2021. While this patch is optional and may not impact your agency, it is Mayvue’s recommendation for agencies to install this version when upgrading their BrM instance. 

Agencies interested in upgrading to version 6.4.1 can find the installation files, release notes/instructions, and software documentation here. Please reach out to Mayvue if you have any questions.

BrM 6.5 – Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) Update

Mayvue hit the 100% development completion milestone at the end of March 2021 and held a demonstration of the functionalities for the Beta Testing TAG, Optimizer TAG, Database TAG, and Task Force on April 22, 2021. The Beta Testing TAG is continuing to test the LCCA functionality to ensure all components of the enhancement are functioning as expected, on both the Mayvue hosted site and in their local environments. 

Due to the large number of enhancements included in the LCCA project, and the long-awaited nature of this release by many agencies, the Task Force has decided to release the LCCA enhancements to the BrM community in the summer of 2021 as BrM 6.5. This release will also include maintenance fixes that Mayvue is able to include through the end of beta testing. The Task Force will continue to update the user community on the delivery of the LCCA enhancements as development and testing progresses.

BrM 6.6 Work Plan

The Task Force finalized the BrM 6.6 work plan during their April Task Force meeting. The high-level enhancements included in the scope of this project (planned for delivery in early calendar year 2022) are listed below:

• Sub-divide Funding by Project Category (#2 user voted priority)
• Critical Findings / Request for Action Module
• User Certification Module
• Analytical Tools
  • STIP Project Import Tool
  • Time in State Report (for NBI items)
  • NBI Conversion Report   

The BrM 6.6 Project work plan was approved by the Standing Committee on AASHTOWare (SCOA) on May 3, 2021 and the contract is expected to be executed in early May. 

The Task Force is also evaluating the possibility of including a Signs Module enhancement and/or the Suppression Rule enhancement (formerly known as the Optimizer Look Ahead rule) in the 6.6 release via a work plan/contract modification in June 2021. The inclusion of these enhancements is dependent on funding availability and individual state funding contributions / service unit donations to support the development activities. 

Please reach out to the Task Force or Mayvue with any questions related to the BrM 6.6 work plan.

Update – Proposed Changes to the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) as well as the new Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI)

The Task Force continues to monitor the proposed changes to the NBIS and SNBI. A date has not yet been established for the official release of these proposed changes; however, the Task Force remains vigilant to ensure we are ready to respond without delay. We have previously communicated that a project solicitation will be issued to secure sufficient funding to ensure BrM’s compliance with the new regulations. Please note, the Task Force has prioritized maintaining BrM’s compliance with national standards as its highest objective for the future. We will continue to monitor the timing of the release and continue to make you aware as we learn new information.

We ask that all agencies strongly consider supporting this important undertaking through participation in the upcoming project solicitation. 

When/How Can AASHTO Accept Funding Commitments?

Based on feedback received from several AASHTO Member Agencies interested in participating in the upcoming project solicitation, we have learned that some agencies have “earmarked” funding in their current fiscal year budgets to commit funding towards the NBIS/SNBI BrM project.  

The solicitation commitment process cannot commence until the work plan is finalized and the work plan cannot be finalized until the requirements have been published. Therefore, for those agencies interested in committing funding to this important initiative prior to the publication of the NBIS/SNBI changes and issuance of the project solicitation, an alternate mechanism has been established to commit funding for the project.

Funding for the NBIS/SNBI BrM project can be committed to AASHTO via the FY2022 Member Software Request Form: Additional Enhancement Funding.  All funding contributed in this manner will be reserved to support the project solicitation. Questions about the project solicitation process should be directed to Judy Tarwater. 

Reminder – BrM Training Videos Available

The Task Force authorized the creation of numerous BrM training videos focused on frequently asked questions and available functionalities/modules added to the software. These videos contain useful information for all levels of users and are readily available on the BrM YouTube channel located here. Be sure to subscribe and click the bell icon to receive notifications whenever a video is released. Requests for additional topics to be considered for video instruction should be submitted to BrM@mayvue.com. Your input is always appreciated.

The 2021 BrMUG Meeting is Going Virtual (Again)!

Based on responses to the recent BrM user community agenda planning survey, it was determined that agency travel approval for a majority of the BrM user community will not be supported for the 2021 BrMUG meeting scheduled for this September. Please save the date for the 2021 VIRTUAL Bridge Management User Group Meeting (BrMUG) which will be held September 14 – 16, 2021. 

The User Group Officers are working hard on agenda development, using input received from their recent survey. Registration for the event will not be opened until the agenda is in final form. Please watch for 2021 VIRTUAL BrMUG meeting emails for additional information.

Sincerely,
The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force

The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force is pleased to announce the release of AASHTOWare Bridge Management version 6.4. As you are aware, with the move to BrM 6, BrM has become ‘patchable’.  The goal of patches is to ultimately ease the upgrade process. The patch files have been posted to ShareFile.  Please email brm@mayvue.com with any questions or concerns, or if any issues during the patch process. 

Please make sure to read the Install Notes below and the release notes prior to installing BrM 6.4.

What’s New in BrM 6.4 

• Redesigned the Multimedia Module.
  • Updated the Inspection > Multimedia task to use the redesigned Multimedia module.
  • Added the Admin > Security > Multimedia task to manage the role-based permission for multimedia contexts and subfolders.
  • Added the Admin > General Config > Multimedia task to configure various settings for the Multimedia module.
  • Added a Multimedia widget that can be added to any new or existing task from the Visual Forms Editor.
• Updated the Program Optimizer to allow for multi-year, manually funded (funding allocated) projects.
• Updated the Programs > Assign Projects task to allow for the assignment of projects to specific program scenarios.
• Added the ability to enable/disable the optimizer log files, control the number of alternative logs maintained in the system, and set the number of rows of data permitted in each alternative log.
• Added the ability to download optimizer log files, including the web output log and the alternative log, on the Programs > Program Planning task.
• Added a Weighted option to the Percent Condition State field for the Element Condition State action type on the Admin > Modeling Config > Network Policies task.
• Added the Bridges > Mapping > Enhanced Mapping task that allows you to view the surrounding bridges on a map within a particular area of the selected bridge. You can also draw your own area from which to view surrounding bridges.
• Various bug fixes and improvements (see the release notes for a full list).

BrM 6.4 is now available for download at the link below:
https://mayvue.sharefile.com/home/shared/fobda07d-fe41-409b-833c-55b94d76d0f2

BrM 6.4 Install Notes

• If you do not have access to the download folder, please reach out to brm@mayvue.com.
• The install is designed to upgrade any version of BrM 6. You will need to have BrM 6.0 or later installed to run this update.
• There is only one 6.4 install, it will ask you which version you wish to update. Please make sure you select the correct install for your environment.
• The scripts are included with the install but also posted on the ShareFile site. 
• These are the same scripts. You do not need to download them from ShareFile if you download the installs.
  • The scripts are located in the install directory atOracle  – “~\DB\Oracle\Database Script”
  • SQL Server  – “~\DB\Microsoft SQL Server\Database Scripts”
• Please enter any questions or issues in Jira or send an email to brm@mayvue.com.

Note: There are some new considerations when adding multimedia file links to custom Crystal Reports. Please see the attached document for more details about what’s changed: Adding Multimedia to Custom Reports in 6.4.pdf

BrM 6.4 Documentation

The full documentation is posted to ShareFile.  Also, a release video is available below which highlights the changes made to version 6.4. 

Sincerely,
The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force

November 2020

The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force product update is provided to keep all AASHTOWare Bridge Management (BrM) Software users apprised of recent activity related to the development of the software. The Task Force is committed to providing quarterly updates to help improve communication between the Task Force and those interested in the product.

BrM Version 6.4 Project Update

BrM Version 6.4 is currently in full beta testing and is progressing nicely. The Testing TAG is meeting weekly and thoroughly testing the multimedia enhancements as well as other fixes and minor enhancements within their networks. It is the Task Force’s goal to release version 6.4 by late 2020 or early 2021. In addition to the various enhancements that were demonstrated during the User Group Meeting, the Task Force recently authorized mapping enhancements to be added into version 6.4. While this was not originally planned for this release, the Task Force recognized that improved mapping would result in an enhanced user experience and Mayvue had the additional capacity to include these features in short order. As a result, two significant mapping improvements will be included in version 6.4 along with some other minor mapping features: 

1. When a bridge is selected (blue pin), the map will now have the option to show surrounding bridges (yellow pins) to allow quick selection of close/nearby bridges by the user. This feature can be toggled on and off by using the surrounding bridges toggle at the top of the page.
   
2. Users will be able to draw a polygon on a map and the application will automatically select those bridges and provide details in a table below the map. This allows the user to capture information about multiple surrounding bridges very quickly and without having to build another filter to view their information.

The Task Force will continue to keep the user community aware of the status of the 6.4 release. If you have any questions, please feel free to send them to brm@mayvue.com.

Internet Explorer (IE) 11 End of Life Support – Early Notification

Microsoft recently announced that it will be ending support for IE11 in August 2021 across all Microsoft applications and services. In response, the Task Force has determined that it will no longer support IE11 beyond the version 6.5 release which is not yet planned but is likely to occur sometime in the calendar year 2021. As a result, future versions of BrM would require the use of other major browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge as IE11 will no longer be supported. 

Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) Update

Mayvue is approaching the 75% development completion mark for LCCA enhancements in December 2020. Upon approval of the version 6.4 release (discussed above), Mayvue will complete a demonstration walk-through of the LCCA enhancements to both the Testing TAG and Optimizer TAG. This will occur after the 6.4 release is approved to allow the TAG to fully focus their testing efforts on the LCCA enhancements. 

Between the 75% and 100% LCCA enhancement development completion milestones, Mayvue will focus on refining the Optimizer and addressing feedback from the Testing and Optimizer TAGs. The Task Force is evaluating options for the release of the LCCA enhancements which include potentially including it in the 6.5 release planned for 2021. The Task Force will continue to update the user community on the delivery of the LCCA enhancements as development and testing progress.

Update: Proposed Changes to the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) as well as the new Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI)

The Task Force continues to monitor the proposed changes to the NBIS and SNBI. A date has not yet been established for the official release of these proposed changes; however, the Task Force remains vigilant to ensure we’re ready to respond without delay. We have previously communicated that a project solicitation will be issued to secure sufficient funding to ensure BrM’s compliance with the new regulations. Please note, the Task Force has prioritized maintaining BrM’s compliance with national standards as its highest objective for the future. We will continue to monitor the timing of the release and continue to make you aware as we learn new information.

Agencies interested in supporting the upcoming solicitation, or agencies who may have questions about the process, should reach out to Judy Tarwater to discuss further. We ask that all agencies strongly consider supporting this important undertaking through participation in the upcoming project solicitation.

User Priority: Sub-divide Funding by Project Category Update

In the last quarterly update (August 2020), the Task Force advised that Mayvue was authorized to draft a functional design specification (FDS) for the second-highest user priority enhancement (from the 2019 BrMUG meeting voting): Subdivide Funding by Project Category. This enhancement provides an agency with the ability to dedicate a certain portion of their funding to Preservation or Replacement project categories and those funds would be optimized in series. This workflow can currently be accomplished manually in BrM; however, the manual process requires several rounds of manual optimization. The Subdivide Funding by Project Category enhancement will fully automate the current manual, iterative process, resulting in significant time savings. 

The Task Force is pleased to announce that the Subdivide Funding by Project Category FDS was reviewed and approved in October 2020 and the functionality will be included in the BrM 6.5 project work plan which should be finalized in January 2021. 

The Task Force would like to thank the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for donating service units to fund the development of this enhancement for inclusion in the core BrM product, benefiting all member agencies. The Task Force will provide a complete summary of the BrM version 6.5 work plan enhancements in the next quarterly update in the February 2021 timeframe.

2020 BrMUG Follow up

The Task Force would again like to thank all who participated and presented during the virtual 2020 BrMUG in September 2020. While we missed seeing everyone in person, the virtual meeting was a success and allowed for more technical presentations than in previous years, including an entire day of training focused on the Optimizer given by Zac Boyle of Mayvue.

The Task Force would like to remind everyone that video recordings of the BrMUG and speaker PowerPoint presentations are available on the AASHTOWare Bridge website here. If you would like a recording of the Optimizer Training session, please reach out to Mayvue separately for a link to this training. Due to proprietary reasons, we have not made this training publicly available.

Sincerely,
The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force

August 2020

The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force product update is provided to keep all AASHTOWare Bridge Management (BrM) Software users apprised of recent activity related to the development of the software. The Task Force is committed to providing quarterly updates to help improve communication between the Task Force and those interested in the product.

Development Update: Multimedia and LCCA Enhancements

As previously communicated to the user community, the Task Force has authorized multiple development efforts to occur concurrently. Both projects include significant product enhancements and are well underway. Mayvue is providing frequent updates to the Testing TAG and Task Force, ensuring the multimedia and life-cycle cost analysis enhancements deliver exactly what BrM users need. Below is a progress update on both development efforts:

• BrM Version 6.4 / Multimedia Enhancements: Mayvue is working very hard to complete the development of a detailed demo of the new multimedia functionality for presentation during the BrMUG meeting in early September. The enhancements include the improved organization of the current user interface, development of a widget for easier access to multimedia files, and a foundation for integrating with other multimedia platforms. The 6.4 release also includes other minor enhancements and dozens of updates and software fixes. Work completed to date is already being tested by the TAG to lessen the load for the complete beta testing period. The Task Force looks forward to the all-encompassing beta testing period to occur this Fall and a release to the user community shortly thereafter.
• LCCA Enhancement Updates: Mayvue has completed hundreds of development and alpha testing hours in support of the LCCA enhancements to date. Recently, Mayvue surpassed the half-way point for development; however, this project still has a way to go before its ready for release. Mayvue is currently implementing much of the backend functionality with the UI already created. The next significant step is to work on the cost calculation and the optimizer portion of the updates. It is worth noting that the Testing TAG is closely involved in this project and testing is occurring along the way to streamline the testing and release cycle when ready. If you’re interested in checking on the status of this project, please remember that the Task Force is making the LCCA walk-through videos available on the BrM YouTube channel.

2020 BrMUG Meeting Update

While the 2020 BrMUG is not an in-person event, the modified agenda and training topics are shaping up to offer an exciting and productive meeting for all attendees. The robust agenda includes both Mayvue guided training and first-hand state experience presentations that offer users a diverse look at the software, in addition to providing insight into the BrM product roadmap. The virtual nature of the BrMUG will be a great opportunity for additional staff from your organization to attend the Webinars and training sessions that would typically not be able to participate. Complete information on the 2020 Virtual BrMUG Meeting, including links to register for the webinars, is available here.

The yearly user survey was forwarded to the BrM user community in early August to solicit customer feedback and provide the Task Force with critical information to advance product support and improve interactions with the Task Force and Contractor. A high-level summary of the survey results will be included in the AASHTOWare Overview presentation during the 2020 Virtual BrMUG meeting.

The Task Force is looking forward to an exciting and productive meeting and seeing everyone’s faces again in 2021!

2019 User Priority #2: Sub-divide Funding by Project Category Update

The Task Force plans to send out an update email on each of the top ten (10) user priorities identified during the 2019 BrMUG. In support of this direction, the Task Force recently authorized Mayvue to draft a functional requirement document (FDS) for the second-highest user priority voted by the BrM community in 2019: Subdivide Funding by Project Category. This enhancement would give an agency the ability to dedicate a certain portion of their funding to Preservation or Replacement project categories and those funds would be optimized in series. It is a workflow that can be accomplished manually in BrM now; however, the manual process requires several rounds of manual optimization. The goal of this enhancement is to automate that process.

Mayvue will assist interested agencies in the formulation of complete requirements. To support this effort, the Task Force is funding the FDS development phase through the annual Maintenance, Support, and Enhancement (MSE) contract with Mayvue. Mayvue started this effort in late July and plans to have the FDS completed for agency review before the User Group meeting in September. The second phase (development of the functional requirements) will then be funded by state contributions and added to a future work plan for implementation into the core software. If your agency is interested in providing funding to support the development of this enhancement, please reach out to Mayvue or any Task Force member.

Microsoft Teams – Improved Method for User-to-User Communication

The Task Force recently completed a trial of Microsoft Teams to evaluate the applicability of the use of the tool to improve user-to-user communication as well as communication with the Task Force. The Task Force trial was initiated based on feedback from the user community conveying their interest in identifying a platform other than typical social media outlets (i.e. Facebook, email chains) serving as the primary mechanism for BrM user communication with one another. Microsoft Teams provides many benefits for user-to-user communication as well as for general correspondence with the Task Force. Please note, this will not replace official communication from the Task Force or Mayvue such as release announcements. Here are some of the benefits:

• Microsoft Teams enables users to communicate in a central, persistent location.
• Users can be easily added or removed to reduce noise.
• Conversations are organized in channels and available for anyone to follow/review/respond.
• Microsoft Teams allows users to follow certain channels, so alerts are provided when a post is made.
• Microsoft Teams can be installed locally with a Microsoft license or accessed via a web browser.
• Search is available to recall past conversations.

The Task Force plans to roll out an AASHTOWare BrM Community Team in the coming weeks. Please note, additional channels can be created and/or removed based on user feedback and growing needs. Here are a few of the planned channels that will be available from the start.

• BrM Quarterly Updates
• BrMUG
• FAQs
• Optimizer Discussion
• BrM General

If you’re interested in participating in the AASHTOWare BrM Community Teams channels, please email BrM@Mayvue.com to be added to the Teams community.

Solicitation to Remain Compliant with the Proposed Changes to the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) as well as the new Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI) 

BrM is synonymous with compliance. The changes to the BrM software because of the planned coding guide changes are expected to be significant. The Task Force and Mayvue have been planning for the release of the proposed changes for many months. This includes planning the necessary steps to ensure the software remains federally compliant and the mandated changes are implemented as fast as possible. The goal is for BrM agencies to focus their energy on internal/organization changes needed to remain compliant. As a result, AASHTO plans to issue a solicitation to help fund the significant improvements and modifications in the coming year. The amount of the solicitation request will depend on the extent of the required changes but is expected to be around $300,000 per agency. 

An initial announcement was sent by Eric Christie in May 2020, identifying a forthcoming solicitation and how solicitations are strategically used at times to pool funds to achieve defined large-scale objectives through work plans with the Contractor while keeping license costs economical. This announcement also detailed options to help ease the impact on agency budgets, especially due to COVID-19 implications. Additional communication will be sent to the BrM end-user designees as the release of the coding guide changes get closer and becomes official. 

Agencies interested in supporting the upcoming solicitation, or agencies who may have questions about the process, should reach out to Judy Tarwater to discuss further. The Task Force asks that each agency consider participating in this important undertaking.

Reminder – BrM Training Videos Available

The Task Force authorized the creation of numerous BrM training videos focused on frequently asked questions and available functionalities/modules added to the software. These videos contain useful information for all levels of users and are readily available on the BrM YouTube channel located here. Be sure to subscribe and click the bell icon to receive notifications whenever a video is released. Requests for additional topics to be considered for video instruction should be submitted to BrM@mayvue.com. Your input is always appreciated.

Sincerely,
The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force

The annual AASHTOWare Bridge product newsletter is now available for download.

In this issue we discuss:

• BrDR
  • New Contractor: ProMiles
  • Version 6.8.4 – Last Legacy Release
  • BrDR Modernization Work Plan
  • Automated Testing

• BrM
  • Multimedia Module Enhancements
  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • BrM Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs)
  • Solicitation to Remain Compliant with Changes to Federal Regulations
  • Mobile Applications
  • New and Improved Website

Continue reading “2020 AASHTOWare Bridge Product Newsletter”

May 2020

The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force product update is provided to keep all AASHTOWare Bridge Management (BrM) Software users apprised of recent activity related to the development of the software. The Task Force is committed to providing quarterly updates to help improve communication between the Task Force and those interested in the product.

Save the Date – 2020 BrMUG Meeting

The 2020 annual Bridge Management User Group Meeting (BrMUG) will be held in Minneapolis, MN, on September 1-2, 2020. Complete information on the 2020 BrMUG Meeting can be found here.

COVID-19 Implications

Although all AASHTO meetings through July 31, 2020 have been cancelled, we are hopeful that things will be back to some form of pre-pandemic normal between now and early September. The conference is about four months away, so we are moving forward with conference planning activities. We realize that social distancing restrictions may continue and could result in the conference being cancelled; however, should that occur, we plan to pull the most substantive material from the planned agenda and look for opportunities to make these presentations available through virtual presentations.

In the Meantime

If you plan to attend the meeting, COVID-19 permitting, please register for the conference and make your hotel reservations. Information on conference registration and the hotel room block can be found on the 2020 BrMUG Website. The deadline for hotel reservations is August 1, 2020. If the conference ends up being cancelled, all sleeping room reservations made under our group reservation room block will also be cancelled by the hotel.

Please DO NOT purchase your airline ticket at this time. With the uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation and the varying airline policies on compensating travelers for unused airfare, airline tickets should not be purchased until we get closer to the conference dates.

BrM Version 6.4 Highlight

The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force is pleased to announce that the BrM 6.4 development work plan and contract have been approved and executed. The BrM 6.4 Project includes multimedia module enhancements (a highly ranked priority for several years) and various other enhancements that will improve the BrM user experience. The Task Force chose multimedia as the key enhancement for this next major release given the fact that the user requirements are well defined, the functional design specifications have been completed, and there is a low probability that the proposed federal changes will impact or cause rework within this area of the application.

The multimedia enhancements consist of four major categories:

• Better organization of the current user interface fields and adding new fields and features.
• Development of a widget to more easily access multimedia files from within specific tasks to eliminate the need to navigate to the multimedia module to view/access files.
• Security improvements to provide more control.
• A foundation for integrating BrM multimedia with other multimedia platforms (e.g. ProjectWise).

Additionally, BrM version 6.4 will offer other improvements including:

• Addition of the remaining FHWA validation checks and associated software changes.
• Addition of a “Date Entered” and “Entered By” fields on the Tunnel Inspection page.
• Tunnel data import into the sample database and associated testing.
• Various bug fixes, usability enhancements, and maintenance improvements identified by the user community.
• Integration of approved service unit customizations into core including policy rule weighted element condition states and the availability of an improved Optimizer log.

The Task Force will keep the user community apprised of the development and testing progress as well as our schedule for release as work progresses. Special thanks to the Alabama Department of Transportation and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for their financial commitment to this enhancement via service unit contributions.

Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) Work Plan Update

Since the release of version 6.3 in January 2020, Mayvue has been hard at work building the enhanced functionality of the LCCA module. As previously communicated, this was the highest priority enhancement voted by the user community during the 2018 BrMUG. The LCCA module will enable agencies to create life cycle plans for each bridge and profiles to be used as part of the network analysis in terms of a refined life cycle cost for any given number of bridges.

Mayvue is periodically demonstrating the new LCCA UI framework and backend functionalities to Testing and Optimizer TAG members. This is a new approach for BrM development projects and is a step towards adopting the Agile software development methodology. Traditionally, TAGs are involved in reviewing and testing near the end of the development phase. The Task Force is excited to move forward a more agile development approach to support earlier involvement and feedback from end-users.

The Task Force and Mayvue plan to hold Testing and Optimizer TAG walk-through webinars at significant development milestones. Please check out the BrM YouTube channel for recordings of these webinars in the near future. 

BrM Solicitation and License Fee Announcement

The Task Force recently forwarded an announcement to AASHTO member agency end user designees to make them aware of the forthcoming BrM solicitation to support BrM compliance with the proposed changes to the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI) and the BrM license fee increase for FY2021. Please send any questions or concerns regarding this announcement to Judy Tarwater (jtarwater@aashto.org).

AASHTO and the Task Force are keenly aware of the potential financial impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on transportation funding. As an active and valued member of the AASHTOWare BrM community, we hope you understand the need for a license fee increase to support the long-term health of the product and the future solicitation to support the proposed changes to the NBIS.

To support the necessary funding needs the Task Force is “thinking outside the box” to remind licensees that, if needed, funding that members have banked with AASHTO as BrM service units can be used by agencies to support BrM license fee payments or participation in the upcoming solicitation. In addition, when the planned solicitation described below is formally issued, AASHTO will reach out to FHWA to request approval for members to use their State Planning and Research (SP&R) funds at 100% federal participation.

aashtowarebridge.com – New and Improved Website

The aashtowarebridge.com website was recently updated to serve as a single point of reference for all modules within the AASHTOWare Bridge product suite (Bridge Management, Bridge Rating and Bridge Design). Users can quickly navigate between the modules in the site’s header. This effort was undertaken to consolidate the AASHTOWare Bridge modules into a single site and to bring the site in alignment with AASHTOWare website standards.

The relevant content has been migrated from the old website with new content added. Information available on our website includes:

• Support related information
• Training material and options
• Links to other BrM related information & sites

As always, if you have any suggestions on how to improve our website or have recommendations for additional content to be added please let Mayvue know by emailing BrM@mayvue.com.

Mayvue’s Free Multimedia Mobile App Now Available

Mayvue is actively developing a full-featured BrM mobile inspection application to be released in the near future; however, through feedback received from the user community, Mayvue has learned that many agencies need a more efficient way to collect multimedia today. As a result, Mayvue built a separate mobile application that focuses solely on simplifying the multimedia capture and BrM upload process.

Today, this application is available for all BrM agencies to use for FREE indefinitely! The application works across all iOS, Android, and desktop devices. Watch the video.

If you want to learn more, or join the BrM agencies already trying it out, please email Mayvue at mobile@mayvue.com.

Reminder – BrM Training Videos Available

The Task Force authorized the creation of numerous BrM training videos focused on frequently asked questions and available functionalities/modules added to the software. These videos contain useful information for all levels of users and are readily available on the BrM YouTube channel located here. Be sure to subscribe and click the bell icon to receive notifications whenever a video is released. Requests for additional topics to be considered for video instruction should be submitted to BrM@mayvue.com. Your input is always appreciated.

Sincerely,
The AASHTOWare Bridge Task Force