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The City and County of Denver (CCD) Public Works Department owns, inspects, and maintains 531 bridges in its inventory of which 264 are considered major structures spanning over 6.1 m in length. In this paper, a methodology using the CCD major bridge network for the application of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods in bridge inspections is explained. The methodology, called Bridge Evaluation using Nondestructive Testing (BENT) helps systematically integrate NDE methods and conventional bridge management systems by using a Markovian deterioration model. Although the BENT method can be applied to timber, steel, and concrete bridges, in this paper the application of the method will be restricted to concrete bridges. The BENT system is part of a comprehensive geographic information system whereby database queries can be completed using a map interface. The database contains a wide array of information in the CCD infrastructure inventory including bridges, pavements, alleys, and street subsystems. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3828(2005) 19:1 (3) CE Database subject headings: Colorado; Bridge maintenance: Bridge inspection: Nondestructive tests: Databases.

Results of two recent questionnaires, one in 1993 and the other 1996, reveal that state Departments of Transportation are beginning to shift their priorities to emphasize inspection and rating of infrastructure. Specifically, the use of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) as a tool for maintenance decisions is increasing. In 1993, 94% of the state highway agencies responded to the survey; in 1996, 86% responded. The 1993 survey determined that steel is the material most often inspected with NDE and that concrete NDE techniques need further development. In the 1996 questionnaire, specific inspection information was acquired regarding both steel and concrete members as well as scour. In response to survey results, use of an ultrasonic imaging method for inspecting concrete structures is proposed. Finally, research directions are presented for future NDE development.