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The industry foundation classes (IFCs) data model is a neutral and open data format defined by an international standard (ISO 16739), which allows the description of a construction as a collection of standard objects. These objects are quite well defined for describing a building, but their use is still far from being adapted (and then adopted) for infrastructure. The article presents a new methodology to enrich the IFC model for an infrastructure, in particular, for the scope of bridges, based on a system approach. The first step is to identify all the absent concepts and classes in the current IFC definition, procedural geometry, coordinate systems, etc., and then proposes “bridge oriented” new entities in order to enrich the current IFC model. The next IFC development phases, dedicated to other infrastructure domains, will be based on this experienced methodology.

A Bridge Data Dictionary contains an exhaustive list of terms used in the field of bridges. These terms are classified in systems in order to avoid any lacks, to identify all the expected object attributes, and to allow machines to understand the associated concepts. The main objectives of a Bridge Data Dictionary are many: ensure the sustainability of information over time; facilitate information exchange between the actors of the same project; ensure interoperability between the software packages. Other objectives have been reached during the process: to test a working methodology to be applied by other infrastructure domains (Roads, Rails, Tunnels, etc.); to check the current functions and capabilities of a buildingSMART Data Dictionary platform; and to define a common term list, in order to facilitate standardization and IFC-Bridge classes' development.