NBI Submittal File Schema
The NBI Submittal File Schema provides the organization or file structure for reporting data to the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) system for the March 15, 2026, data submittal and all future data submittals. The schema is based on JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), a lightweight format for storing and transporting data that uses attribute-value pairs and arrays to effectively describe the many-to-one data relationships found within the Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory. The use of JSON also supports the integration of NBI inventory and element data into a single submittal.
- NBI Submittal Schema (Updated: 7/18/2024)
- Example NBI Submittal Data File
2024 Changes to the Schema effective 7-8-2024 
The NBI Submittal Schema has been revised to accommodate changes from the SNBI Errata #1 and to accommodate the SNBI temporary codes in the Data Crosswalk - Detailed Coding Map for Individual Items. Changes due to temporary codes will be effective for the 2026 and 2027 data submittals when temporary codes are permitted. A new schema will be published in advance of the 2028 data submittal when temporary codes will no longer be allowed.
The changes to the schema are as follows:
Changes due to SNBI Errata #1
| Item Number | Data Tag | Existing Format | New Format | Item Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.EP.01 | BEP01 | AN(3) | AN(15) | Legal Load Configuration |
| B.EP.03 | BEP03 | AN(1) | AN(17) | Posting Type |
| B.EP.04 | BEP04 | N(2,0) | AN(15) | Posting Value |
Changes in field length to accommodate temporary codes during 2026 and 2027 when temporary codes are allowed. Changes due to temporary codes will revert back to the existing format as specified in the SNBI beginning with the 2028 data submittal.
| Item Number | Data Tag | Existing Format | New Format | Item Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.SP.04 | BSP04 | AN(3) | AN(4) | Span Material |
| B.SP.05 | BSP05 | AN(1) | AN(3) | Span Continuity |
| B.SP.06 | BSP06 | AN(3) | AN(4) | Span Type |
| B.SP.09 | BSP09 | AN(3) | AN(4) | Deck Material and Type |
| B.SP.11 | BSP11 | AN(3) | AN(4) | Deck Protective System |
| B.RT.03 | BRT03 | AN(2) | AN(3) | Route Direction |
| B.H.01 | BH01 | AN(1) | AN(3) | Functional Classification |
| B.H.04 | BH04 | AN(1) | AN(3) | National Highway Freight Network |
| B.N.06 | BN06 | AN(1) | AN(3) | Substructure Navigation Protection |
| B.PS.01 | BPS01 | AN(2) | AN(4) | Load Posting Status |
| B.C.11 | BC11 | AN(1) | AN(4) | Scour Condition Rating |
| B.AP.02 | BAP02 | AN(1) | AN(5) | Overtopping Likelihood |
| B.AP.03 | BAP03 | AN(1) | AN(5) | Scour Vulnerability |
| B.AP.04 | BAP04 | AN(1) | AN(3) | Scour Plan of Action |
General Notes Regarding the Schema:
- Refer to the Data Crosswalk for information on the relationships between Coding Guide data items and SNBI data items.
- The Schema uses data tags to identify SNBI data items. These data tags are also identified in the Data Crosswalk.
- The data tags in the Schema are listed and grouped according to the tables and relationships shown in the Introduction to the SNBI.
