Inspection of bridges and related structures is an ongoing process that provides steady work for those inspecting bridges and overpasses. The federal, state, and local transportation agencies place vital importance of keeping these bridges and overpasses safe and inspected.
Keeping up with the inspections
Through periodic safety inspections, data are collected on the condition of primary components of a structure. Condition ratings are collected for the following components of a bridge:
- The bridge deck, including the wearing surface
- The superstructure, including all primary load-carrying members and connections
- The substructure, considering the abutments and all piers
- Culverts, recorded only for culvert designs
- Channel/channel protective systems, for all structures crossing waterways.
One of the major concerns for firms supplying under bridge inspection trucks is safety. This includes ensuring the safety of the bridges and structures being inspected and the safety of the inspection crews, commuters and pedestrians during inspections.
Be aware to stay safe
As any contractor knows, accidents happen. However, the other side of that notion is that accidents can be prevented, as well.
A critical aspect of staying safe (and alive) when carrying out inspections with under bridge inspection trucks is being intentionally aware. This means awareness of safety standards, laws and requirements. And abiding by them. It also means being intentionally aware of what is being done each moment, how it’s being done, and what’s happening around the inspection site at all times.
Is this too idealistic? Not really. The sobering reality is that many accidents involving under bridge inspection trucks are the result of human error, or a combination of that with other elements. When an inspection is delayed and costs are incurred due to an accident, it impacts the company or agency doing the inspection.
But when workers or civilians are injured or killed, the cost and impact go far beyond schedules and budgets with long-lasting and tragic results.
Regular Bridge and Under Bridge Inspections
Not all bridges are subject to the same inspection schedules. Most bridges are inspected every two years unless they’re rated as being in “very good” condition, in which case they are only inspected every four years. Highway bridges that are labeled as “structurally deficient” are required to be inspected annually, though many states inspect these bridges far more often.
Information from the USDOT shows that approximately 12 percent of the nation’s highway bridges are inspected annually. Just five percent are inspected every four years, leaving 82 percent of bridges that are inspected every 24 months.
According to the USDOT, there are “five basic types of bridge inspections” that are conducted:
- Initial inspections
- Routine inspections
- In-depth inspections
- Damage inspections
- Special inspections
“The ‘routine’ inspection is the most common type of inspection performed and is generally required every two years. The purpose of “routine” inspections is to determine the physical and functional condition of a bridge on a regularly scheduled basis.”
It is these routine inspections that make up the bulk of bridge inspections carried out by contractors, engineers, and state DOTs most frequently. And they are almost always involved in bridge inspections and under bridge inspection equipment
Routine Inspections
The primary purpose of routine inspections is to determine the physical and functional condition and integrity of a bridge structure.
However, bridge structures are not limited to the bridge deck and superstructure just as critical is the bridge substructure, which includes all the vertical supports, piers or columns, caps, and other components that are located underneath the bridge deck.
Safety is important in under-bridge inspections
When you need to perform an under-bridge inspection, you know that Partner Rentals has your back. We are here for whatever equipment you need to rent. If you need to rent an air conditioner unit, just contact us and we’ll get you started. And keep in mind that if your rental needs to be serviced, our mechanics can go to your jobsite, or it can be hauled back to the yard. If you need to book equipment for your next project, call 877-740-RENT (7368) today to book with Partner Rentals.
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