FHWA Bridge Inspector’s Manual Section 4—Bridge Inspection Reporting System - a PDH Online Course for Engineers, Architects and Surveyors

FHWA Bridge Inspector’s Manual Section 4—Bridge Inspection Reporting System

Course Outline

This five-hour online course begins with examples of data collection forms used to organize data describing bridge inventory items (items pertaining to a bridge’s characteristics) and bridge appraisal items (judgments of the condition of bridge components). Next, guidelines are given for condition and appraisal ratings of bridge components and for overall culvert ratings. Items to be included in the bridge record are listed at length. Documentation of the precise description of bridge defects is stressed. The necessary information that must be included in a comprehensive bridge report is described. Finally, the standardization of bridge inspection data by means of the CoRe (Commonly Recognized) element system is introduced.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will

Be familiar with the FHWA structure inventory, appraisal, and condition ratings;
Know the FHWA inventory items;
Know the FHWA appraisal items;
Be familiar with the role of inventory items in bridge management systems;
Understand maintenance rating guidelines;
Be familiar with overall culvert ratings;
Understand the concepts of functionally obsolete and structurally deficient;
Be cognizant of the concept of sufficiency rating;
Know methods of record keeping;
Be familiar with general items in the bridge record;
Be familiar with appropriate inspection documentation;
Know the basic components of a comprehensive bridge inspection report;
Appreciate the importance of the inspection report;
Be familiar with the terminology, requirements and identification of AASHTO Commonly Recognized (CoRe) Elements; and
Recognize the role of CoRe elements in bridge management systems.

Intended Audience

This course is intended primarily for civil, construction, and structural engineers, and would be of particular interest to consulting engineers or to engineers serving in government organizations concerned with the safety of bridges.

Benefit to Attendees

An attendee of this course will be familiar with the FHWA’s bridge inspection reporting system and will be able to apply this knowledge in bridge inspections.

Course Introduction

A good bridge inspection reporting system is essential to document bridge conditions and to protect the public’s safety and investment in bridge structures. It is, therefore, essential that bridge inspection data be clear, accurate, and complete,since it is an integral part of the lifelong record file of the bridge .Because of the requirements that must be fulfilled for the National Bridge
Inspection Standards (NBIS), it is necessary to employ a uniform bridge inspection reporting system. A uniform reporting system is essential to evaluate the condition of a structure correctly and efficiently. It is a valuable aid in establishing maintenance priorities and replacement priorities, and in determining structure capacity and the cost of maintaining the nation’s bridges. Consequently, the importance of the reporting system cannot be overemphasized. The success of any bridge inspection program is dependent upon its reporting system.

Course Content

This course is based on BIRM’s Section 4 (Bridge Inspection Reporting System)of the Federal Highway Administration Bridge Inspector’s Reference Manual, Publication No. FHWA NHI 03-001, October, 2002, Revised December, 2006.

FHWA Bridge Inspector’s Manual Section 4—Bridge Inspection Reporting System

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Course Summary

The characteristics of the FHWA’s bridge inspection reporting system are described in a manner useful for conducting inspection of bridges.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/bripro.htm

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.