What Is a Bridge Inspection Checklist?
A bridge inspection is carried out by engineers and licensed inspectors to test and assess the operating condition of a bridge. The bridge structure and its stability must at all times ensure that it can be used safely.
The main aim of a bridge inspection checklist is to determine damage, wear and other dangers. With this important information, necessary repair and maintenance work can be carried out regularly.
This article deals with the following topics:
1. Why is a bridge inspection important?
2. How a bridge inspection checklist is carried out
3. Advantages of bridge testing using a bridge inspection checklist
4. Digital bridge inspection checklists
Why Is a bridge inspection important?
Bridges around the world are used by millions of people every day. Many industries benefit from their convenience, especially those that rely heavily on logistics. Most bridges have been in existence for many years and have withstood the effects of the natural environment such as storms, earthquakes and hurricanes during their lifetime. Regardless of their stability, bridges are never free from damage and natural wear. Therefore bridge inspections are indispensable. This prevents critical warning signs that can lead to structural failure and endanger the public.
Careful bridge inspections also help local governments to save money. Preventive inspections are less expensive than repairs, and timely bridge inspections help engineers identify and resolve minor structural problems before they grow into costly and risky problems.
How a bridge inspection checklist is carried out
Bridges undergo different types of inspections depending on their age, condition and special circumstances, such as possible structural damage after a natural disaster. Each type of inspection is designed to contribute to the safety and stability of the bridge.
The following is a list of the different types of bridge inspections performed by engineers and licensed bridge inspectors:
1. First Inspection
The initial inspection is the very first bridge inspection to be carried out on recently rehabilitated bridges. This initial inspection is performed before a bridge is opened to the public. The main focus is on the various areas that require closer monitoring for maintenance purposes.
2. Every 2 Years Bridge Inspection
Every 2 years a routine inspection is carried out to assess the general operating condition of a bridge. In this way, possibilities for repair and maintenance work can be identified.
3. If Routine Procedure is Inaccessible
Thorough inspections are carried out when the bridges around the world are used by millions of people every day. Many industries benefit from their comfort, especially those that rely heavily on logistics. Most bridges have been in existence for many years and have withstood the effects of the natural environment such as storms, earthquakes and hurricanes during their lifetime.
Regardless of their stability, bridges are never free from damage and natural wear.Therefore bridge inspections are indispensable. This prevents critical warning signs that can lead to structural failure and endanger the public.
4. If a Bridge is Damaged
These inspections are primarily carried out after immediate disasters, such as severe storms, accidents or human error. During this inspection, the bridge is, of course, closed to the public to avoid safety risks.
5. When Defects Occur
A special inspection is carried out when there is a defect that requires constant monitoring while waiting for repairs. These inspections are only carried out in special cases.
Advantages of bridge testing using a bridge inspection checklist
- Maintenance of safety
- Compliance with the law
- Avoidance of costs, through early maintenance
- Complete documentation of the bridge condition
Digital bridge inspection checklists
The bridge inspection inspection with pen and paper is a challenge. Tracking developments, making updates and implementing measures is easier with a digital application. In addition, training and preventive measures can be implemented more easily by sharing all information digitally with all employees.
With Lumiform’s mobile app, regular bridge testing can be easily checked by tablet or smartphone – online or offline. The desktop software is used to create checklists and subsequently evaluate the collected data. This significantly reduces the risk of information loss and documentation errors. Clean, transparent documentation helps to meet all the requirements of a bridge inspection.
With Lumiform’s digital solution you can play it safe in your bridge inspection by taking advantage of the following benefits, among others :
- With the flexible form construction kit, they can create a checklist for your bridge inspection within minutes, which can be updated at any time.
- Take and upload commented images of best practices or areas for improvement during bridge inspection.
- Save time by simplifying the analysis of all data and identifying areas for improvement more quickly.
- always have the bridge check at hand – online and offline.
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