Bridge inspection research.

PDFTech ReportResearch Report No. 61Research Project No. 71-2M(B)Louisiana HPR 1(9)Construction safetyInspectionBridgesTrainingInspectorsInformation managementLouisianaLouisiana. Department of Highways. Maintenance SectionDunn, Al. J.Bizette, J. G.Louisiana. Department of Highways. Maintenance SectionUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionSince the collapse of the Silver Bridge into the Ohio River, the enactment of the Federal Aid Highway Act and a marked increase in national concern for the safety of the traveling public, highway departments throughout the country have directed much more attention to the problem of Bridge Maintenance Inspection.A comprehensive bridge inspectors training program was developed as a cooperative research project between the states of Florida, Georgia and Louisiana, the Federal Highway Administration and the Link Division of Singer General Precision Inc. of Silver Spring, Maryland.This report shows generally what three states attempted to do about developing and implementing a bridge inspection program, and more specifically the procedures to be implemented by the State of Louisiana.Of primary concern was the quality of the inspections being conducted and whether the inspectors themselves were adequately trained to perform this function. It was decided a training program would be needed.In addition to training personnel, it was decided an inspection system, a filing system, a bridge numbering system and a method of computerizing all structural and inventory and appraisal items to make them available for total or partial recall would be necessary. This has essentially been accomplished, although all information necessary for computerization has not been obtained, and all bridges have not yet been numbered.The ground work for the total Bridge Inspection Program in Louisiana has been laid, and personnel have been trained to accomplish inspections. It is felt this is a good program, and complete implementation within the AASHO and Bridge Inspection Training Course guidelines is recommended