Field Assessment

The field assessment form and associated site visit are required to determine all structural deficiencies that prohibit a reasonable service life with normal maintenance. Inspect the condition of the foundation, substructure, and components of the superstructure. Starting this process with a desk review of the files located in AssetWise is recommended before performing the site visit.
The desk review is not a substitute for visiting the bridge and performing a thorough inspection to identify the scope of work and most importantly to determine accurate quantities related to each type of repair
.
  • While at the bridge check for the following deficiencies:
    • Settlement of the foundation
    • Spalling, cracking, or deterioration of the concrete and corrosion of the reinforcing steel in the substructure.
    • Deterioration in steel protective systems (paints or coatings) and corrosion/section loss in the structural steel elements.
    • Movement or rotation of the abutments due to approach slab or pavement movement.
    • Any damage or defects of the beams or girders and bearings
    • Unsound concrete, cracking, delamination, efflorescence
      ,
       and corrosion of the reinforcing steel in the top and bottom of the deck.
    • Deterioration of the overlay due to defects or damage in the underlying concrete.
  • Photographs of the following:
    • Bridge ends
    • Bridge elevations
    • Bridge approaches
    • Problem areas
      (
      Take a few
       pictures
      showing
      each type of
      deficiency/
      repair
      location
       that will be referenced in the Working Drawings/Plan
      s
      . There is no need to include a picture of every location in the field assessment form.)
    • Views upstream and downstream, if applicable
  • After Completing the field assessment:
    • A review and analysis of the extent of the deficiencies and the feasibility of repair.
    • Replacement
      at some point in the future
      is usually recommended if a 20-year
      remaining
      service life cannot be predicted.
      • (future = once the bridge becomes eligible for replacement)
    • A review of the hydraulic adequacy, if applicable
      .
    • If there are concerns of whether to repair or replace the deck, Bridge Division is available to help with Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) to help determine the extent of the damage, repair quantity calculations, and the associated cost estimate.