Recording Condition Ratings

Per Coding Guide
Condition ratings are entered on the Bridge Inspection Record. The Item Numbers relate to the entry of the data in the electronic Bridge Inventory Files, the detailed instructions for which are contained in the Coding Instructions of the Coding Guide
  • Deck (Item 58)
  • Superstructure (Item 59)
  • Substructure (Item 60)
  • Channel (Item 61)
  • Culverts (Item 62)
  • Approaches (Item 65)
  • Miscellaneous (Used for informational purposes only))
Per SNBI:
The detailed instructions for the condition ratings are contained in the SNBI (incorporated by reference) Subsection 7.1.
  • Deck [B.C.01]
  • Superstructure [B.C.02]
  • Substructure [B.C.03
  • Culvert [B.C.04]
  • Bridge Railing [B.C.05]
  • Bridge Railing Transitions [B.C.06]
  • Bridge Bearings [B.C.07]
  • Bridge Joints [B.C.08]
  • Channel [B.C.09]
  • Channel Protection [B.C.10]
  • Scour Condition [B.C.11]
  • Bridge Condition Classification [B.C.12] (automatically calculated)
  • Lowest Condition Rating Code [B.C.13] (automatically calculated)
  • NSTM Inspection Condition [B.C.14]
  • Underwater Inspection Condition [B.C.15]
The rating must equal or exceed the minimum values for each element of a component (shown to the left of the element description on the form). Each element is rated based on independent consideration. For instance, lower or deficient secondary members (bracing, diaphragms, etc.) in a superstructure may cause the Superstructure (Item 59) [B.C.02] component to have a poor rating even though the main members show no significant deterioration. The summary Component Rating must be the least of the element ratings comprising that component.
However, when referencing the Coding Guide, Deck (Item 58) component is independent of its associated element ratings such as joints, railings, wearing surface, etc. The SNBI has joints and railing as their own components.
Do not base condition ratings on the known presence of chlorides in the deck, superstructure, or substructure concrete or low compressive strengths from core samples. Determine the condition rating solely on the observed, materials-related, physical condition of the component at the time of the inspection.
The Bridge Inspection Electronic Form has space for fully supportive written comments for each of the above features. These comments are required for any condition rating of 7 or lower. The form includes a brief summary of the description of each level of rating. More detail on the condition rating for each item number is given in the Coding Guide and SNBI.
For the condition ratings calculated by FHWA, Bridge Condition Classification [B.C.12] uses the lowest condition rating of B.C.01, B.C.02, B.C.03, or B.C.04 to output a classification code and the Lowest Condition Rating Code [B.C.13] outputs the lowest condition rating code from B.C.01, B.C.02, B.C.03 or B.C.04. SNBI Subsection 7.1 has detailed information to explain coding.