Procedure to Check Present Adequacy of Methods Used

Methods to analyze the hydrology and hydraulics at bridge sites continue to improve. In many cases, a method used in the original analysis is no longer an appropriate method. The following steps should be used to examine the adequacy of the method:
  1. Examine the adequacy of the analysis for the original crossing design before undertaking major reconstruction or replacement.
  2. If the method originally used is no longer appropriate, recalculate the analysis for these crossings using an appropriate one.
  3. Reconsider the risk of failure of the existing structure, including the following:
    • increased traffic volumes
    • changed traffic service requirements
    • increased highway construction and maintenance costs
    • liability for damages to property that could be attributed to the highway crossing.