Damage Inspections

Damage inspections should be performed immediately following any significant event such as permit overloads, floods or impact damage that could alter the condition of the structure. These inspections are not intended to be detailed but rather a quick assessment of damage and/or deterioration for the purpose of determining repair needs or to identify safety hazards. Particular attention should be given to:
  • structural damage
  • settlement or sagging of bridge or approach to bridge
  • damage to bridge railing or approach guard fence
  • quality of riding surface
  • performance and condition of the channel and bank protection measures
  • adequacy of deck drainage.
When initial inspections following a seismic event are necessary, the following items should be inspected:
  • alignment of joints, edges of slab, railing, and pavement markings for any indication of differential movement
  • beam ends to confirm that there is sufficient support and no differential movement between the beams and the substructure
  • bearings at abutments and interior bents for excessive movement or displacement
  • columns at interior bents for cracking.
If significant damage is found during one of these inspections, the area engineer and the district’s bridge inspection coordinator should be notified immediately. See TxDOT’s for more information on documentation requirements when damage is identified.