Bridge Inspections, Bridge Safety, and Under Bridge Platforms

Bridge inspections are an essential component of infrastructure management, ensuring the safety and longevity of critical transportation assets. Across the United States, thousands of bridges connect communities and facilitate commerce. However, as these structures age and face increasing environmental stressors, regular inspections become even more vital.

This article explores the importance of bridge inspections, the regulatory framework that governs them, and the significant role under bridge platforms play in enhancing bridge safety and efficiency during assessments.

The Importance of Bridge Inspections

The importance and value of regular highway bridge inspections goes far beyond merely looking for wear and tear or structural issues. While these may be a large part of the primary focus of bridge inspection, the purpose of conducting and maintaining regular inspections transcends the immediate visual analysis and data collection.

Ensuring Public Safety

Bridges are among the most heavily used components of transportation infrastructure. Any structural weakness or failure can lead to catastrophic consequences, including loss of life and economic disruption. Government inspection regulations requiring routine inspections help identify potential issues before they escalate, ensuring the safety of the public and preserving vital transportation links.

Prolonging Infrastructure Lifespan

Proactive inspections allow engineers to detect and address minor problems such as corrosion, cracks, or material degradation. Timely bridge maintenance and repairs can extend the service life of a bridge, reducing the need for costly replacements.

Supporting Economic Stability

Bridges are critical to the movement of goods and services. A bridge closure due to safety concerns can disrupt supply chains and impact local economies. Regular inspections help maintain uninterrupted operations and minimize economic losses.

Regulatory Requirements for Bridge Inspections

The United States has established comprehensive standards and inspection regulations to ensure the consistent and thorough inspection of bridges. The National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS), administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), serve as the regulatory framework for bridge inspections nationwide.

The 3 Key Provisions of NBIS

The National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) are federal regulations established by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to ensure the safety and integrity of bridges in the United States. They mandate regular inspections, typically every two years, by certified personnel using standardized procedures, promoting consistency, early problem detection, and the preservation of critical infrastructure. The NBIS contains three major provisions regarding highway bridge safety and integrity.

Inspection Frequency: All bridges in the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) must undergo inspections at least every two years, though certain structures may require more frequent assessments based on their condition and design.
Qualified Inspectors: Inspections must be conducted by certified personnel with the appropriate training and experience.
Standardized Reporting: Inspectors must use uniform criteria and procedures to document their findings, ensuring consistency across states and agencies.

The Importance of Compliance

Non-compliance with NBIS can lead to federal funding penalties and increased liability risks. Adhering to these standards ensures that structures meet established bridge safety requirements and receive necessary bridge maintenance in a timely manner.

The Main Challenges for Bridge Inspections

Bridge inspections are inherently complex and come with a unique set of challenges, but there are a few common ones that can impact any bridge inspection project.

For example, there are often issues with accessibility, especially on larger structures. Reaching all parts of a bridge, particularly the underside, can be difficult due to height, terrain, and water obstacles. This is where under bridge platforms play a critical role.

In addition, there are environmental factors to consider. Inspectors often work in adverse conditions, including extreme weather, high winds, or proximity to moving water, which can compromise safety and efficiency.

Conventional access methods like scaffolding or rope access present their own risks and limitations. Scaffolding is time-consuming to set up and remove, while rope access requires highly skilled personnel and does not provide a stable working surface.

The Role of Under Bridge Platforms

Under bridge platforms have revolutionized the way inspections are conducted, addressing many of the challenges associated with traditional methods. These platforms provide a stable, controlled environment for inspectors, significantly enhancing safety, efficiency, and accuracy.

Enhanced Safety

Safety and following established safety standards is a top priority during bridge inspections, and under bridge platforms contribute significantly to creating a secure working environment.

Stability: Platforms provide a firm and level surface, allowing inspectors to focus on their tasks without worrying about maintaining balance or grip.
Controlled Access: With guardrails, harness points, and anti-slip surfaces, platforms provide fall protection by minimizing the risk of falls and other accidents.
Reduced Environmental Risks: Platforms shield inspectors from direct exposure to high winds, moving water, or vehicular traffic.

Improved Efficiency

Under bridge platforms streamline the inspection process, saving time and resources.

Quick Deployment: Platforms can be installed and removed more quickly than scaffolding, reducing downtime for road users.
Comprehensive Access: These platforms can be maneuvered to reach even the most challenging areas, ensuring a thorough assessment.
Minimized Disruption: Unlike rope access, which may require partial closures, platforms often allow inspections to occur without significant impact on traffic flow.

High-Quality Inspections

The stability and accessibility provided by under bridge platforms enable inspectors to perform detailed assessments.

Hands-On Techniques: Platforms support hands-on inspection methods, allowing engineers to touch and probe surfaces for cracks, rust, or other signs of deterioration.
Advanced Equipment Use: The stable environment makes it easier to use nondestructive testing (NDT) tools, such as ultrasonic devices or ground-penetrating radar.

Industry Best Practices for Inspections Using Under bridge Platforms

To maximize the benefits of under bridge platforms, it is essential to adhere to industry best practices. These “best practices” cover every aspect of the bridge inspection process:

Pre-Inspection Planning

Conduct a thorough site analysis to determine the most suitable platform type.
Ensure that all equipment is inspected and maintained before deployment.

Skilled Operators and Inspectors

Engage trained and certified operators to manage the platform.
Provide inspectors with the necessary training to use the platform and associated equipment safely.

Comprehensive Safety Measures

Equip personnel with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Establish clear communication protocols between the platform operator and inspection team.
Monitor weather conditions to avoid inspections during high-risk periods.

Case Study: Successful Use of Under Bridge Platforms

Oregon Department of Transportation

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) oversees more than 6,000 bridges. These are composed of flat slab, multi-beam, arch, and truss bridges constructed of timber, concrete, and steel. All bridges are inspected every two years to assess their safety. The routine inspections include field inspection of each structure, documentation of deficiencies, evaluation of previous repairs, and recommendations for future repairs. All reporting is done in accordance with National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS).

Project challenges include scheduling restrictions and other logistical issues. Crews need to schedule inspections during the dry season to avoid filled or flooded creeks. Additional project challenges include the use of special access equipment – under bridge platforms – for high-level access or where hands-on access is required.

When It Comes to Bridge Inspections Equipment and Safety are Paramount

Bridge inspections are critical to maintaining the safety and longevity of transportation infrastructure. The integration of under bridge platforms into inspection protocols addresses many of the challenges associated with traditional methods, offering a safer, more efficient, and thorough approach.

By providing a stable and controlled environment for optimum fall protection, under bridge platforms empower inspectors to focus on their work with confidence and precision. Coupled with adherence to regulatory standards like the NBIS and industry best practices, these platforms play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our nation’s bridges.

Investing in advanced inspection methods is not just a matter of compliance; it is a commitment to protecting public safety, preserving vital assets, and preparing for the challenges of the future. As infrastructure demands grow and evolve, under bridge platforms will remain an indispensable tool in the quest for resilient and reliable bridges.

Under Bridge Platforms – Your Source for Reliable Equipment, Expertise, and Service

Under Bridge Platforms specializes in the rental of under bridge access equipment and we provide bare rental for a wide variety of models. Because we understand that the safety and effectiveness of an underside access platform largely depends on the skill and expertise of the equipment operators, we also provide highly skilled and fully insured operators.

We are much more than an equipment rental firm, however. We provide the experience, skill, knowledge, and expertise you need to help you save time, maintain safety, save money on each and every project. We work with you to help make your under bridge project a success each and every time.

At Under Bridge Platforms we provide vital bridge access equipment for contractors and engineering firms, as well as local government agencies to support the inspection, repair, and maintenance of bridges. Since we started, our company has expanded to become one of the largest under bridge platform equipment suppliers in California, Oklahoma, and all of the western states.