2.2 Routine inspections
This type of inspection will be undertaken at least once a year by
staff from the Maintenance Divisions. It is essentially a visual
inspection, possibly supplemented by a few simple measurements. It
should generally be undertaken at a time of low water so that
substructures, the river bed and any bed protection can be inspected.
The Routine
Inspection is very important. The results of this inspection enable the
Divisions to plan the annual bridge maintenance work. Timely inspection
and preventative maintenance protect the National assets of Nepal.
Simple access
equipment, such as a ladder, will be used from time to time to reach
less accessible parts. Binoculars can be used to inspect areas beyond
the reach of a ladder. The more inaccessible parts are usually left to
more detailed Principal Inspections, unless a problem is suspected. In
this case additional access equipment may be called for.
Routine inspections
include adjacent earthworks or waterways, damage or other changes to
which could affect the stability of the structure. River banks in the
vicinity 29 are examined for evidence of scour or for other conditions,
such as deposition of debris, which could cause problems.
Report forms for the
Routine Inspection are given in Appendix C. The forms comprise three
pages which summarise the condition of the bridge component elements,
recording where maintenance work is required. The components include
associated works, such as embankments and bridge protection works. Not
all of the forms are used, this depends on the structure that is being
inspected. Site sketches, photographs and notes augment the report
forms. Two other forms are included with the Routine Inspection Forms:
• Bridge Inspection Report Form - Bridge Identification
• Bridge Inspection Summary.
The Department’s standard rating system for bridges is used for Routine
Inspections. This ensures that a uniform system for inspection is
applied throughout Nepal, and when staff transfer between Regions and
Divisions it is not necessary to learn a new system. The common rating
system helps all Departmental staff to perceive the bridge condition
without actually seeing the bridge.
The Bridge Unit is available to support all inspections.
The contents of the main body of this manual describe the requirements for this type of inspection.