5.0 REPORTING

5.1 Terminology

It is important that the same terminology is used by all bridge inspectors, and guidance on this is given in Appendix A. In particular it should be noted that the left and right banks of the river (and hence the left and right abutments) are defined when looking downstream. Spans and piers should be numbered sequentially starting from the left bank.

5.2 Inspection Report Forms

It is important that a uniform system of reporting the results of the inspections is used, and standard forms have been developed for this purpose. These are reproduced in Appendix C for all types of inspection.

The forms for Routine, and Principal Inspections are divided into the followingcategories:-

Identification and General details
Ancillary Works 1. Approach roads, embankment & drainage
2. Bridge deck surface, drainage & footpath
3. Parapets and signs
4. Joints
Superstructure 5. Reinforced concrete deck
Steel composite deck
Steel truss deck
Timber deck
Masonry arch and jack arch decks
Bailey Bridges
6 Bearings
Substructure 7. Abutments, wing walls and retaining walls
8. Piers
Training Works 9. Bridge protection works
10. River training
Other 11. Culverts

Summary sheet

Routine Inspection Report Forms (3 No.) are an abbreviated version of those used for Principal Inspections (15 No.) In addition, the ‘Identification and General Details’ and the ‘Bridge Inspection Summary’ forms are common to both routine and principal inspections.

The Bridge Identification form should be filled in before going to site with the relevant details from the Bridge Inventory record card. The details are then checked and confirmed (or otherwise amended) on site.

With Routine and Principal Inspections each of the main forms contains three boxes to be completed to describe the condition of the bridge:-

Condition: This describes the condition of the particular element on a sliding scale from 0 (no defect) to 4 (severely damaged).

Extent: This describes the extent of the damage or deterioration on a sliding scale from 0 (no part of the element affected) to 4 (virtually all of the area affected).

Urgency: This indicates the urgency with which any remedial work should be undertaken.

The first column on the left side of each inspection form gives a cross reference to Overseas Road Note 7 Vol.2 - Bridge Inspector’s Handbook (the "Blue Book") - where guidance is given on inspection for that particular element or component of the structure. The reference number tells you which page to look at in Part [2] of the "Blue Book". Further information about bridge defects is given in Appendix B.

The last column provides a space for any sketches or notes which the inspector considers necessary to explain his observations.

The Summary Sheet, which will appear in front of the inspection forms in the Inspection Report, is intended to summarise the inspection by providing an overview on a single sheet of the condition of each part of the structure. It will also summarise the recommended repair work and give an approximate cost.

The Divisional Engineer will use the information summarised on this form to assess the maintenance priorities for his division.

The Report for Superficial Inspections is a single form on which is entered general bridge data and a description of the problem. There is an action checklist on the form. Special Inspections may use either the Superficial Form or all or parts of the Principal Inspection Forms.

With all the forms supplementary information is often called for. This may be a written description, photograph or sketch, specialist assessment report or test results.

5.3 Condition rating

The rating system to be used when filling in the inspection forms is as follows.

(a) Condition Rating

Condition Rating	Condition
4	Serious condition with severe damage. The element or component is not functioning as designed.
3	Poor condition The element or component shows numerous defects of structural significance which may soon prevent it from functioning as designed.
2	Below average. The element or component shows local defects of structural significance but functions as designed.
1	Fair condition. The element or component shows a few nonstructural defects.
0	Good condition with no significant defects.
N	Not applicable, or element not accessible for inspection.

Where parts of the bridge are not accesible for inspection - for instance bearings covered in debris - this fact should be noted in the comments column and the designation N used in the condition rating box. In such cases the extent and urgency ratings should be left blank.

(b) Extent Rating

Extend Rating	Area affected by Damage or Deterioration
4	Extensive, most or all of the element affected.
3	Major, highly significant, more than 20% of the element affected
2	Significant, 5% to 20% of length or area of the element affected
1	Minor, less than 5% of length or area of the element affected
0	No defect or insignificant length or area of the element affected

(c) Urgency Rating

Urgency Rating	Time to execute remedial works
4	Immediate attention required.
3	Attention required within 6 months (generally before the monsoon or in the present fiscal year).
2	Attention required within year.
1	Non-urgent, attention required within 2 years.
0	No time limit for action.

A series of tables giving guidance on the condition rating is included in Appendix D. When in doubt the inspector should try to decide to what extent the element or component concerned is functioning as intended, in order to place it at the appropriate place on the sliding scale.

5.4 Recommendations for remedial work.

The inspecting engineer should note any requirements for further action. These will
include:-

(i) Minor or routine maintenance items such as clearing of blocked drains, removal of flood debris, repairs to gabion protection, etc. A note of the approximate quantities involved will assist later in the preparation of cost estimates.

(ii) Serious or potentially serious problems requiring major repair work or further investigation. This would include investigation of serious cracks in concrete, settlement or scour damage etc. In the case of Routine or Superficial Inspections undertaken by the division, the Divisional Engineer will decide whether to seek further advice on these matters.

(iii) Where the safety of the bridge is in question, the inspector should inform the Divisional Engineer as a matter of urgency so that appropriate measures to ensure public safety - eg, load restrictions or closure of the bridge - can be put in hand.

5.5 Submission of the Reports.

The Superficial and Routine Inspection Reports will be submitted to the Divisional Engineer, who will forward one copy to the Regional Director and one copy to the Bridge Unit. The information from the reports will enable the Department to monitor the condition of the bridges in all divisions, and to allocate funds to enable each Division to undertake any necessary work on its bridges. The Divisional Engineeer will use the information given in the reports to determine the maintenance level on the bridge stock within the Division.

Special and Principal Inspection Reports are sent to the Divisional Engineer for any necessary action. Where there are serious problems the reports will indicate exactly what aspects are to be referred for action by others. The routine maintenance aspects always remain the responsibility of the Division, unless specifically adopted by a Project.