4. BRIDGE INSPECTIONS

The prime objective of the inspection is to safeguard the bridge for the general movement of the public. The methodology and inspection procedures are described in detail in the Bridge Inspection Manual. The inspection result will be the basis to program the routine maintenance and to priorities additional maintenance as well as rehabilitation works. There are four categories of inspection:

• Superficial
• Routine
• Principal
• Special

The routine inspection is the bridge inspection that the Division will carry out each year. This is a general examination of the structure to detect evidence of distress that might require repair or maintenance attention. The other inspection that is primarily used in the Division is the Superficial, or informal inspection.

The principal inspection consist of a more detailed inspection of the structure generally from within the touching distance, and often involving a certain amount of nondestructive testing. This will normally be undertaken by qualified bridge engineers either from the consultant or the Bridge Unit.

The special Inspection is carried out to investigate a specific problem, after a major accident or event, such as earthquake or flooding, or passage of unusually heavy loads.