Step 8: Routine Inspection

Routine inspection shall be carried out by the Divisional staff each year in a standard format to examine the structure to detect evidence of distress that might require repair or maintenance attention. It is essentially a visual inspection supported by a few simple measurements. Three formats shall be filled by suitably trained staff of the Division. These are (1) Bridge Inspection Report format for description and general details of the bridge i.e. giving identity of the said bridge, [page-73] (2) Bridge Inspection Summary for providing an overview of the condition of each part of the structure on a single sheet, [page-74] (3) Routine Inspection Report comprising identification and general details in three sections including (a) ancillary works, (b) superstructure, (c) substructure and (d) river training works, page - 76 to 78, Refer ▬►Guidelines for Inspection and Maintenance of Bridges Volume-1, Part -2, Bridge Inspection Manual, Types of Inspection Heading 2.2, , Table: Types of Inspection, page 32.

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 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.

2.6 Summary

The different types of inspection described above are summarised in the following table.

TYPES OF INSPECTION
Type	Inspector	Frequency
Superficial	Anyone	Any time
Routine	Divisional staff	Yearly
Principal	Consultants / Bridge Unit	5 - 8 years*
Special	Various	As required

*Initially more frequent for a new structure

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