Bridge Inspection 1

[sudadsaid85]

Hi,

I have been assigned in a task to inspect a bridge that has been affected by a fire. My workplace needs an evaluation report about the damages that fire left and how can we fix them?. Can you please share with me your inputs/remarks?

Thanks

 

[rowingengineer]

There are some fairly good bridge inspection guides around the world. The inspection of bridges is a field in its self.

I am not a bridge inspector so I can only give buildings advice.

The first item we would do is measure the damage both lengths and depth. The depth is very important as this will give you the percentage reductions in properties.

Once you have this info informed decisions can be made.

http://www.nceng.com.au/

"Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning."

 

[BUGGAR]

We used specialty Engineers for this. We might make a detailed report within our scope and expertise and use this for further investigation/costing.

 

[bridgebuster]

This is a link to the NYSDOT Bridge Inspection Manual; it's a very good reference.

Link

I've done a lot of bridge inspection; some thoughts:

Before you go out
Review the NYSDOT Manual or another DOT manual.
Review the plans
Ask the bridge owner if there are any previous inspection reports
Will you need work zone traffic control? Access equipment - ladder, manlift, etc?
Make sure you know how you will access things; safety is important
Gather the tools you'll need - chipping hammer, rulers, tapes, levels, camera, etc
Prepare inspection sketches

When you get out there
Be observant & be safe
Sound the concrete with a mason's hammer and as rowingengineer said record the measurements. Put it down on your sketches.
From the photo I assume it's a concrete Tee-beam bridge. Look at everything, not just the fire damaged areas.

 

[r13]

I think the OP is commissioned to perform an evaluation on the soundness of the bridge for continued use. If this is the case, you shall be prepared to offer your judgement, and the reasoning behind that judgement, at the end of this task. If you are not familiar with "fire, and/or material engineering", I suggest follow BUGGAR's suggestion to engage an expert and work out a solution. Note that bridge usually involves public safety, be thorough and prudent.

 

[crossframe]

Beware pink concrete.

https://www.concreteconstruction.net/_view-object?id=00000153-8b78-dbf3-a177-9f79c7da0000

 

[Ron]

Your problem is first about the materials, then about the structure. If the materials are ok, then the structure is likely ok as well. You need to evaluate the effect of the fire on the materials. For concrete, it takes a sustained temperature of about 600C for a period of about 3 to 4 hours to break down quality concrete. There's a pretty good chance that your fire didn't last that long. The second issue is that moisture within the concrete expands in a fire and causes spalling. This is a localized condition both in area and depth and can be repaired with typical concrete repair methods. The third issue is carbonation. If the fire lasted long enough, there's a chance of having an increased carbonation depth. This should be checked. A small core taken from the concrete to a depth below the rebar mat and then freshly broken using a splitting tensile test technique then treat with phenolphthalein solution to check the depth of carbonation below the surface. If the carbonation depth is near the depth of the rebar mat, then removed the affected concrete and repair with appropriate bridge repair methods. If only superficial, don't worry about it.

 

[sudadsaid85]

I'm sorry for the delay. I can't thank you enough for your comments. highly appreciated!