Site Inspection checklist 2

[PowerRanger]

Hi Fellows

I am a new engineer, and going to design two bridges (precast decking and abutment) over two creeks, the bridge may be only one span, or two spans. And I am going to do the site inspection later.
Could anyone tell me if there are anything I need to be aware on the site, or any informations I need to find out on the site and will be useful in the design stage. Geotect report will be provided by others.

Thank you for your help.

 

[graybeach]

These are somethings that have caused trouble for me in the past:
-Overhead power lines
-manholes and catchbasins
-utilities on the existing bridges
-existing navigation aids
-existing signs
-size, number and location of trees that might need to be cut down
-existing ground elevations in the abutment areas
-driveways, fences, etc. that could interfere
-options for maintenance of traffic (i.e. detours)

Trees can be a huge problem. Make sure it is ok to cut them down early in the design. The may need to be replaced based on their cross sectional area. Make sure your estimate covers this.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Information on floods and high water.
Environmental conditions (such as exposure to sea water or salt air)

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

 

[LittleWheels]

greaybeach and SlideRuleEra have got most of them.

Acid sulphate soils (although geotech will confirm)
Likely pollution (air and water)

 

[cvg]

hydrology study and then hydraulic analysis of flood runoff giving you depth and velocity of flow, width of flood plain, maximum elevation of water surface, scour analysis for piers and for abutment, channel bed stability analysis etc.

 

[LittleWheels]

All of those are good points cvg,
but I've always thought of those sorts of things in the desk study, rather than site inspection category, as per PowerRanger's question.

SlideRuleEra's floods and high water stuff is mostly a desk study but checking for debris in trees can give you an early 'heads-up'.

 

[TDAA]

If you have topo, take it with you and see if it seems reasonable (no major busts). Also, take a camera, it can save a trip back.