If you're a driver, you've probably noticed that some bridges look like they need repair. That's because bridge deck inspection is an important task to monitor the condition of bridges and reduce future costs associated with bridge management.
Bridge deck inspection includes looking at the bridge's surface and checking for any damage or defects. This post will answer some of the most common questions about bridge deck inspection.
1. What Is Bridge Deck Inspection?
The process of bridge deck inspection in Arizona involves a visual examination of the condition of a bridge deck. It is usually done atop the bridge, using binoculars or a camera. The inspector looks for cracks, delamination, spalling, and other signs of deterioration.
Bridge deck inspection is essential to monitor bridges' safety and loads bearing capacity. The condition of a bridge can rapidly deteriorate due to weathering, traffic, or other environmental factors. Regular inspections help identify potential problems so they can be repaired before they cause severe damage.
2. Why Is Bridge Deck Inspection Important?
Here are some crucial reasons why regular inspection of your bridge deck is essential:
-To catch early signs of deterioration in the bridge deck so that necessary repairs can be made before the damage becomes extensive (and more expensive to fix).
-To assess the bridge's condition after it has undergone repair work to ensure that the repairs were effective.
-To monitor the effects of environmental factors (such as weather and traffic) on the condition of the bridge deck.
-To provide data that can be used to develop a maintenance and repair plan for the bridge.
For example, the best bridge deck inspection in the USA use ground penetrating radar to inspect the condition of concrete and steel in bridges and other infrastructure. If you have a bridge on your property, it is vital to have it inspected regularly to ensure its safety and longevity.
3. How Often Should Bridges Be Inspected?
Bridges and decks should be inspected every two years or more frequently for deterioration. The frequency of inspections will also depend on the traffic load and the environment in which the bridge is located.
Corrosion is one of the most common problems that plague bridges and decks. Several factors cause this problem
-The de-icing salt that is used on roads in winter
-Pollutants in the air
-Water seepage into the deck
To combat corrosion, it is vital to have a regular inspection schedule. It will allow you to catch any problems early and prevent them from worsening.
For example, de-icing salt can cause corrosion on the steel beams that support the bridge deck. If this is not caught early, it can lead to severe problems. The salt can also cause concrete to crack and crumble.
Another reason regular inspections are essential is that they allow you to catch any problems with the drainage system. Drainage problems can cause water to seep into the deck, leading to corrosion.
4. What Damage Can Be Found During a Bridge Deck Inspection?
Here are some kinds of damage that can be found during a bridge deck inspection:
-Spalling Concrete: This is when the concrete at the surface of the bridge deck starts to break off into small pieces. It's usually caused by water getting into cracks in the concrete and freezing, which makes the cracks grow.
-Corrosion of Rebar: The rebar is the steel reinforcement inside the concrete. It's there to help make the concrete stronger. But if the rebar starts to rust, it can weaken the concrete and cause it to break.
-Cracks: Cracks in the concrete can be caused by weather, traffic, or aging. They can let water and salt get into the concrete, which can cause spalling and corrosion.
-Joints: Joints are places where two pieces of concrete meet. They're usually sealed to keep water out, but the sealant can break down and allow water to get in over time.
-Scaling: Scaling is when the surface of the concrete starts to flake off. It's usually caused by water getting into the concrete and freezing, which makes the concrete expand and break apart.
If you're worried about any of these problems, you should have a professional bridge inspector take a look at your bridge deck.
Conclusion
Bridges and decks are an essential part of our infrastructure. They must be regularly inspected to ensure public safety and reduce future costs associated with bridge management. Bridge deck inspection is an essential task that should be performed by trained professionals using the latest technology.
