Bridge Inspection Guidelines

Questions and Answers

What is the frequency of inspection of a bridge under the Indian Railways Bridge Manual?

Once in five years (correct)

Once a year

Once in ten years

Once in three years

What is the purpose of the bridge inspection register?

To record the results of the bridge inspection (correct)

To certify the bridge construction

To schedule the bridge inspection

To approve the bridge design

What is the frequency of inspection of a bridge that is under observation?

At least once a year (correct)

Once in two years

Once in three years

Once a year

What is the purpose of the certification of inspection?

To confirm that the bridge inspection was carried out in accordance with the standing orders Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the bridge inspector?

To inspect the bridge and report any defects Signup and view all the answers

What is the frequency of inspection of a bridge that is under special repairs?

Once a year Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the bridge inspection report?

To record the results of the bridge inspection Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the nominated officer in charge of bridges?

To receive the bridge inspection report and take action on any defects found Signup and view all the answers

When should the inspection of foundations be made?

When water dries up or conditions make it possible to do so Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Assistant Engineer's certificate?

To certify that the annual bridge inspection is completed Signup and view all the answers

Who should inspect bridges with Condition Rating Number (CRN) as zero?

The Assistant Engineer Signup and view all the answers

What should the Assistant Engineer do with the bridge inspection register after completion?

Send it to the Divisional Engineer for review Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Divisional Engineer's scrutiny of the bridge inspection register?

To record orders regarding points that require a decision by him Signup and view all the answers

What is the deadline for the Divisional Engineer to complete his scrutiny and inspection?

By a specified date Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Divisional Engineer's certificate?

To certify that the bridge inspection is completed Signup and view all the answers

Who is included in the term 'Divisional Engineers'?

Senior Divisional Engineers who have the same duties as Divisional Engineers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of inspecting the protective works during bridge inspection?

To ascertain whether the protective works are in sound condition and adequate Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended course of action for deficiencies noticed in the marginal embankments?

Inform the concerned State Government authority Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of inspecting the waterway during bridge inspection?

To ensure the waterway is adequate and clear of obstruction Signup and view all the answers

What should be inspected to ensure the girders are properly seated on the piers and abutments?

The bearings and the holding down bolts Signup and view all the answers

What should be inspected to ensure the girders can expand and contract freely?

The rollers and the sliding plates Signup and view all the answers

What should be inspected to detect any signs of corrosion or damage in the metal bearings?

The metal bearings and the oil bath Signup and view all the answers

What should be inspected to ensure the bearings are properly lubricated?

The metal bearings and the oil bath Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of inspecting the pitching reserves during bridge inspection?

To check the availability and adequacy of the pitching reserves Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of observing girders under train load?

To identify any abnormal movement or evidence of settlement Signup and view all the answers

Where should one look for diagonal cracks in the web of main girders?

At the supports of slabs or beam near junction of main girder with deck slab Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked in the bearing area of PSC girders?

For cracks and damage to the anchorage zone Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a girder is found to be lifting off its bearings and 'hammering'?

It should be specially reported Signup and view all the answers

How should looseness of HSFG bolts be detected during inspection?

By looking for rust appearing beneath the bolt head/washer/nut Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to clear the ballast before examining the deck slab?

To check for any signs of cracking or disintegration Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with broken or loose HSFG bolts?

They should be marked and replaced expeditiously Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of rust streaks or stain marks parallel to the reinforcement?

Indication of corrosion Signup and view all the answers

When should HSFG bolts be used for replacement of joints?

When any girder component/joint is to be replaced Signup and view all the answers

What should be done in cases of spalling caused by separation of the concrete from the reinforcement?

Expose the reinforcement to check for corrosion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of inspecting triangulated spans?

To assess the structural condition of the spans Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of scaling in concrete?

Gradual and continuing loss of surface mortar and aggregate over an area Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with regard to surface preparation when using HSFG bolts for replacement of joints?

Proper surface preparation should be done based on design provisions Signup and view all the answers

What should be looked for to identify signs of disintegration of concrete?

Signs of poor workmanship, weathering action, or attack by chemicals Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked for in addition to seepage and leakage?

Efflorescence and rusting Signup and view all the answers

What should be taken into consideration when designing joints for replacement with HSFG bolts?

Particular care should be taken regarding use of appropriate slip factor for the surface preparation done Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of departure from line in track on the bridge?

Shifting of girders laterally or longitudinally Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked to ensure that the girders can expand and contract freely?

Clearances of running rails over ballast walls Signup and view all the answers

What should be provided on sleepers that have developed end splits?

End bolts Signup and view all the answers

Why should hook bolts be oiled periodically?

To prevent rusting Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked to ensure that the rails are properly seated on the sleepers?

Squareness of sleepers Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to defective rails?

Replaced Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked to ensure that the switch expansion joints are not hindered?

Free movement of the switch Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked to ensure that the girders are properly seated on the piers and abutments?

General condition of track Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of inspecting the protective works during bridge inspection?

To ascertain their sound condition and adequacy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of health monitoring of very important bridges?

To inspect for material deterioration and system damage Signup and view all the answers

What should be examined during bridge inspection to identify any disturbing influences?

Excessive velocity, parallel flow, heavy afflux, and tank bursts in catchments Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the tasks to be performed during the inspection of a bridge?

Checking the flood level during monsoon Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked to ensure the girders are properly seated on the piers and abutments?

Bearings and bed blocks Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked during the inspection of a bridge?

The condition of the river course after monsoon Signup and view all the answers

According to the Indian Railways Bridge Manual, how frequently should bridges be inspected in very aggressive environments?

Every 5 years Signup and view all the answers

What should be done during floods and/or heavy rain?

Inspect the bridges and allied works frequently Signup and view all the answers

What should be inspected to ensure the bearings are properly lubricated?

Date of lubrication and oil level Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the precautions to be taken against damage by fire?

Keeping the sand bins on long girders filled Signup and view all the answers

What should be inspected to detect any signs of corrosion or damage in the metal bearings?

Cracks or corrosion on the metal bearings Signup and view all the answers

What should be looked for in areas where strong rush of water and heavy afflux occur?

Eddies and back waters Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked during the inspection of a bridge's watchman?

The watchman's knowledge of the bridge's rules Signup and view all the answers

What does the Condition Rating Number (CRN) represent?

The condition of a bridge component Signup and view all the answers

What should be inspected to ensure the girders can expand and contract freely?

Rollers and sliding plates Signup and view all the answers

What equipment may be arranged by the Railways to enable effective inspection of bridges?

Equipment as suggested in Annexure 11/15 Signup and view all the answers

How is the Overall Condition Rating Number (OCR) calculated?

It is the lowest Condition Rating Number (CRN) of all components Signup and view all the answers

What should be surveyed during the inspection of a bridge?

The river course after monsoon Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked during the inspection of a bridge's guide banks?

The condition of the guide banks' protection works Signup and view all the answers

What should be inspected to identify any deficiencies in the marginal embankments?

Pitching reserves and marginal bunds Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a bridge component is not inspected?

The Condition Rating Number (CRN) is not assigned Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of taking soundings with the help of echo sounders or probing with the help of log lines?

To detect scour Signup and view all the answers

What should be inspected during bridge inspection to ensure the waterway is adequate and clear?

Waterway's obstruction and adequacy Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 851 number?

To represent the Overall Condition Rating Number (OCR) of a bridge Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the tasks to be performed during the inspection of a bridge?

Taking soundings around piers and abutments Signup and view all the answers

Why may traffic be suspended in certain situations?

If long lengths of track with a large number of bridges experience a flood situation Signup and view all the answers

What should be inspected during the inspection of a bridge?

The cross sections of the river during and after floods Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the digits in the 851 number?

They represent the CRN of each component in sequence Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if scour is detected during inspection?

Run out and dump boulders or pitching material Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of assigning a Condition Rating Number (CRN) to a bridge component?

To prioritize maintenance activities Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a bridge component has a CRN of 0?

It is not inspected Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the lowest CRN of a bridge component?

It represents the overall condition of the bridge Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bridge Inspection by Bridge Inspectors

Bridge inspectors should inspect bridges in detail, including superstructure, bearings, and foundations.
Inspections should be carried out every five years, with the first inspection one year after installation.
Inspectors should inspect all pressure-grouted prestressed concrete bridges every five years.
Inspectors should inspect all bridges under observation at least once a year.
Inspectors should inspect all bridges with a history of defects at least once a year.

Inspection Registers

The following inspection registers should be maintained by the Bridge Inspector:
- Inspection register for major works
- Special testing register
- Register for pressure-grouted prestressed concrete bridges
- Certificate of inspection for the year

Certificate of Inspection

The Bridge Inspector should certify the inspection report at the end of the register.
The certificate should include the following information:
- The bridges inspected during the year
- The date of inspection
- The results of the inspection
- Any defects or recommendations for repairs

Inspection of Foundations

The inspection of foundations should be made as soon as possible after water dries up or conditions make it possible.
Results should be recorded as supplementary entries in the register.

Inspection of Bridge Components

Bridge components with a Condition Rating Number (CRN) of zero should be inspected by the Assistant Engineer at the earliest.
All important bridges and bridges called for inspection by the Divisional Engineer should be inspected.

Certificate by Divisional Engineer

The Divisional Engineer should certify the inspection report after scrutinizing the Assistant Engineer's Bridge Inspection Register.
The certificate should include the following information:
- The bridges inspected during the year
- The date of inspection
- The results of the inspection
- Any defects or recommendations for repairs

Inspection of Protective Works and Waterways

The Divisional Engineer should inspect protective works and waterways to ensure they are in sound condition and adequate.
The following should be inspected:
- Pitching reserves
- Toe walls
- Flooring
- Drop/curtain walls
- Guide bunds
- Launching aprons
- Spurs/groynes
- Approach banks
- Marginal bunds

Inspection of Girder Alignment and Seatings

The Divisional Engineer should inspect girder alignment and seatings to ensure they are correct and in good condition.
The following should be inspected:
- Position of girders relative to piers and abutments
- Bearings and bed blocks
- Rollers and sliding plates
- Date of lubrication of girder bearings
- Metal bearings for cracks or corrosion
- Bed timbers for crushing or decay
- Elastomeric bearings for cracks or deformation
- Bearings provided with oil bath for oil level and dust

Inspection of Structural Condition of Girders

The Divisional Engineer should inspect the structural condition of girders to ensure they are satisfactory.
The following should be inspected:
- HSFG bolts for broken or loose bolts
- Use of HSFG bolts for replacement of isolated loose rivets
- Surface preparation and joint design for replacement of girder components
- Camber in triangulated spans
- Distortion of members
- High incidence of loose rivets
- Diagonal cracks in the web of main girders near the support
- Flexural cracks in the area of tension steel
- Cracks near the bearings and longitudinal cracks at supports of slabs or beam near junction of main girder with deck slab
- Depth of ballast cushion under the track sleepers
- Deck slab for signs of cracking/disintegration and dampness
- Waterproof layer, if provided, for integrity
- Rust streaks/stain marks parallel to reinforcement
- Spalling and presence of rust streaks as indicators of corrosion
- Location, depth, and area/size of spalling
- Scaling, i.e., gradual and continuing loss of surface mortar and aggregate over an area

Condition of Bridge Components (CRN)

CRN (Condition Rating Number) is a rating system to evaluate the condition of bridge components
Eight conditions are defined, ranging from $1 ( Excellent condition) to $8 (Sound condition) and $9 (Not applicable) and $0 (Not inspected)

Assignment of CRN

Each bridge component is assigned a CRN based on its condition
The lowest CRN value is used to represent the overall condition of the bridge component

Inspection of Bridges

The overall rating of a bridge is determined by considering the CRN values of its individual components
The rating is calculated by taking the lowest CRN value among all the components

Inspection of Bridges (continued)

The inspection process involves checking the condition of various bridge components, including:
- Protective works and waterways
- Girder alignment and seatings
- Track on bridge approaches
- Sleepers and fastenings
- Hook bolts and rail joints
- Soundings around piers and abutments
- River and flood registers

Precautions against Damage by Fire

Precautions against damage by fire should be adequate
Sand bins on long girders should be kept filled

Equipment of Watchman

The watchman posted at the bridge site should have the necessary equipment
The watchman's knowledge of rules should be satisfactory

Health Monitoring of Very Important Bridges

Health monitoring of very important bridges should be done periodically by an independent agency
The periodicity of health monitoring is recommended based on the environment (aggressive or mild)

Special Inspection during Monsoon

During floods and heavy rain, the Assistant Engineer, Permanent Way Inspector, or Inspector of Works should inspect bridges and allied works frequently
They should look for signs of danger, such as eddies and backwaters, and take necessary precautions, including suspending traffic if necessary

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Description

This quiz covers the guidelines and procedures for bridge inspectors to follow during inspections. It includes details on the frequency and scope of inspections.