Section 1: Introduction AASHTO Manual For Construction Evaluation Of Bridge
Section 1 contains introductory and background information on the maintenance inspection of bridges as well as definitions of general interest terms. aashto 2002
Section 2: Bridge Files (Records) AASHTO Manual For Construction Evaluation Of Bridge
Key components of a comprehensive bridge file are defined in Section 2. The record of each bridge in the file provides the foundation against which changes in physical condition can be measured.
Section 3: Bridge Management, AASHTO Manual For Construction Evaluation Of Bridge
Systems A bridge management system is an effective tool in allocating limited resources to bridge related activities. An overview of bridge management systems is included in Section 3 AASHTO Manual For Construction Evaluation Of Bridge
Section 4: Inspection
The types and frequency of field inspections are discussed in Section 4, as are specific inspection techniques and requirements.
Section 5: Material Testing
Conditions at a bridge site or the absence of information from original construction may warrant more elaborate material tests. Various testing methods are discussed in Section 5.
Section 6: Load Rating
Section 6 discusses the load rating of bridges and includes the Load and Resistance Factor (LRFR) method, the Load Factor (LFR) method and the Allowable Stress (ASR) method. No preference is placed on any rating method. The rating procedures presented for the LRFR method recognize a balance between safety and economics. In most cases, a lower target reliability than design has been chosen for load rating at the strength limit state. The LRFD calibration reported a target LRFD reliability index β of 3.5. The LRFR procedures adopt a reduced target reliability index of approximately 2.5 calibrated to past AASHTO operating level load rating. This value was chosen to reflect the reduced exposure period, consideration of site realities, and the economic considerations of rating versus design.
The methodology for the load and resistance factor rating of bridges is comprised of three distinct procedures:
1) design load rating, 2) legal load rating, and 3) permit load rating. The results of each procedure serve specific uses and also guide the need for further evaluations to verify bridge safety or serviceability.
Section 7: Fatigue Evaluation of
Steel Bridges The evaluation of existing steel bridges for fatigue is discussed in Section 7
Section 8: Nondestructive Load Testing
Load test procedures are described in Section 8. Load testing is the observation and measurement of the response of a bridge subjected to controlled and predetermined loadings without causing changes in the elastic response of the structure. Load tests can be used to verify both component and system performance under a known live load and provide an alternative evaluation methodology to analytically computing the load rating of a bridge. The successful application of the MBE is directly related to the organizational structure established by the bridge owner. Such an organization should be both effective and responsive so that the unique characteristics and special problems of individual bridges are considered in developing an appropriate inspection plan and load capacity determination
AASHTO Manual For Construction Evaluation Of Bridge
AASHTO Inspection Manuals :
Manual for Maintenance Inspection of Bridges, AASHTO, 1970.
Manual for Maintenance Inspection of Bridges, AASHTO, 1974.
Manual for Maintenance Inspection of Bridges, AASHTO, 1978.
“Scour at Bridges,” Technical Advisory, FHWA, 1988.
Manual for Maintenance Inspection of Bridges, AASHTO, 1983.
“Interim Specifications for Bridges,” AASHTO, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990.
Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, AASHTO, 1994.
“Scour at Bridges,” Technical Advisory, FHWA, 1988.
Manual for Condition Evaluation of Bridges, AASHTO, 1994.
Load and Resistance Factor Design Specifications, AASHTO, 1994.
Bridge Inspector’s Training Manual 90, FHWA, 1991.
AASHTO Manual For Construction Evaluation Of Bridge
