Level 3 Bridge Inspections

Approach and Execution for Meaningful Results

Presented by:

David Miller
[ BS Eng l MIEAust ]
Senior Structural Engineer
Manager – Engineering Investigations
Sterling Group

Small Bridges 2015

23-24 November, 2015 – Melbourne, Australia
 Sterling Group Consultants
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ENGINEERING ASSET MANAGEMENT

 New Structural Design
 Structural Investigation and
Load Rating
 Fatigue Assessment and Life
Extension
 Remedial and Strengthening
Design
 Level 2 & 3 Structural
Inspection
 Specialist Access Inspection
 NDT and Structural Monitoring
 Asset Valuation
 Repair vs Replacement Cost
Benefit Analysis

PROJECT MANAGEMENT RAIL ACCESS/INTERFACE CIVIL CONSTRUCTION

Level 3 Inspections

Why?
What is the purpose?
Level 3 Inspections
VicRoads

• assess structural condition, performance & capacity

• identify & quantify current and projected deterioration
• recommend actions and management strategies
Level 3 Inspections

When?
Level 3 Inspections
VicRoads
• as part of a routine asset management program (6-10 years)
• as further investigation i.e. as a response to Poor condition(s)
identified during a Level 2 Inspection
• as preparation prior to carrying out programmed works
• to ascertain a Load Rating for the structure
• as a response to a theoretical assessment of the structure
Level 3 Inspections
Scope
1) Review of available data
2) Detailed Inspection
3) Sampling and testing
4) Identification of limiting components
5) Identification of probable causes of deterioration, likely rate
of continued deterioration, and the effects on performance
& durability
Level 3 Inspections
Scope
1) Review of available data
2) Detailed Inspection
3) Sampling and testing
4) Identification of limiting components
?
5) Identification of probable causes of deterioration, likely rate
of continued deterioration, and the effects on performance
& durability
Level 3 Inspections
VicRoads
Locating reinforcement
Geotechnical

Concrete coring + lab testing

Extent of testing should be job specific, and

dependent on the key project objectives
half-cell potential survey concrete resistivity

depth of load testing

carbonation
Case Study
 Package of 6 concrete + 3 timber bridges on NSW south coast
 Level 3 investigations incl Load Ratings
 Tendered Scope listed entire suite of potential material testing listed in
VicRoads BIM
 Key objectives:

1. Assess current load 2. Address immediate issues

capacity for B Double AND establish baselines for
vehicle ongoing maintenance
strategies
Case Study
Case Study

SO WHAT?
 Case Study

Chloride profiling pH profiling Concrete resistivity

Case Study
Case Study
Case Study
OUTCOMES:

“As-Is” Load Capacity - Minor/Moderate Remedial

adequate for B Double Works
loading - Appropriate planning for
Cathodic Protection, cont’d
monitoring etc.

KEY DRIVERS:

1. Assess current 2. Address immediate issues

load capacity for B AND establish baselines for
Double vehicle ongoing maintenance
strategies

Without excessive
invasive testing!
Case Study
KEY CONSIDERATIONS & CHALLENGES

1. Available Record Data

2. Clarification of Key Drivers against Scope

3. Access – site inductions are key!

Case Study THANK YOU!