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Bridges to Prosperity
Volume 3:
Part 4: Maintenance

2nd Edition
2011
Introduction

Maintenance is the essential to the safety of all bridge projects. Following the project completion, the
community, local government, and bridge owners are responsible for monitoring the bridge to ensure
safety and for performing basic maintenance.

Bridges to Prosperity keeps a database of completed bridge projects. This system ensures any follow-up
quality control teams are able to fully understand the as-built structure before starting the assessment.
The system also helps quantify the impact of the bridge on the community. As such, the submittal of
the Bridge Registry to B2P is required for all co-sponsored bridges, and appreciated for all others.
Section 1 introduces the bridge registry. All referenced forms are included in Section 5 of this manual.

Bridge maintenance includes both general annual bridge upkeep and scheduled quality control
assessments. The community is responsible for general bridge upkeep and the local sponsoring
institution (typically the government body) is responsible for returning to the site for thorough bridge
inspections.. The Bridge Committee (reference Volume 1) must designate a person or team of people
to inspect the structure after every rainy season. Section 2 of this manual addresses what this team
must check annually.

The bridge supervisor must specify the party or agency responsible for the quality control reviews that
will occur at least twice during the lifespan of the bridge; one to three years following completion,
and five to 10 years after completion. If Bridges to Prosperity is directly involved in the construction
of the bridge, B2P will work with the agency to designate responsibility. Section 3 will address the
quality control requirements for the full technical assessments, and Section 4 outlines required
maintenance and may be used as a resource for addressing concerns identified in the previous two
sections. For concerns of impending bridge failure, contact Bridges to Prosperity (contact at www.
BridgestoProsperity.org) immediately, irrespective of our involvement.

Volume 3: Suspended Part 4 Maintenance

 Volume 3 Suspended Pedestrian Bridge
Part 4: Maintenance
Table of Contents
Section 1: As-Built Bridge Registration
1.1 Bridge Registry
1.2 Socioeconomic Implications
5.1 Bridge Registration Form
5.2 Socioeconomic Survey

Section 2: Committee Annual Inspection

2.1 Checklist of items to review

Section 3: Quality Control Inspection
3.1 Materials Required
3.2 Quality Control Overview
Reference 5.3

Section 4: Maintenance
4.1 Overall Site Condition
4.2 Foundation Tiers & Towers
4.3 Anchors
4.4 Cable & Clamps
4.5 Approach
4.6 Decking

Volume 3: Suspended Part 4 Maintenance

Section 1:
As-Built Bridge Registration

The Bridge Registration includes both a technical As-Built assessment of the bridge as well as a
socioeconomic survey evaluating the impact of the bridge on the local community. Any agency
responsible for the construction of a bridge needs to keep records of this information for all completed
bridge projects. Bridges to Prosperity also asks to receive a copy. BY keeping record of completed
projects, this ensures any follow-up quality control reviewers are able to fully understand the as-built
structure before starting the assessment, and furthermore helps quantify the impact of the bridge on
the community. As such, the submittal of the Bridge Registry to B2P is required for all co-sponsored
bridges, and appreciated for all others. All referenced forms are included in Section 5 of this manual.

1.1 Bridge Registry

The Bridge Registry must be completed following the completion of the bridge. The purpose of the
registration is to create institutional memory surrounding a project. This includes technical data such
as the size of the cable and clamps, the span and assumptions used in the design. Furthermore, often
engineers may opt to modify the standard design or the construction supervisor may chose to alter
materials based on availability. All of this information is critical to document to ensure future parties
involved in the maintenance and upkeep of the bridge are able to do so with a full understanding
of the structure. The Registry also includes information surrounding the personnel involved in the
project and information about the geographic location of the bridge.

Please fill-out and return the five (5) page Bridge Registry Form to Bridges to Prosperity (contact
information at www.BridgestoProsperity.org). *

1.2 Socioeconomic Implications

Pedestrian bridges have varying impacts on differing communities. Most typically, economic stimulus
is evident from the increased access and drastic improvements in public health and education are
seen as well. But bridges may also create problems, unforeseen during the initial bridge assessment
(completed before the bridge project was started--see Volume 2).

To better understand the impact that bridges have on your specific community, it is essential to complete
a socioeconomic survey both before the bridge is constructed and following the completion. It is
ideal to complete the survey several times throughout the lifespan of the bridge, as the impact of the
bridge may not be immediately evident. The survey details traffic information, general demographic
and economic information of the community members. If additional information is of interest in the
specific community, please include as well.

Please fill-out and return the five (5) page Bridge Registry Form to Bridges to Prosperity (contact
information at www.BridgestoProsperity.org).*

*Forms can be found on following pages.

Volume 3: Suspended Part 4 Maintenance 4

 Bridge Registration Form
____________________________________________________________

Bridge Name

Location
Country : ___________________________
Region : ___________________________
Village : ___________________________
River Name : ___________________________
GPS coordinates : ___________________________

Partners
Government : ___________________________
Beneficiary Population: ___________________________
Community : ___________________________
Organization/Agency : ___________________________

Completed Bridge Photographs (See page 5, Picture Inventory)

Completion Date: _______________

Bridge Register Pg 1
Bridge Design

Basic Data

Type: : Suspended /Suspension

Span: : _____m / _____ft
Walkway Width: : 1.00 m
Surveyor : ___________________________
Designer : ___________________________
Deck Type : _______________
Anchorage Type : Right side [looking downstream]: Beam / Drum
: Left side [looking downstream]: Beam / Drum
Adjustable Bank : Right / Left
Freeboard : ______m

Bridge Register Pg 2
Technical Data

Cable Supplier : ___________________________

Cable Size/Numbers : Handrail Cables: ___ x ___mm / __”
:Deck Cables: ___ x ___ mm / __”
Cable Strength/s : _________ lbs / _________ lbs
Cable finish : Galvanized / Black
Clamp type : Forged / Malleable
Clamp numbers/cable : _____
Fabricator (steel deck): ___________________________

Technical Comments

Final Inspection by: _____________________________

Bridge Register Pg 3
Construction Personnel

Supervisor : _____________________ Tel: ___________________

Mason/s : _____________________ Tel: ___________________

Contributing
Village Villages District / Municipality

Bridge Committee Members

Name Village

Actual Financial Contribution
Institution Amount ($ / local currency / work days)

Municipality

Community

Bridges to Prosperity

Other

Additional Comments/Recommendations

Bridge Report Completed By: __________________________________

Bridge Register Pg 4
As-Built Picture Inventory

As many of the bridge projects will be completed without the design engineer on-site, the submission
of checklists and pictures of the project are essential to ensure quality control. The pictures
provide a visual confirmation that each step was conducted carefully and correctly.

Site
• Profile (from both up and down stream)
• Location of foundations with marked centerline
Excavation
• Complete excavations
• Distance from back anchor to front tower
• Anchor depth

Foundation Tiers & Towers

• Completed foundations
• Rebar installation in tower
• Completed towers
• Saddle alignment
• Installation of walkway cables
Anchors
• Constructed rebar cages
• Cross-section of cable, for size and lay
• Cable position in excavation
• Completed Anchors
Sag Set
• Balanced “T” after sag set cables
• Clamp spacing
• Torque technique used
• Representative photo of clamped cable
• Tie back of excess cable (if malleable clamps)
• Tubes filled with grout
• Anti-corrosion paint/tar on cables
Approach
• Thickness of approach walls (both sides)
• Completed approach
• If soil used, compaction method
Decking
• Installed decking
• View of suspender and crossbeam connection
• Installed fencing

Completed Bridge

Bridge Register Pg 5
 Post-construction Socioeconomic Survey;
The impact of Pedestrian Bridges

A study to evaluate the socioeconomic benefits of the pedestrian bridge. For questions pertaining
to individuals, please respond on behalf of all possible parties ie; if 30 families on other side of river,
and 70 families on the side not requiring the bridge, state both sides and note relative percent of
people affected.
General Information

Bridge name:

Country : ___________________________
Region : ___________________________
Village : ___________________________
Beneficiary Population: ___________________________

Conclusions from Study:

Study Completed by:_______________________

Date:_____________

Socioeconomic Survey Pg 1
Food Security Information

Number of months population required food assistance before bridge:

Number of months population required food assistance after bridge:

Where is assisted food distributed from?

Distance from beneficiary village with use of bridge:
Distance from beneficiary village without use of bridge:

Agricultural activity
Types of crops harvested in the area:

Number of harvests / year:

Quantity of each harvest:

How often are crops destroyed by lack of rain or disease?

What methods have been explored to combat the loss of crops?

Percentage of harvest for available for trade:

How might trade or increased accessibility decrease required volume of food assistance?

Have alternative solutions been assessed in order to decrease required volume of food assistance
(irrigation, agricultural training …)?

Additional Agricultural or Food Security comments?

Socioeconomic Survey Pg 2
Trade and Economic Information

Location of nearest market:

Do you cross the bridge to access?:
Size of market (number of stalls):
Market frequency:
Market exchange in cash or trade:
Relative percentage of each:
Consumer items available:
Items sold/traded at market:
At what price:
Item Price

How many times does the average household cross the river for trade / month:
List some suggestions that might have a positive effect on the economic growth of the community
(according to the community):

Education Information

Distance (walking time) to the nearest primary school? Distance to nearest secondary school?
How many children attended school and how many total in family?
How many children have past grade 6?
Explain how education levels changed with increased access due to bridge?

Additional Trade and/or Education comments:

Socioeconomic Survey Pg 3
Health Information

Distance (walking time) to the nearest clinic:

Was this clinic accessible year-round before the bridge?
Distance (walking time) to purchase required medication not available at the clinic?
Was this medication accessible year-round before the bridge?
Does the clinic teach basic hygiene (washing face and hands to prevent disease, cutting nails…)?
Has the community been taught about family planning?
Has the community accepted the methods of family planning?
Are contraceptive methods readily available?
Are contraceptive methods free of charge?
Is the community aware of the HIV/AIDS virus and how to prevent it?
Distance (walking time) to the nearest hospital:
Was this hospital accessible year-round before the bridge?
Nearest mid-wife services:
Average number of visits made to clinic during pregnancy:

Social Information

How many families are divided by the river?

How often do families divided by the river meet?
How many marriages occur with families on opposite sides of the river after the bridge?
Have there been any tribal or cultural conflicts in the past?
Are there any tribal or cultural conflicts after the bridge was constructed?
How has increased access affected such conflicts?

Additional Health and/or Social comments:

Socioeconomic Survey Pg 4
Participation Assessment

Which institutions, organizations or groups operate in the community?

What projects have these institutions initiated?

Has community participation been a requirement for any of these projects?

If so, in what form (labor, local materials, financial contribution etc.)?

What activities have the community initiated independently of an outside influence or support?

Is it common to receive cash or food for work when participating in community projects?
Who distributes the cash or food?

Are the cash or food for work programs based on attendance or performance?
Who oversees the cash or food for work programs?

Is there an organized committee in the community for community development?

Has the community a development plan?
If so, list identified community priorities:

Who assisted with the development plan?

What has been done to implement the plan?

Additional Participation comments:

Socioeconomic Survey Pg 5
Bridge Committee Annual Inspection Form

In order to keep your bridge in the optimum condition, continual upkeep is required. An annual
inspection is essential to maintenance. Following the end of the rainy season, one or more
representatives of the Bridge Committee must visit the bridge site and go through the following
checklist and complete corresponding maintenance.

Remove any excess mud and debris from the bridge deck.

Ensure weeds and plants growing beneath the bridge do not obstruct the bridge.

Ensure all bolts, screws and nails are in place and tightened.

Replace deteriorating wood deck panels.

Replace deteriorating crossbeams.

Ensure that fencing is secure. Should any wires be loose or fencing missing, repair or replace
to original condition.

Check for erosion. Should erosion or scour occur, causing the water to reroute toward the
anchor or approach, contact the local supporting agency and request assistance with a
drainage structure.

Measure the distance between the paint on the cable and the saddle guides (inset bottom
right). If more than half meter, local supporting agency immediately and if possible, Bridges
to Prosperity (contact at www.BridgestoProsperity.org).
Saddles

Paint Line

Additional Inspection Notes:

Annual Inspection Pg 1
Section 3:
Quality Control Inspection

To ensure an adequate inspection has been completed for each bridge, a Quality Control Inspection
& Picture Inventory are required for all quality control inspections completed on behalf of Bridges to
Prosperity. For those tracking bridges within their own agencies, a filed report is useful to ensure the
continued maintenance needs are met. Bridges may be inspected without the design engineer on-
site and furthermore, by someone without an engineering background. To ensure the evaluation is
adequate, the submission of pictures provide a visual confirmation of written statements. An As-Built
picture inventory should be on file with the Bridge Registry, which can be located in the final pages of
this manual.

To complete the quality control inspection, prepare yourself by reading the As-Built Bridge Registry
and spend time looking through pictures. Take special note of the size of the cables, for this will dictate
the size of torque wrench socket required. If a previous quality control review has been completed,
also review the inspectors comments and concerns. If not familiar with how to use and read a torque
wrench, reference Volume 3, Part 3: Construction Manual.

3.1 Materials Required

• 3 meter measuring tape

• Digital Camera
• Torque Wrench
• Socket (sized to correspond to cable diameter)
• Pen & paper
• Copy of Quality Control Inspection (Form)

How to read a
torque wrench

Volume 3: Suspended Part 4 Maintenance 16

3.2 Quality Control Overview

Following the completion of the bridge, a follow-up quality control inspection must be completed
a minimum of two times during the lifetime of the bridge. The first should be completed between
three (3) to five (5) years after completion, and the second inspection between five (5) and ten (10).
If the pedestrian bridge continues to be used beyond 10 years, the quality control inspection should
be completed every five (5) years. Beyond 30 years, the bridge must be reviewed by an engineer to
ensure safety of cables, structure and decking.

The Quality Control Inspection Report in Section 5 includes the following items;

• Overall Site Evaluation

• Foundation Tiers & Towers
• Anchors
• Cable Condition
• Cable Clamps
• Approach Walls & Ramp
• Decking

For each sub-section, an adjoining chapter is included in Section 4: Maintenance; Section 4 must be
referenced for both mandatory upkeep items as well as retrofit solutions for bridge concerns found
during the inspections. Please keep one copy of each report and send a copy to Bridges to Prosperity
(contact at www.BridgestoProsperity.org).

Volume 3: Suspended Part 4 Maintenance 17



Quality Control Review:

Annual Inspection
& Picture Inventory Form
Date: __________

Country: __________________________

Bridge Name:

Name of Inspector: ___________________________

Date: __________
Region: ___________________________
Village: ___________________________
GPS coordinates: ___________________________
Directions to site: _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Contact information of person in community: __________________________
Bridge Span: ________meters

Contact information of inspection participants: ___________________________

Observed traffic level: Number of persons: ____________ Time Lapse: ____________

Type of use (bicycle, pedestrian, livestock, etc.) ________________________________

Notes:

Quality Control: Annual Inspection Pg 1

Site Evaluation

Inspect the area surrounding the bridge, on both abutments.

Take special note if erosion has occurred and what the
drainage path of run-off water appears to take. If the erosion
has caused scour, undercutting the anchor, approach or
foundation structure, reference the maintenance section.
For all following sections, reference Section 4: Maintenance
to address any possible concerns. If the manual does Figure above: Profile picture
not address the specific issue, please contact Bridges to
Prosperity (contact at www.BridgestoProsperity.org).

Include the following pictures on disk or in printed form and

attach to Quality Control Inspection report;
• Profile (from both up and down stream)

• Left and Right abutment general picture

• Pictures of bridge in use (people, livestock etc.) Figure above: Abutment picture

Notes on site evaluation, include drainage concerns:

Foundation Tiers & Towers

Inspect the foundation tiers and towers. Note the masonry condition
of towers. Is one able to pick out aggregate with hands?
On either side, verify the base foundation layer is level (see black line
on picture to right). Note if the foundation structure appears to be
dipping (orange) towards the water, or slipping (green arrow). If the
structure has settled in either manner creating change of elevation of
line greater than 30 cm, contact agency responsible for bridge.
Notes on foundation tiers & towers:

Include the following pictures with report:

• Concerning masonry degradation, if any

• Pictures from both sides, either abutment

• Picture of settlement, if any

Quality Control Pg 2
Anchors

Inspect the area surrounding the anchors (far back side

of approach, on both abutments. Take special note if
erosion has occurred and what the drainage path of run-
off water appears to take. If the erosion has caused scour,
undercutting the anchor, reference the maintenance
section.
Walk behind the approach, if possible. The view should be
similar to that in the picture to the right. For soil conditions,
the anchor is a large beam, as shown in the picture to the
right. Note if the cable is kinked at the saddles, implying
the cable is not wrapped directly behind the corresponding
cable saddle (handrail on outsides, walkway on inside, as
shown to right).
For rock conditions, the anchor is a cylindrical drum. The cables also should come straight off the
saddles, as shown in the diagram to the bottom right. Note is the cable is kinked.

Include the following pictures with report:

• Picture from behind abutment & ramp, on either
abutment

• Left and Right abutment general picture

• Picture/s of erosion or drainage concerns, if any

Notes on anchor, sketch area if drainage concerns:

Quality Control Pg 3
Cable Condition
Inspect the cable at all points of insertion into concrete, the
approach or the ground. Inspect general cable condition and
note if loose strands occur anywhere along the cable.
Note the slide of the cable. Reference the colored mark on
the cable, which originated between guides on saddles. If the
amount of movement exceeds 1 % of length of cable (see Span
on Quality Control Page 1), cable slip or excessive cable stretch
has occurred (assume 2% equally divided between two sides
as an upper limit of concern). Please contact B2P immediately
(contact information at www.BridgestoProsperity.org). Figure above: Handrail saddle

Include the following pictures with report:

• Cable insertion into approach, if any corrosion or rust
appears

• Pictures of all four (4) handrail saddle pictures: look for
amount of ‘slide’ for mark on cable.

• Cable fraying, if any
Figure above: Cable at concrete
Cable Clamps

Inspect all clamps that are visible above ground. Using torque
wrench, document existing torque on each above-ground
clamp. For torque standards, first measure the diameter of
the cable or reference As-Built Bridge Register. Reference the
corresponding minimum torque from the torque requirements
on the following page.
If the measured torque is less than 80% torque required,
re-tighten all above-ground clamps to specified torque. If
actual is less than 60% of specified required torque, notify
Figure above: cable clamps
implementing agency immediately to discuss need to rip out
approach or return with additional clamps.

Include the following pictures with report:

• Clamp condition (before re-torque, if required)

• If re-torqued, torque technique used for each

Figure above: Re-torque clamps

Quality Control Pg 4
 Cable Diamter Cable Diameter Spacing Drop-Forged Clamps
(mm) (inch) (mm) Quaninty Required Torque (foot-lbs)
Notes on cable and clamps (include existing torque3.2for 1/8 19.2 2 4.5
every above-ground clamp): 4.8 1/5 28.8 2 7.5
6.4 1/4 38.4 2 15
7.9 1/3 47.4 2 30
9.5 3/8 57 2 45
11.1 4/9 66.6 2 65
12.7 1/2 76.2 3 65
14.3 4/7 85.8 3 95
15.9 5/8 95.4 3 95
19.1 3/4 114.6 4 130
22.2 7/8 133.2 4 225
25.4 1 152.4 5 225
28.6 1 1/8 171.6 6 225
31.8 1 1/4 190.8 7 360
34.9 1 3/8 209.4 7 360
38.1 1 1/2 228.6 8 360
41.3 1 5/8 247.8 8 430
44.5 1 3/4 267 8 590
50.8 2 304.8 8 750
Approach Walls & Ramp 57.2 2 1/4 343.2 8 750
63.5 2 1/2 381 9 750
69.9 2 3/4 419.4 10 750
Inspect the condition of the approach walls and ramp.76.2 3 457.2 10 1200
Evaluate and document extent of cracking on concrete 88.9 3 1/2 533.4 12 1200
approach ramp. Typical source of crack propagation is the Table above: Clamp torque requirements
insertion point of cable, or settlement within the approach. Note opinion on source of cracks. If cracks
between rock walls exist, look into the approach to evaluate if excessive settlement has occurred
inside. Note if any usage issues occur. This may include
water pooling, excessive cracks or bumps in the approach or
connection to ground etc.

Include the following pictures with report:

Cable insertion into approach if cracks

If separation between tower and approach, if more than 30
cm separation, note if settlement occurred with tower or ap-
proach.
Notes on approach walls and ramp:
Figure above: Cracking ramp side-view

Figure above: Cracking

Quality Control Pg 5
Decking

Rate the condition of the deck panels. Note if any

longitudinal deck panels are missing. Note if rot has
occurred and to what extent. Document with pictures,
quantity and extent of rot and opinion of current usability.

Rate condition of cross beams (transverse beams, likely

will need to go below deck). Note if any cracking between
suspender drill hole and end of beam. Note any structural
damage (split beams, missing sections of beams etc.).
Note if rot has occurred and to what extent. Document
with pictures, quantity and extent of rot and opinion of
current usability.

Include the following pictures with report:

• General decking condition

• General crossbeam condition

• Decking/crossbeam pictures if rotting or other

issues Crossbeams

Notes on approach walls and ramp:

Full-Bridge Photos

Quality Control Pg 6
Section 4:
Maintenance

This section includes mandatory upkeep items to be completed during every Quality Control Inspection,
as well as solutions to repair bridge components found to be substandard during inspections.

The Maintenance chapter includes the following sections:

4.1 Overall Site Condition

4.2 Foundation Tiers & Towers
4.3 Anchors
4.4 Cable & Clamps
4.5 Approach Walls & Ramp
4.6 Decking

4.1 Overall Site Condition

If the Quality Control Inspection notes that erosion and scour are undermining the bridge structure,
a drainage structure may allow the water to reroute, thus saving the structure from further damage.

Slope protection and drainage systems are required at sites when excess run-off may influence the
slope stability. It is recommended to avoid sites where any instability is prevalent. If unavoidable, it is
necessary to drain out the runoff and seepage to ensure the stability of the slope and to avoid under-
scour of structures. Water should be collected as closely as possible to its origin and navigated away
from the bridge structures. A surface catch drain on a slope may be required, drainage around the
structure or both.

Below right if an example subsurface drainage systems, and bottom right are example surface drainage
systems. For further details, reference Volume 2.
Subsurface Drainage

Surface Drainage

Volume 3: Suspended Part 4 Maintenance 24

4.2 Foundation Tiers & Towers

If the quality control inspection finds that the masonry structure is degrading, use a cement mortar to
patch the areas. If severe degradation, consider replacing when possible.

If the structure is found to be slipping (either slipping downhill, or tipping forward), hire a local
engineer to evaluate the stability of the slope. If considered unsafe, close the bridge. It is possible to
reconstruct the structure of the failing side using many of the scrapped materials, but do not relocate
at such a distance that the cables create a lateral load on the opposing side towers.

4.3 Anchors

If the Quality Control Inspection notes that erosion and scour are undermining the anchor, a drainage
structure may allow the water to reroute, thus saving the structure from further damage. See section
4.3.1 and reference Volume 2 for further details on drainage structures.

4.4 Cables & Clamps

If the cable is found to be corroding or fraying, estimate the percentage of the cable cross-section
that has been damaged. If greater than 10% of cable is fraying, evaluate the extent of the damage. If
localized in one point, consider a splice. Reference cable-
manufacturing materials for details. If evaluated to have
extensive damage, close the bridge until cable can be
replaced with new cables. If this occurs, contact Bridges
to Prosperity to describe situation, providing pictures and
details when possible (contact at www.BridgestoProsperity.
org).

If the clamps are found to have less than 80% of required

torque, each above-ground clamp must be re-tightened.
The picture to the top right depicts the cross-sectional
reduction that is required when the clamps are fully
torqued (assuming drop-forged, not malleable. For more information, see Volume 3, Part 3). Bottom
right shows the proper length of the breaker
bar or torque wrench required to apply the
adequate amount of torque.

If the clamps are found to have less than

60% of the required torque, additional
clamps must be added. In severe cases the
approach should be removed to tighten
clamps below ground.

4.5 Approach Walls & Ramp

Volume 3: Suspended Part 4 Maintenance 25

If the quality control inspection finds that the approach structure is degrading, use a cement mortar to
patch the areas. If severe degradation, consider patching with wedge stones.

If the approach ramp is separating from the tower structure, a method to tie back the structures
together is required or the bridge must be closed. This method is beyond the scope of this basic
manual as it will require engineering consultation.

If the ramp is cracking from settlement (not just localized cracking around the insertion points of the
cable), rip out the 5 cm thick concrete ramp top, backfill the approach with additional well-graded
large aggregate and stone and recover with a fresh layer of concrete, 5 cm thick.

4.6 Decking

If any decking panels are rotting through or missing

entirely, they must be replaced. The standard
thickness of a decking board is 5 cm, but verify with
those on site before purchasing. Reference Volume 3,
Part 2 Drawings, specifically the decking drawings for
complete details. Note that the pattern of laying the
deck panels requires an alternation, as shown in the
picture to the right.

If any crossbeams are in need of replacement, either

an additional board must be attached to the bottom as
reinforcement or the beam must be replaced.

If replacement is chosen, start by removing the deck

panels directly above the crossbeam in question.
Unwrap the fencing in the direct location; cutting may
be required. Secondly, unwrap the suspenders from
the top of the cable, which likely will require a pipe.
Unwrap the suspender from the crossbeam, originally
with the configuration shown to the right. Remove
the suspenders completely and attempt to straighten
for reuse. Take new pre-drilled crossbeam and fit into
place. Reference Volume 3, Part 3 Construction for
details. Complete the process by screwing and nailing
the deck boards back into place. Replace and repair
any damaged fencing before leaving.

Volume 3: Suspended Part 4 Maintenance 26

Post Construction Inspection

1. Clamp torque inspections for those clamps exposed, right and left. Take related photos.

2. Uphill erosion analysis, right and left. Take related photos.

3. River bank erosion analysis, right and left. Take related photos.

4. Crack assessment (most critical, would be crack and differential settlement showing in the internal tower
structural concrete column; also any heaving would be critical if occuring between anchor and tiers........which
might indicate a slipping anchor) right and left. Take related photos.

5. Inspect for offset sag causing sloped deck. Measure the amount of deck out-of-level in cm per meter
(measurement taken in middle of bridge). Take related photos.

6. Shoot sag and record. Sag should be recorded, first in meters below walkway at abutment, and then
divided by span to get percentage. Any percentages over 5.0% should be put on watch list. If there is
excessive sag, what is the likely cause, and will this put the bridge in jeopardy in regard to having insufficient
freeboard? Photo taken that show side elevation of entire bridge.

7. Verify span with measurement.

8. Is there any indication that the anchor might be slipping? Example of such indications would be excessive
sag (sag over say 6%), or a slipping anchor or drum that would cause compression heaving in the approach
between the anchor and the tiers. Right and left. Take related photos.

9. Measuring the departure angles from the towers to the anchors and from the tower to the river to be sure
that the delta does not exceed X (define what the maximum delta should be.......12 degrees?) Right and Left.
Photo of cable departure at towers.

10. Differential settlement: Is there any indication that the abutments (foundations/tiers/towers) are not
level, and that such out of level is caused by differential settlement of the foundations? right and left. Take
related photos.

11. Dig up a small section of handrail cable at the approach (dig out and expose one foot of cable), and see if
there is any signs of corrosion below ground. Take related photos.

12. Community Maintenance Responsibility Items: What kind of job was the community doing on
maintenance of the approach, deck, and fencing? What work was the community leaders told to perform
(decking repairs, fence repairs, etc.)? Take related photos.

Volume 3: Suspended Part 4 Maintenance