Inspection, testing and monitoring of trunk road bridges in England

Testing and monitoring are increasingly regarded as an essential aid to support inspection, structural assessment and condition monitoring of highway structures. The data required for determining the condition of a structure are obtained from a careful visual inspection. Where deterioration has occurred testing techniques can be used to help diagnose the cause and to determine the extent of the deterioration. They can also be used to determine what, if any, remedial work is required. This paper describes the approach adopted in England for the inspection, testing and monitoring of highway bridges on the trunk road network.

• Introduction

• Inventory

• Inspection

• Testing

• Monitoring

• Specification and Procurement

• Interpretation and Application

• Conclusions

• References