FHWA APPROACH FOR RELIABILITY TESTING OF THE VISUAL INSPECTION METHOD

The state-of-the-practice for bridge inspection relies almost exclusively on the Visual Inspection (VI) Method to assess the condition of our nation's bridges. Visual inspection, especially by well trained and experienced inspectors, can be a very effective tool for rapidly and economically detecting deterioration or distress. However, the visual inspection method has inherent limitations that affect its reliability. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), through the newly established FHWA NDE Validation Center (NDEVC), has initiated a comprehensive study to define the reliability of the visual inspection method, as it is currently practiced in the United States. This study will include a comprehensive literature search and questionnaire survey of transportation agencies and consultants to define the current state-of-the-practice of bridge inspection. A series of performance and capability trials will be carried out under laboratory and field conditions to assess individual components of the visual inspection method. The overall study and preliminary scientific approach are described, with study completion in early 2000.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0784404216
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  1801 Alexander Bell Drive
  Reston, VA  United States  20191-4400
• Authors:
  • Washer, G
  • Moore, M
  • WALTHER, R
• Conference:
  • 1999 New Orleans Structures Congress
  • Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Date: 1999-4-18 to 1999-4-21
• Publication Date: 1999

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 829-832

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Inspection; Questionnaires; Reliability; Studies; Surveys; Testing; Transportation departments
• Identifier Terms: U.S. Federal Highway Administration
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00778349
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0784404216
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 10 1999 12:00AM