Bridge Evaluation Quality Assurance in Europe

Abstract

The National Bridge Inspection Standards require transportation agencies to use quality control and quality assurance procedures to maintain accuracy and consistency in their bridge inspection programs. The Federal Highway Administration, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and National Cooperative Highway Research Program sponsored a scanning study to look at European bridge inspection practices related to quality assurance. The scan team found that European agencies use their bridge inspection programs to insure highway user safety, meet durability and serviceability expectations, and enhance capital investment decisions. They emphasize quality assurance through well-defined inspector qualifications, periodic certification of inspectors, data collection, and the use of appropriate equipment to evaluate structures. Team recommendations for U.S. implementation include developing a rational basis for bridge inspection frequency, guidelines for developing quality assurance/quality control procedures, illustrations and reference photos for manuals, and integrated inspection repair approaches.