Visual inspection in evaluation of bridge condition

Abstract

Given that visual inspection is vital when evaluating the condition of bridges, it plays a crucial role in planning the special maintenance works. At the beginning of 2012, a research was conducted in HAC (Croatian Highways) aiming to standardize evaluation of bridges. The bridge engineers had assessed a certain group of buildings, and their results were afterwards analysed using the mathematical statistics methods. The obtained results showed weaknesses in the existing evaluation system, and the conducted research created a base for improving aides for management, handbooks and procedures for bridge inspection.