/Forestry bridge roads inspection.JPG)
This free-for-download guide is intended for the forester responsible for bridge maintenance.The document is titled “Field Guide for Inspecting Bridges – on Forest Roads in Ontario” and was partly funded by the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry. The guide has the primary aim of helping the forester responsible for bridge inspection to identify various forestry bridge designs, components and defects. The guide consists of the following sections:
- Key points – This section indicates that the guide is aimed at the forester or responsible person dedicated by the bridge owner, as opposed to a professional engineer.
- Conducting a bridge inspection – Each bridge component is inspected against two criteria: Firstly, the condition of the material of each component, and secondly, how well each component is performing according to the role it plays. 10 critical photographs need to be taken of various bridge components.
- Common bridge designs – Pictures show the most common bridge designs used in Ontario.
- Common bridge components – The components of the superstructure and substructure are explained and shown, using diagrams. Common deck types and abutments are also included.
- General inspection information – This comprehensive section covers key elements of concern. These include erosion and an adequate water opening. Specific problem areas on various bridge components are also provided, and are discussed under the heading of superstructure, substructure and approaches. Elaborate use is made of diagrams and photographs.
- Terminology – a brief description is provided of the definitions of various classes of bridges.
- Bridge inspection checklist – this generic checklist makes provision for general bridge information and general inspection information.
Source: www.feric.ca