Handbook for Bridge Inspections - TSP2

These effects are presented in order of importance. Damage that
affects carrying capacity, will therefore be given higher priority
than that affecti ng environment or maintenance costs.
When relevant, the cost of repairs shall also include traffic costs as
wei l.
One damage may have several consequences.
Assessment of Damage by
Combining Degree and
Consequence of Damage
Damage that affects the
Carrying Capacity
The condition of a bridge element is assessed by cOllS idering the
seriousness and effect of any damage to it. The assessment therefo
re, is a combination of the degree and consequence of the damage.
This combination results in the final assessment ofthc damage as
outlined below:
I C = Minor damage/defect that in the long run may present
danger to the carrying capacity of the structure. The
damage might not require repair within the coming 10
years.
2C = Average damage/defect which can reduce the carrying
capacity of the structure ifno repair is carried out within
the next 3-10 years. The damage must be repaired within
3- 10 years.
3C = Serious damage/defect which can rcduce the carrying
capacity of the structure ifno repair is carried out within
the next 1-3 years. The damage must bc repaired within
\-3 years.
4C = Critical damage which has reduced or is about to reduce
the carrying capacity of the structure. The damage must
be repaired immediately or within half a year if safety
precautions shall be avoided. Report on the findings
shall be submitted to the Bridge Engineer immedia
tely.
Damage influencing the
Traffic Safety
Damage inftuencing the
Maintenance Cost
lT ~
2T ~
3T ~
4T ~
lM ~
Minor damage/defect that might in the long run present
danger to the traffic safety. The damage m ight not requi
re to be repaired within the coming 10 years.
Average damage/defect which can reduce the traffic
safety if no repair is carried out within the nex t 3-1 0
years. The damage must be repaired withill 3- 10 years.
Serious damage/defect whi ch can reduce t he traffic safe
ty lfno repair is carried out within the nex t 1-3 years.
The damage must be repai red within 1-3 years.
Critical damage which has reduced or is about to reduce
traffic safety. The damage must be repaired immediately
or wi thin half a year if safety precautions s hall be avo
ided.
Report on the findings shall be submitted to the
Bridge Engineer immediately.
Minor damage/defect that in the long run, is considered
to influence the maintenance costs. The damage mi gh t
not require to be repaired with in the coming 10 years.