Forest Road Engineering Guidebook - Ministry of Forests

Forest Road Engineering Guidebook
In addition to regular scheduled inspections, structures should be inspected
after severe storm events.
Inspection records
The inspection record of a bridge or major culvert must include all of the
following:
• date of the inspection
• a condition assessment of the components of the structure
• a recommendation for any repairs that may be required and a schedule
for those repairs
• the date of the next scheduled inspection
• the length of time a bridge has been at its current site
• a note about whether a bridge was designed and constructed to be at the
current site for no more than 15 years.
Inspection records for major bridges and culverts must be retained for 1 year
beyond the actual life of the structure at the site. Should a structure fail, these
records will be useful in any subsequent investigation. These records can also
be used as a reference to determine the type of structures that are costeffective
and environmentally suitable for similar stream crossings.
Structural deficiencies noted in inspections
The sequence of identifying and correcting structural deficiencies in existing
bridges is as follows:
1. A qualified inspector identifies and records possible structural
deficiencies.
2. A professional engineer carries out a field review of the structure, and
confirms or recommends the following, as applicable:
• the types of work that must be carried out to correct the deficiencies,
or
• the need to protect road users by either
– installing signs detailing the load rating prepared by the engineer,
or
– closing or removing the structure.
Road prism maintenance
Maintenance is required to ensure user safety and stability of the road prism,
and to minimize sediment transport from the road prism.
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