| |
|
|
|
KDOT uses a proactive, methodical schedule to inspect bridges. Inspections can use one or more techniques such as visual, underwater (checking for erosion of bridge piers underwater), hands- on, or using special testing instruments such as ultrasound. We perform the inspections using our own engineering staff or we may hire an engineering consulting firm, depending on the circumstances.
- KDOT inspects all bridges on the state highway system at least every two years, which is federal law.
- Large structures which carry a significant amount of traffic are inspected every year.
- Bridges needing special monitoring are inspected more often when necessary.
- If a bridge gets a rating of 5 or less on the 0 to 9 Federal Highway Administration scale of condition guidelines, KDOT will do a yearly inspection, which is above and beyond the federal standard.
- If a bridge gets a rating of 4 or less, the federal government requires an annual inspection.
Southeast Kansas Flooding, July 2007
- All of KDOT’s bridges in southeast Kansas were inspected in July 2007 in the wake of widespread flooding early in the month. None suffered significant damage.
Non-state Bridge Inspections
- Local governments are responsible for inspecting their own bridges. Some of them do the inspections with their own staff, but most are done by consulting engineers.
|
|
|
The sufficiency rating formula is a method of evaluating
factors which indicate a bridge’s sufficiency to remain
in service. The result of the formula is a percentage
in which 100 percent would represent an entirely sufficient
bridge and zero percent would represent an entirely
insufficient or deficient bridge. States annually submit
to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) all of
the required data for each bridge. The FHWA uses these
numbers to determine the sufficiency rating.
The factors involved to establish the sufficiency
rating include the following:
1) Structural adequacy and safety
2) Serviceability and functional obsolescence
3) Essentiality for public use
4) Other special reductions, such as detour length and
bridge type.
|
|
|
|
|
"...to provide a statewide transportation system to meet the needs of Kansas."
Print this
page
indicates that Adobe
Reader® software is required to view a document