CPII Bridge Inspection 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended maximum interval between routine bridge inspections under NBIS for most bridges?
- 12 months
- 18 months
- 24 months (Correct answer)
- 36 months
Correct answer: 24 months
NBIS requires routine inspections at intervals not exceeding 24 months for most bridges.
Question 2: Which type of bridge movement joint is most susceptible to debris accumulation that causes damage to the deck and girder ends?
- Compression seal joint
- Strip seal joint
- Open finger plate joint (Correct answer)
- Modular expansion joint
Correct answer: Open finger plate joint
Open finger plate joints allow debris and water to fall directly onto girder ends and bearings, causing accelerated corrosion and deterioration.
Question 3: When conducting an underwater bridge inspection, which method provides the most detailed visual record of underwater substructure conditions?
- Sonar scanning
- ADCP flow measurement
- Diver inspection with video documentation (Correct answer)
- Seismic refraction survey
Correct answer: Diver inspection with video documentation
Diver inspection with video documentation provides the most detailed visual assessment of underwater substructure conditions.
Question 4: A bridge inspector documents MAP-21 Item 58 (Deck) as condition rating 4. What does this indicate?
- The deck is in good condition with minor surface problems
- The deck has advanced section loss or deterioration affecting structural integrity
- The deck has widespread cracking and spalling with no section loss (Correct answer)
- The deck has failed and is out of service
Correct answer: The deck has widespread cracking and spalling with no section loss
A condition rating of 4 (Poor) indicates widespread advanced deterioration but not necessarily loss of section or structural integrity.
Question 5: Which fatigue category per AASHTO represents the most severe stress concentration and lowest fatigue life?
- Category A
- Category C
- Category E
- Category E' (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Category E'
AASHTO fatigue Category E' represents the most severe stress concentration, such as at certain weld details and attachments, with the lowest allowable stress range.
Question 6: A concrete pier shows a pattern of map cracking (crazing) on its surface. What is the most probable cause?
- Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) (Correct answer)
- Chloride-induced corrosion of reinforcement
- Freeze-thaw cycling
- Construction joint failure
Correct answer: Alkali-silica reaction (ASR)
Map cracking or crazing on concrete surfaces is a classic sign of alkali-silica reaction (ASR), which causes internal expansion.
Question 7: What is the purpose of a 'special inspection' under NBIS?
- To replace the routine inspection for high-priority bridges
- To monitor a known or suspected deficiency at intervals determined by the engineer (Correct answer)
- To inspect new bridges before they are open to traffic
- To assess bridges after every major storm event
Correct answer: To monitor a known or suspected deficiency at intervals determined by the engineer
Special inspections are scheduled by the engineer to monitor specific deficiencies or features at intervals dictated by the nature of the concern.
CPII Bridge Inspection 4
What is the recommended maximum interval between routine bridge inspections under NBIS for most bridges?