DESCRIPTION:
This course is based on the "Bridge Inspector's Reference Manual" and provides training on the safety inspection of in-service highway bridges. Satisfactory completion of this course will fulfill the training requirements of the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) for a comprehensive training course.

Mid-term and final examinations based on course content will be administered to participants. The sponsoring agency/State may monitor the examinations and retain the scores to qualify or certify bridge inspectors. The sponsoring agency is responsible for grading the examinations. An answer key will be provided.

• Evaluate a variety of bridges and determine the critical areas for inspection, including fatigue-prone details, and common points of deterioration and/or distress
• Review as-built plans and previous inspection reports and, based on this review, plan and conduct an effective safety inspection for common bridge types and bridge-length culverts
• Provide documentation of defects in various materials and of bridge configurations
• Recognize the need to inspect the underwater portions of bridge structures, describe the types of deficiencies to look for (e.g., scour), determine when an inspection is necessary, and identify the procedures and types of equipment available and the advantages and limitations of each
• Evaluate the severity of material deterioration and member distress and assign ratings according to coding guidance as developed by FHWA and/or the State highway agency.
• Determine when it is necessary to close the bridge (or recommend closure) because of imminent danger
• Discuss the equipment requirements for a complete inspection and demonstrate proficiency
• Recognize when further inspection, such as nondestructive testing (NDT), is required beyond the usual visual and hand tool inspection and decide what type of further inspection should be conducted

TARGET AUDIENCE:
Federal, State, and local highway agency employees involved in inspecting bridges or in charge of a bridge inspection unit. A background in bridge engineering or completion of NHI course FHWA-NHI-130054 Engineering Concepts for Bridge Inspectors is strongly recommended.

NHI TRAINING INFORMATION:
NHI Scheduler  (703) 235-0534

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT:
Thomas Everett  (202) 366-4675

NHI TRAINING PROGRAM MANAGER:
Ward, Louisa  (703) 235-0523