NBIS Inspections for NJDOT

JMT performed in-depth NBIS, CoMBIS, emergency, and interim bridge inspections of 1,742 bridges that included field inspection of all elements of each bridge, in accordance with NBIS and NJDOT requirements. Tasks included assigning a condition rating to elements, defect mapping and documentation, photo documentation, fracture critical and fatigue sensitive inspections, taking soundings of waterway depths, and inspection of safety features. Live load capacity was determined through calculation ratings.

Inspections included deck systems, parapets, sidewalks, median barriers, and handrails, expansion and deck joints, drainage inlets or scuppers, structural steel/concrete/timber members, lighting standards, paint, utilities, concrete pedestals, abutments, piers, and sounding measurements. A number of our inspections included movable bridges and fracture critical members. Emergency and priority repair, design, and recommendations were issued where needed to assure public safety and uninterrupted traffic flow. The priority repair recommendations included detailed designs of steel splices, shoring, pre-stressed beam repairs, scour remediation, and deck repairs, to name a few.

We conducted our inspections using specialized access equipment, such as UB-60’s, bucket trucks, man-lifts, and boats. Underwater inspections were performed by a qualified diver inspector. Confined space inspections were performed by specialty trained inspectors and advanced air monitoring devices. Emergency inspections were undertaken to assess structural and scour damage caused by Hurricane Irene.

Our bridge inspection reports included load rating calculations, detailed recommendations and cost estimates for replacement, widening, and major repairs We recommended action to preserve the structural integrity of the bridge, as well as fixes for significant safety hazards.