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Civil Infrastructure Inspection 22 items

Fracture-Critical (NSTM) Bridge Inspection

Hands-on inspection of nonredundant steel tension members (fracture-critical members) documenting arm's-length examination of fatigue-prone details and defects.

NBIS 23 CFR 650 Subpart CAASHTO Manual for Bridge EvaluationFHWA NSTM Inspection Guidance

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Inspection Setup & Qualifications

  • Is the NSTM inspection performed within the assigned interval (max 24 months or the risk-based interval)? *
  • Is the Team Leader qualified and trained for NSTM/fracture-critical inspection methods? *
  • Is a current NSTM inspection plan (member list, access, procedures) on file and followed? *
  • Date of this inspection *
  • NBI structure number *

Member Access & Hands-On Coverage

  • Was arm's-length (hands-on) access achieved for all identified NSTMs? *
  • Were access methods (snooper, rigging, lifts) adequate to reach all tension zones and connections? *
  • Were surfaces cleaned/prepared as needed to permit close visual examination?
  • List any NSTMs that could not be fully accessed and the reason

Tension Members & Fatigue Details

  • Are primary tension members free of cracking, including at welds and copes? *
  • Are fatigue-prone details (Category D/E/E' welds, intersecting welds, tack welds) free of fatigue cracking? *
  • Are connection plates, gusset plates, and pin-and-hanger assemblies free of section loss or distortion? *
  • Is there evidence of out-of-plane distortion or web gap cracking at diaphragm connections?
  • Were suspect indications verified by NDT (dye penetrant, MT, or UT) where warranted?

Corrosion & Section Loss

  • Are NSTMs free of measurable section loss beyond documented limits? *
  • Was thickness measurement (ultrasonic or caliper) taken at areas of active corrosion?
  • Estimated maximum section loss at worst location (percent)
  • Are faying surfaces and connection areas free of pack rust causing member deformation?

Findings & Reporting

  • Overall superstructure/NSTM condition rating (0-9) *
  • Are any critical findings requiring immediate notification present? *
  • Photograph representative defects and access views
  • Inspector signature *

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