ABSTRACT
The paper describes system of the road bridges quality control applied in Poland, including procedures of bridge inspections and methods of technical condition as well as operability assessment during the operation of structures (Fig. 1). Scheme of quality control of road bridges in Poland. https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781315207681/cd556cd4-4dcf-4efe-8e29-56fc67b8bfbd/content/fig130_1.tif"/>
All components of the quality control system are described and special attention is paid to:
bridge structure inspections with specification of all types of inspections and testing procedures,
identification and classification of bridge defects, Table 1. Scale of technical condition rating. Scale of technical condition rating.
Grade
Condition
The assessment criteria for each bridge part evaluation
5
Adequate
Element without defects and contamination that can be found during the site inspection.
4
Satisfactory
Element shows the first signs of contamination or defects corresponding to deterioration of aesthetic appearance.
3
Alarming
Element exhibit defects, which will lead to shortening the period of safe operation when neglected
2
Insufficient
Element exhibit defects reducing operability parameters, which can be repaired.
1
Pre-emergency
Element exhibit defects impossible to repair as well as disqualifying its operability
0
Emergency
The element has been destroyed or ceased to exist.
classification of testing methods used during each type of inspection, including non-destructive testing (NDT) methods and semi-destructive testing (SDT) methods,
system of technical condition rating (Tab. 1) and assessment of operability of bridge structures,
load tests both under the proof loads, with designed and controlled parameters as well as under the operational loads with random parameters,
quality control of bridges in mining areas.
Information on bridge condition acquired during the obligatory load tests at the beginning of its life form a background for the monitoring and assessment of the structure degradation process observed during inspections. Information collected during inspections and tests are of vital importance to effective management of the structure maintenance and operation during the whole life of the bridge. Finally expected directions of the bridge quality control development are indicated and discussed.
