Abstract

Currently, there are no universally accepted procedures or criteria related to the inspection of pedestrian bridges in the U.S. While some states have some criteria in place, the FHWA has no specific recommendations or requirements for such structures. However, pedestrian bridges can be very complex structures in some cases, whether by using non-redundant cable-supported walkways, curved super structures, or other materials not commonly used in highway bridges. Furthermore, many of these bridges are over busy state highways and carry many pedestrians daily. Due to the Indiana climate, these structures are often subjected to deicing chemicals that are applied more frequently than on state highways. Hence, corrosion of reinforcing steel and structural steel is possible. In the absences of any state-wide uniform inspection requirements, the risk associated with such bridges is elevated. This research project developed a proposed risk-based methodology to set inspection intervals and provide guidance on the scope of such inspections within the state of Indiana.

Keywords

bridge inspection, pedestrian bridge

Report Number

FHWA/IN/JTRP-2024/17

SPR Number

4535

Performing Organization

Joint Transportation Research Program

Publisher Place

West Lafayette, Indiana

Date of Version

2024

DOI

10.5703/1288284317750

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