(Aashto) Aashto Mbei-1-I1 2015 Interim Revisions

2015 Interim
Manual for Bridge

Element Inspection
First Edition, 20 I 3
2014 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. 2015
All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law. Revision
444 North Capitol Street, NW Suite 249
Washington, DC 20001
202-624-5800 phone/202-624-5806 fax
www.transportation.org
2014 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. All rights reserved. Duplication is
a violation of applicable law.
ISBN: 978-1-56051-622-4 Pub Code: MBEI-1-I1

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
444 North Capitol Street, NW Suite 249
Washington, DC 20001
202-624-5800 phone/202-624-5806 fax
www.transportation.org
Cover photos courtesy of the following Departments of Transportation: Washington State (1), California (23), Idaho
(45), and Nevada (6). Cover figures courtesy of the Montana Department of Transportation.
2013 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. All rights reserved. Printed in the
United States of America. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the
publishers.
ISBN: 978-1-56051-591-3 PUB CODE: MBEI-1
All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law. Edition
Manual for Bridge Element Inspection v
PREFACE
This manual is intended as a resource for agencies performing element-level bridge inspections. It replaces the
AASHTO Guide to Commonly Recognized Structural Elements (1994) and the AASHTO Guide Manual for Bridge Element
Inspection (2011) as a reference for standardized element definitions, element quantity calculations, condition state
definitions, element feasible actions, and inspection conventions.
This manual incorporates suggested changes that were submitted by many inspecting agencies, consultant inspection
firms, and training instructors that helped improve this updated version. AASHTO would like to thank member agencies
for their continued dedication to improving bridge inspection in the United States.
AASHTO also would like to recognize the dedication and tireless efforts of the following technical team members
who worked together to develop this manual:
Name Agency Role

Michael B. Johnson California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Team Lead
Wade Casey Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) Technical Team Member
Larry ODonnell FHWA Technical Team Member
Derek Soden FHWA Technical Team Member
Paula Allec Caltrans Technical Support
Allen R. Marshall Allen R. Marshall Consulting LLC Manual Development Consultant
Manual for Bridge Element Inspection vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 20122013 .............................................................................................................................. iii
HIGHWAYS SUBCOMMITTEE ON BRIDGES AND STRUCTURES, 2013 .................................................................... iv
PREFACE ................................................................................................................................................................................ v
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................ xiii
SECTION 1: BACKGROUND............................................................................................................................................. 1-1

1.1Condition Assessment Philosophy: Multipath and Defect Concepts .................................................................... 1-1
1.2National Bridge Elements (NBEs) ........................................................................................................................ 1-1
1.3Bridge Management Elements (BMEs) ................................................................................................................ 1-1
1.4Agency-Developed Elements (ADEs) .................................................................................................................. 1-1
1.5How to Use This Manual ...................................................................................................................................... 1-2
1.6Organization.......................................................................................................................................................... 1-2
SECTION 2: ELEMENT LOCATION MATRIX ................................................................................................................ 2-1

2.1National Bridge Elements ..................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.1.1Decks and Slabs .......................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.1.2Railings ....................................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.1.3Superstructure ............................................................................................................................................. 2-2
2.1.4Bearings ...................................................................................................................................................... 2-2
2.1.5Substructure ................................................................................................................................................ 2-3
2.1.6Culverts ....................................................................................................................................................... 2-3
2.2Bridge Management Elements .............................................................................................................................. 2-3
2.2.1Joints ........................................................................................................................................................... 2-3
2.2.2Approach Slabs ........................................................................................................................................... 2-4
2.2.3Wearing Surfaces, Protective Coatings, and Concrete Reinforcing Steel Protective Systems ................... 2-4
SECTION 3: DETAILED ELEMENT DESCRIPTIONS .................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1Decks and Slabs .................................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.1.1Element 12Reinforced Concrete Deck .................................................................................................... 3-2
3.1.2Element 13Prestressed Concrete Deck ................................................................................................... 3-4
3.1.3Element 38Reinforced Concrete Slab ..................................................................................................... 3-6
3.1.4Element 15Prestressed Concrete Top Flange .......................................................................................... 3-8
3.1.5Element 16Reinforced Concrete Top Flange ........................................................................................ 3-10
3.1.6Element 28Steel Deck with Open Grid ................................................................................................. 3-12
3.1.7Element 29Steel Deck with Concrete Filled Grid ................................................................................. 3-13
3.1.8Element 30Steel Deck Corrugated/Orthotropic/Etc. ............................................................................. 3-14
3.1.9Element 31Timber Deck ....................................................................................................................... 3-15
3.1.10Element 54Timber Slab ...................................................................................................................... 3-17
3.1.11Element 60Other Deck ........................................................................................................................ 3-19
3.1.12Element 65Other Slab ......................................................................................................................... 3-21
3.2Railings ............................................................................................................................................................... 3-23
3.2.1Element 330Metal Bridge Railing ........................................................................................................ 3-24
3.2.2Element 331Reinforced Concrete Bridge Railing ................................................................................. 3-25
viii Manual for Bridge Element Inspection
3.2.3Element 332Timber Bridge Railing ...................................................................................................... 3-26

3.2.4Element 333Other Bridge Railing......................................................................................................... 3-28
3.2.5Element 334Masonry Bridge Railing ................................................................................................... 3-30
3.3Superstructure ..................................................................................................................................................... 3-32
3.3.1Girders ...................................................................................................................................................... 3-32
3.3.1.1Element 102Steel Closed Web/Box Girder ................................................................................ 3-33
3.3.1.2Element 104Prestressed Concrete Closed Web/Box Girder ....................................................... 3-34
3.3.1.3Element 105Reinforced Concrete Closed Web/Box Girder ....................................................... 3-36
3.3.1.4Element 106Other Closed Web/Box Girder ............................................................................... 3-37
3.3.1.5Element 107Steel Open Girder/Beam ......................................................................................... 3-39
3.3.1.6Element 109Prestressed Concrete Open Girder/Beam ............................................................... 3-40
3.3.1.7Element 110Reinforced Concrete Open Girder/Beam................................................................ 3-41
3.3.1.8Element 111Timber Open Girder/Beam ..................................................................................... 3-42
3.3.1.9Element 112Other Open Girder/Beam........................................................................................ 3-44
3.3.2Stringers .................................................................................................................................................... 3-46
3.3.2.1Element 113Steel Stringer .......................................................................................................... 3-47
3.3.2.2Element 115Prestressed Concrete Stringer ................................................................................. 3-48
3.3.2.3Element 116Reinforced Concrete Stringer ................................................................................. 3-49
3.3.2.4Element 117Timber Stringer ...................................................................................................... 3-50
3.3.2.5Element 118Other Stringer ......................................................................................................... 3-52
3.3.3Trusses/Arches .......................................................................................................................................... 3-54
3.3.3.1Element 120Steel Truss .............................................................................................................. 3-55
3.3.3.2Element 135Timber Truss .......................................................................................................... 3-56
3.3.3.3Element 136Other Truss ............................................................................................................. 3-58
3.3.3.4Element 141Steel Arch ............................................................................................................... 3-60
3.3.3.5Element 142Other Arch .............................................................................................................. 3-61
3.3.3.6Element 143Prestressed Concrete Arch ...................................................................................... 3-63
3.3.3.7Element 144Reinforced Concrete Arch ...................................................................................... 3-65
3.3.3.8Element 145Masonry Arch ......................................................................................................... 3-67
3.3.3.9Element 146Timber Arch ........................................................................................................... 3-68
3.3.4Floor Beams .............................................................................................................................................. 3-70
3.3.4.1Element 152Steel Floor Beam .................................................................................................... 3-71
3.3.4.2Element 154Prestressed Concrete Floor Beam ........................................................................... 3-72
3.3.4.3Element 155Reinforced Concrete Floor Beam ........................................................................... 3-73
3.3.4.4Element 156Timber Floor Beam ................................................................................................ 3-74
3.3.4.5Element 157Other Floor Beam ................................................................................................... 3-76
3.3.5Miscellaneous Superstructure Elements ................................................................................................... 3-78
3.3.5.1Element 147Steel Main Cables ................................................................................................... 3-79
3.3.5.2Element 148Secondary Steel Cables .......................................................................................... 3-80
3.3.5.3Element 149Other Secondary Cable ........................................................................................... 3-81
3.3.5.4Element 161Steel Pin and Pin & Hanger Assembly or both ....................................................... 3-83
3.3.5.5Element 162Steel Gusset Plate ................................................................................................... 3-84
3.4Bearings .............................................................................................................................................................. 3-85
3.4.1Element 310Elastomeric Bearing.......................................................................................................... 3-86
3.4.2Element 311Movable Bearing .............................................................................................................. 3-88
3.4.3Element 312Enclosed/Concealed Bearing ............................................................................................ 3-89
3.4.4Element 313Fixed Bearing ................................................................................................................... 3-90
Manual for Bridge Element Inspection ix
3.4.5Element 314Pot Bearing ....................................................................................................................... 3-91

3.4.6Element 315Disk Bearing ..................................................................................................................... 3-93
3.4.7Element 316Other Bearing ................................................................................................................... 3-94
3.5Substructure Elements ........................................................................................................................................ 3-95
3.5.1Columns/Pier Walls .................................................................................................................................. 3-95
3.5.1.1Element 202Steel Column .......................................................................................................... 3-96
3.5.1.2Element 203Other Column ......................................................................................................... 3-98
3.5.1.3Element 204Prestressed Concrete Column ............................................................................... 3-100
3.5.1.4Element 205Reinforced Concrete Column ............................................................................... 3-102
3.5.1.5Element 206Timber Column .................................................................................................... 3-104
3.5.1.6Element 207Steel Tower........................................................................................................... 3-106
3.5.1.7Element 208Timber Trestle ...................................................................................................... 3-108
3.5.1.8Element 210Reinforced Concrete Pier Wall ............................................................................. 3-110
3.5.1.9Element 211Other Pier Wall ..................................................................................................... 3-112
3.5.1.10Element 212Timber Pier Wall ................................................................................................ 3-114
3.5.1.11Element 213Masonry Pier Wall .............................................................................................. 3-116
3.5.2Abutments ............................................................................................................................................... 3-118
3.5.2.1Element 215Reinforced Concrete Abutment ............................................................................ 3-119
3.5.2.2Element 216Timber Abutment ................................................................................................. 3-121
3.5.2.3Element 217Masonry Abutment ............................................................................................... 3-123
3.5.2.4Element 218Other Abutments .................................................................................................. 3-125
3.5.2.5Element 219Steel Abutment ..................................................................................................... 3-127
3.5.3Piles/Pier Caps/Footings ......................................................................................................................... 3-129
3.5.3.1Element 220Reinforced Concrete Pile Cap/Footing ................................................................. 3-130
3.5.3.2Element 225Steel Pile ............................................................................................................... 3-132
3.5.3.3Element 226Prestressed Concrete Pile...................................................................................... 3-134
3.5.3.4Element 227Reinforced Concrete Pile ...................................................................................... 3-136
3.5.3.5Element 228Timber Pile ........................................................................................................... 3-138
3.5.3.6Element 229Other Pile .............................................................................................................. 3-140
3.5.3.7Element 231Steel Pier Cap ....................................................................................................... 3-142
3.5.3.8Element 233Prestressed Concrete Pier Cap .............................................................................. 3-143
3.5.3.9Element 234Reinforced Concrete Pier Cap .............................................................................. 3-144
3.5.3.10Element 235Timber Pier Cap ................................................................................................. 3-145
3.5.3.11Element 236Other Pier Cap .................................................................................................... 3-147
3.6Culverts ............................................................................................................................................................. 3-149
3.6.1Element 240Steel Culvert ................................................................................................................... 3-150
3.6.2Element 241Reinforced Concrete Culvert .......................................................................................... 3-152
3.6.3Element 242Timber Culvert ............................................................................................................... 3-154
3.6.4Element 243Other Culvert .................................................................................................................. 3-156
3.6.5Element 244Masonry Culvert ............................................................................................................. 3-158
3.6.6Element 245Prestressed Concrete Culvert .......................................................................................... 3-160
3.7Joints ................................................................................................................................................................. 3-162
3.7.1Element 300Strip Seal Expansion Joint .............................................................................................. 3-163
3.7.2Element 301Pourable Joint Seal ......................................................................................................... 3-165
3.7.3Element 302Compression Joint Seal................................................................................................... 3-167
3.7.4Element 303Assembly Joint with Seal................................................................................................ 3-169
3.7.5Element 304Open Expansion Joint ..................................................................................................... 3-171
x Manual for Bridge Element Inspection
3.7.6Element 305Assembly Joint without Seal........................................................................................... 3-172

3.7.7Element 306Other Joint ...................................................................................................................... 3-173
3.8Wearing Surfaces, Protective Coatings, and Concrete Reinforcing Steel Protective Systems.......................... 3-175
3.8.1Element 510Wearing Surfaces ............................................................................................................ 3-176
3.8.2Element 515Steel Protective Coating ................................................................................................. 3-177
3.8.3Element 521Concrete Protective Coating ........................................................................................... 3-178
3.8.4Element 520Concrete Reinforcing Steel Protective System ............................................................... 3-179
3.9Approach Slabs ................................................................................................................................................. 3-180
3.9.1Element 320Prestressed Concrete Approach Slab .............................................................................. 3-181
3.9.2Element 321Reinforced Concrete Approach Slab .............................................................................. 3-183
3.10Environmental Factors (Service Environments) ............................................................................................. 3-185
APPENDIX A: AGENCY-DEFINED ELEMENTS (ADES) ............................................................................................. A-1

A1Agency-Defined Subsets of the National Bridge Elements.................................................................................. A-1
A2Agency-Defined Subsets of the Bridge Management Elements .......................................................................... A-1
A3Independent Agency-Defined Elements ............................................................................................................... A-2
A3.1Example Element Definition: Concrete Tunnel Ancillary Structure ......................................................... A-2
A3.1.1Element 600Concrete Tunnel (Example) ..................................................................................... A-3
APPENDIX B: INSPECTION EXAMPLES ....................................................................................................................... B-1

B1Timber Bridge ...................................................................................................................................................... B-1
B1.1Element Quantities ..................................................................................................................................... B-1
B1.1.1Deck ................................................................................................................................................. B-1
B1.1.2Superstructure .................................................................................................................................. B-1
B1.1.3Substructure ..................................................................................................................................... B-2
B1.2Element Condition States ........................................................................................................................... B-2
B1.2.1Defect #1, Timber Open Girder/Beam (Element 111) ..................................................................... B-2
B1.2.2Defect #2, Timber Pier Cap (Element 235)...................................................................................... B-2
B1.2.3Defect #3, Timber Pile (Element 228) ............................................................................................. B-3
B1.2.4Defect #4, Metal Bridge Railing (Element 330) .............................................................................. B-3
B1.3Element Quantity and Condition State Summary ...................................................................................... B-4
B2Prestressed Concrete Girder Bridge ..................................................................................................................... B-5
B2.1Element Quantities ..................................................................................................................................... B-5
B2.1.1Deck ................................................................................................................................................. B-5
B2.1.2Superstructure .................................................................................................................................. B-5
B2.1.3Substructure ..................................................................................................................................... B-6
B2.2Element Condition States ........................................................................................................................... B-6
B2.2.1Defect #1, Reinforced Concrete Deck (Element 12) ........................................................................ B-6
B2.2.4Defect #4, Compression Joint Seal (Element 302) and Reinforced Concrete
Deck (Element 12) .......................................................................................................................................... B-7
B2.2.5Defect #5, Reinforced Concrete Pier Cap (Element 234) ................................................................ B-7
B2.2.6Defect #6, Reinforced Concrete Pier Cap (Element 234) ................................................................ B-8
B2.2.7Defect #7, Reinforced Concrete Column (Element 205) ................................................................. B-8
B2.3Element Quantity and Condition State Summary .................................................................................... B-10
B3Steel Truss Bridge .............................................................................................................................................. B-11
B3.1Element Quantities ................................................................................................................................... B-11
Manual for Bridge Element Inspection xi
B3.1.1Deck ............................................................................................................................................... B-11

B3.1.2Superstructure ................................................................................................................................ B-12
B3.1.3Substructure ................................................................................................................................... B-12
B3.2Element Condition States ......................................................................................................................... B-12
B3.2.1Defect #1, Reinforced Concrete Deck (Element 12) ...................................................................... B-13
B3.2.2Defect #2, Steel Truss (Element 120) ............................................................................................ B-13
B3.2.3Defect #3, Steel Truss (Element 120), Steel Gusset Plate (Element 162) and
Steel Protective Coating (Element 515)........................................................................................................ B-13
B3.2.4Defect #4, Steel Floor Beam (Element 152) and Steel Protective Coating
(Element 515) ............................................................................................................................................... B-14
B3.2.5Defect #5, Steel Stringer (Element 113) ........................................................................................ B-14
B3.2.6Defect #6, Steel Stringer (Element 113) ........................................................................................ B-15
B3.2.7Defect #7, Pier Wall (Element 210) ............................................................................................... B-15
B3.3Element Quantity and Condition State Summary .................................................................................... B-16
APPENDIX C: ELEMENT GROUPINGS .......................................................................................................................... C-1
APPENDIX D: MATERIALS AND DEFECTS BY MATERIAL TYPE .......................................................................... D-1

D1Defect Definitions and Materials ......................................................................................................................... D-1
D2Materials and Defect Condition State Descriptions ............................................................................................. D-5
D2.1Steel (100) .................................................................................................................................................. D-5
D2.2Prestressed Concrete (300)......................................................................................................................... D-7
D2.3Reinforced Concrete (400) ......................................................................................................................... D-9
D2.4Timber (500) ............................................................................................................................................ D-11
D2.5Other Materials (600) ............................................................................................................................... D-13
D2.6Masonry (650).......................................................................................................................................... D-17
D2.7Wearing Surfaces (800) ........................................................................................................................... D-19
D2.8Concrete Reinforcing Steel Protective Systems (820) ............................................................................. D-19
D2.9Steel Protective Coatings (850)................................................................................................................ D-20
D2.10Concrete Protective Coatings (880) ....................................................................................................... D-20
APPENDIX E: MATERIALS AND FEASIBLE ACTIONS BY MATERIAL TYPE ....................................................... E-1

E1Steel (100) ............................................................................................................................................................ E-1
E2Prestressed Concrete (300) ................................................................................................................................... E-1
E3Reinforced Concrete (400) ................................................................................................................................... E-2
E4Timber (500)......................................................................................................................................................... E-2
E5Other Materials (600) ........................................................................................................................................... E-2
E6Masonry (650) ...................................................................................................................................................... E-2
E7Wearing Surfaces (800) ........................................................................................................................................ E-3
E8Concrete Reinforcing Steel Protective Systems (820) .......................................................................................... E-3
E9Steel Protective Coatings (850) ............................................................................................................................ E-3
E10Concrete Protective Coatings (880) .................................................................................................................... E-3
SECTION 1:
BACKGROUND
1.1CONDITION ASSESSMENT PHILOSOPHY: MULTIPATH AND DEFECT CONCEPTS

The Manual for Bridge Element Inspection (this manual) builds on the element-level condition assessment methods
developed in the AASHTO Guide for Commonly Recognized Structural Elements. Improvements have been made to fully
capture the condition of the elements by reconfiguring the element language to utilize multiple distress paths within the
defined condition states. The multipath distress language provides the means to fully incorporate all possible defects
within the overall condition assessment of the element. The overall condition of an element can be utilized in this
aggregate form, or broken down into specific defects present as desired by the agency for Bridge Management System
(BMS) use.
This manual provides a comprehensive set of bridge elements that is designed to be flexible in nature to satisfy the
needs of all agencies. The complete set of elements captures the components necessary for an agency to manage all aspects
of the bridge inventory utilizing the full capability of a BMS.
The element set presented within includes two element types identified as National Bridge Elements (NBEs) or Bridge
Management Elements (BMEs). The combination of these two element types comprise the full AASHTO element set. All
of the elements, whether they are NBEs or BMEs, have the same general condition assessment characteristics:
1. Standard number of condition states is four.

2. The standard condition states are good, fair, poor, and severe general descriptions.
3. Units of measure are length in feet, area in square feet, and each for enumerated elements.
1.2NATIONAL BRIDGE ELEMENTS (NBES)

The National Bridge Elements represent the primary structural components of bridges necessary to determine the
overall condition and safety of the primary load carrying members. The NBEs are a refinement of the deck, superstructure,
substructure, and culvert condition ratings defined in the Federal Highway Administrations Recording and Coding Guide
for the Structure Inventory and Appraisal of the Nations Bridges. Additional elements included in this section are bridge
rail and bearings. The NBEs are designed to remain consistent from agency to agency across the country in order to
facilitate and standardize the capture of bridge element conditions at the national level. In order to capture the diversity of
new element design types and materials, many elements in this category have an other element type defined.
1.3BRIDGE MANAGEMENT ELEMENTS (BMES)

Bridge Management Elements include components of bridges such as joints, wearing surfaces, and protective coating
systems and deck/slab protection systems that are typically managed by agencies utilizing Bridge Management Systems.
The BMEs are defined with a recommended set of condition assessment language that can be modified to suit the
agencies needs as these elements are not intended to be utilized for the purposes of national policy-making. The BMEs
defined within this manual were purposefully left fairly general in nature to provide the flexibility to develop agency-
specific elements that best suit the local bridge management practices. Agencies may choose to develop additional BMEs
as necessary following the agency-developed element conventions discussed in Appendix A. When considering additional
elements, the agency should consider such factors as element performance, deterioration rates, feasible actions, and
preservation costs, as well as the practical considerations of training and inspection costs.
1.4AGENCY-DEVELOPED ELEMENTS (ADES)

The elements presented within provide the flexibility for an agency to define custom elements in accordance with the
defined element framework that may be sub-elements of NBEs or BMEs, or may be agency-defined elements without ties
to the elements defined in this manual.
By defining a comprehensive set of bridge elements necessary for robust bridge management and the minimum set of
elements necessary to assess the condition of primary components of bridges, this manual provides a flexible element set
that can be tailored to the needs of all agencies. The identification numbers 800 and above are not used in this manual for
any elements and are reserved for agency purposes.
1-1
1-2 Manual for Bridge Element Inspection
1.5HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL 2015 Revision

Bridge inspection based on this manual consists of defining the elements (pieces of the bridge) and total quantities that
exist at each bridge. The condition of each element is determined by performing a field inspection and recording quantities
of the element that have identified defects that correlate to the severity of the defects defined in the particular condition
state definition of this manual. The condition assessment is complete when the appropriate portion of the total quantity is
stratified over the defined condition states. For agencies utilizing bridge management systems (BMSs), the appropriate
element defects and environment shall be recorded for use in deterioration modeling.
In this manual, the element represents the aggregate condition of the defined element inclusive of all defects. The
specific listing of all defects is optional; however, the element condition must be inclusive of all defined defects. Element
defects are typically to be used when the element reaches Condition State 2 or lower and they essentially act to break down
the overall element condition into one or more specific observed problems. The defects defined within this manual shall
always assume the units of the element with which they are associated. For example, the scour defect may be applied to a
column or a pier wall. The defect language is the same for both elements; however, the units for the column defect would
be each and the units for the pier wall would be linear feet. In some cases, multiple defects may operate in the same
defined space. In this case, the inspector shall report the defect in the most severe condition state. If two defects in the
same condition state operate in the same defined space, the inspector shall determine the predominant defect for reporting.
For example, if a reinforced concrete bridge deck is cracked throughout and also has a spall in a portion of the deck, the
spalling would likely be determined to be the predominant defect.
This manual attempts to cover the vast majority of all bridge elements found on highway bridges in the United States.
During the course of an inspection, the inspector may find materials or elements that are not defined. In these cases, the
inspector should use judgment to select the closest element match or use the other element type. In a similar vein, there
may be cases when the specific condition observed in the field is not defined in this manual. In these cases, the inspector
should use the general description of the condition states to determine the appropriate condition.
The granularity of the defect details is typically not specified with defect descriptive language for Condition State 4,
as this state is reserved for severe conditions that are beyond the specific defects defined for Condition States 1 through 3.
Elements with a portion or all of the quantity in Condition State 4 may often have load capacity implications warranting a
structural review. Within this manual, the term structural review is defined as a review by a person qualified to evaluate
the field observed conditions and make a determination of the impacts of the conditions on the performance of the element.
Structural reviews may include a review of the field inspection notes and photographs, review of as-built plans, or analysis
as deemed appropriate to evaluate the performance of the element. Agencies may establish additional guidance to aid the
inspector in determining the field circumstances where structural review is warranted, taking into consideration the
education, training, and experience of their inspection staff.
1.6ORGANIZATION
Section 2 of the manual presents a master location matrix of all the elements and identification numbers for quick
reference. Each element is displayed within the NBE or BME category, then by major bridge assembly, element type, and
material.
Section 3 presents a detailed definition of each element with its applicable defects. Guidelines for measurement and
condition assessment are included where appropriate.
The appendices provide additional guidance and background on the use of this manual. There are five appendices to
aid an agency in the development of their data collection process.
These appendices are:
AAgency-Defined Elements (ADEs)

BInspection Examples
CElement Groupings
DList of Element Defects by Material Type
EList of Feasible Actions by Material Type
SECTION 2:
ELEMENT LOCATION MATRIX

This Section is designed to give inspectors a quick reference guide to the defined elements. The matrix of elements is
grouped into National Bridge Elements (NBEs) and Bridge Management Elements (BMEs), then by general element type,
material, and in accordance to their physical location on the bridge to facilitate ease of use by bridge inspectors in the field.
2.1NATIONAL BRIDGE ELEMENTS

2.1.1Decks and Slabs
Element Units Decks Slab Other
Reinforced Concrete Deck/Slab area, ft2 12 38
Prestressed Concrete Deck area, ft2 13
Prestressed Concrete Top Flange area, ft2 15
Reinforced Concrete Top Flange area, ft2 16
Steel DeckOpen Grid area, ft2 28
Steel DeckConcrete Filled Grid area, ft2 29
Steel DeckCorrugated/ area, ft2 30

Orthotropic/Etc.
Timber Deck/Slab area, ft2 31 54
Other Material Deck/Slab area, ft2 60 65
2.1.2Railings
Prestressed Reinforced
Element Units Steel Concrete Concrete Timber Masonry Other
Metal Bridge Railing length, ft 330
Reinforced Concrete length, ft 331

Bridge Railing
Timber Bridge Railing length, ft 332
Other Bridge Railing length, ft 333
Masonry Bridge Railing length, ft 334
2-1
2.1.3Superstructure
Girder/Beam length, ft 107 109 110 111 112
Closed Web/Box Girder length, ft 102 104 105 106
Stringer length, ft 113 115 116 117 118
Truss length, ft 120 135 136
Arch length, ft 141 143 144 146 145 142
Floor Beam length, ft 152 154 155 156 157
CablePrimary length, ft 147
CableSecondary each 148 149
Gusset Plate each 162
Pin, Pin and Hanger each 161

Assembly, or Both
2.1.4Bearings
Element Units Element Number
Elastomeric each 310
Movable (roller, each 311

sliding, etc.)
Enclosed/Concealed each 312
Fixed each 313
Pot each 314
Disk each 315
Other each 316
Manual for Bridge Element Inspection 2-3
2.1.5Substructure
Columns each 202 204 205 206 203
Column Tower (Trestle) length, ft 207 208
Pier Wall length, ft 210 212 213 211
Abutment length, ft 219 215 216 217 218
Pile each 225 226 227 228 229
Pier Cap length, ft 231 233 234 235 236
Pile Cap/Footing length, ft 220
2.1.6Culverts
Culvert length, ft 240 245 241 242 244 243
2.2BRIDGE MANAGEMENT ELEMENTS

2.2.1Joints
Element
Element Units Number
Strip Seal Expansion Joint length, ft 300
Pourable Joint Seal length, ft 301
Compression Joint Seal length, ft 302
Assembly Joint/Seal (Modular) length, ft 303
Open Expansion Joint length, ft 304
Assembly Joint without Seal length, ft 305
Other Joint length, ft 306
2.2.2Approach Slabs
Element
Prestressed Concrete Approach Slab area, ft2 320
Reinforced Concrete Approach Slab area, ft2 321
2.2.3Wearing Surfaces, Protective Coatings, and Concrete Reinforcing Steel

Protective Systems
Element
Wearing Surfaces area, ft2 510
Steel Protective Coating area, ft2 515
Concrete Reinforcing Steel Protective System area, ft2 520
Concrete Protective Coating area, ft2 521
SECTION 3:
DETAILED ELEMENT DESCRIPTIONS

This Section describes the elements detailed use in inspection and bridge management. Each detailed element
description is broken down into three subsections:
1. DescriptionDetailed identification and classification of the element, including units of measurement, and
guidelines on how to collect the quantity of the element in a consistent manner.
2. Condition State DefinitionsDefect descriptions and severity, with guidelines to the inspector for
determining defect severity.
3. Element CommentaryAdditional considerations for the inspector to be aware of during data collection.
All the elements described in this Section are included in the standard set of National Bridge Elements (NBEs), except
where noted for Bridge Management Elements (BMEs), such as joints and approach slabs. The elements are organized by
major groupings such as Decks and Slabs, Superstructure, Substructure, Joints, and Bearings. The common defects
identified for each element material are further detailed in Appendix D.
3.1DECKS AND SLABS

These elements describe the component that is transferring load from the vehicle to the bridge. This Section does not
include secondary deck elements such as joints, deck/slab protection systems, or wearing surfaces.
Deck elements transmit the loads into superstructure elements. Slab elements transmit the load into the substructure
elements. Structures that include slab elements typically do not have superstructure elements. These elements transmit
traffic loads directly into the substructure. All deck or slab elements can be supplemented with one or more associated
protection systems or wearing surface elements.
3-1
3.1.1Element 12Reinforced Concrete Deck 2015 Revision

Description: All reinforced concrete bridge decks regardless of the wearing surface or protection systems used.
Classification: NBE Units of Measurement: ft2
Quantity Calculation: Area of the deck from edge to edge, including any median areas and accounting for any flares or
ramps present.
Condition State Definitions

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Defects GOOD FAIR POOR SEVERE
Delamination/Spall/ None. Delaminated. Spall Spall greater than
Patched Area 1 in. or less deep or 1 in. deep or greater
(1080) 6 in. or less in than 6 in. diameter.
diameter. Patched Patched area that is
area that is sound. unsound or showing
distress. Does not
warrant structural The condition
review. warrants a
structural review
Exposed Rebar None. Present without Present with
to determine the
(1090) measurable section measurable section
effect on strength
loss. loss but does not
or serviceability
warrant structural
of the element or
review.
bridge; OR a
Efflorescence/Rust None. Surface white Heavy build-up with structural review
Staining without build-up or rust staining. has been
(1120) leaching without rust completed and the
staining. defects impact
Cracking (RC and Other) Width less than Width 0.0120.05 in. Width greater than strength or
(1130) 0.012 in. or spacing or spacing of 1.0 0.05 in. or spacing of serviceability of
greater than 3.0 ft. 3.0 ft. less than 1 ft. the element or
bridge.
Abrasion/Wear (PSC/RC) No abrasion or Abrasion or wearing Coarse aggregate is
(1190) wearing. has exposed coarse loose or has popped
aggregate but the out of the concrete
aggregate remains matrix due to
secure in the abrasion or wear.
concrete.
Damage Not applicable. The element has The element has The element has
(7000) impact damage. The impact damage. The impact damage.
specific damage specific damage The specific
caused by the impact caused by the impact damage caused by
has been captured in has been captured in the impact has
Condition State 2 Condition State 3 been captured in
under the appropriate under the appropriate Condition State 4
material defect entry. material defect entry. under the
appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The deck evaluation is three-dimensional in nature with the defects observed on the top surface, bottom surface,
edges, or all; and being captured using the defined condition states. Deck top or bottom surfaces that are not visible for
inspection shall be assessed based on the available visible surface. If both top and bottom surfaces are not visible, the
condition shall be assessed based on destructive and nondestructive testing or indicators in the materials covering the
surfaces.
3.1.2Element 13Prestressed Concrete Deck 2015 Revision

Description: All prestressed concrete bridge decks regardless of the wearing surface or protection systems used.
ramps present.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
distress. Does not
review. warrants a
Exposed Rebar None. Present without Present with structural
(1090) measurable section measurable section review to
loss. loss but does not determine the
warrant structural effect on
review. strength or
serviceability of
Exposed Prestressing None. Present without Present with section the element or
(1100) section loss. loss but does not bridge; OR a
warrant structural structural
review. review has been
Cracking (PSC) Width less than Width 0.0040.009 Width greater than completed and
(1110) 0.004 in. or spacing in. or spacing 1.0 0.009 in. or spacing the defects
greater than 3 ft. 3.0 ft. less than 1 ft. impact strength
or serviceability
Efflorescence/Rust Staining None. Surface white without Heavy build-up with of the element
(1120) build-up or leaching rust staining. or bridge.
without rust staining.
aggregate remains matrix due to abrasion
secure in the concrete. or wear.
caused by the impact caused by the impact damage caused
has been captured in has been captured in by the impact
Condition State 2 Condition State 3 has been
under the appropriate under the appropriate captured in
material defect entry. material defect entry. Condition
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
edges, or all; and being captured using the defined condition states. Deck top or bottom surfaces that are not visible for
condition shall be assessed based on destructive and nondestructive testing or indicators in the materials covering the
surfaces.
3.1.3Element 38Reinforced Concrete Slab 2015 Revision

Description: All reinforced concrete bridge slabs regardless of the wearing surface or protection systems used.
Quantity Calculation: Area of the slab from edge to edge, including any median areas and accounting for any flares or
ramps present.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
area that is sound. unsound or showing The condition
distress. Does not warrants a
review. review to
determine the
effect on
strength or
serviceability of
warrant structural
the element or
review.
bridge; OR a
Efflorescence/Rust Staining None. Surface white without Heavy build-up with structural
(1120) build-up or leaching rust staining. review has been
without rust staining. completed and
Cracking (RC and Other) Width less than Width 0.0120.05 in. Width greater than the defects
(1130) 0.012 in. or spacing or spacing of 1.0 0.05 in. or spacing of impact strength
greater than 3.0 ft. 3.0 ft. less than 1 ft. or serviceability
of the element
Abrasion/Wear (PSC/RC) No abrasion or Abrasion or wearing Coarse aggregate is or bridge.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The slab evaluation is three-dimensional in nature with the defects observed on the top surface, bottom surface, edges,
or all; and being captured using the defined condition states.
Slab top or bottom surfaces that are not visible for inspection shall be assessed based on the available visible surface.
If both top and bottom surfaces are not visible, the condition shall be assessed based on destructive and nondestructive
testing or indicators in the materials covering the surfaces.
3.1.4Element 15Prestressed Concrete Top Flange 2015 Revision

Description: All prestressed bridge girder top flanges where traffic rides directly on the structural element regardless of
the wearing surface or protection systems used. These bridge types include bulb-tees, box girders, and girders that
require traffic to ride on the top flange.
Quantity Calculation: Area of the top flange from edge to edge including any median areas and accounting for any
flares or ramps present. This quantity is for the top flange riding surface only. Girder web and bottom flange are to be
evaluated by the appropriate girder element.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
distress. Does not
review. warrants a
review. strength or
serviceability of
(1110) 0.004 in. or spacing in. or spacing 1.0 0.009 in. or spacing the defects
greater than 3 ft. 3.0 ft. less than 1 ft. impact strength
or serviceability
Condition States
1 2 3 4
material defect entry. material defect entry. Condition State
4 under the
appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The flange evaluation is three-dimensional in nature with the defects observed on the top surface, bottom surface,
edges, or all; and being captured using the defined condition states. Flange top or bottom surfaces that are not visible for
condition shall be assessed based on destructive and nondestructive testing, or indicators in the materials covering the
surfaces.
3.1.5Element 16Reinforced Concrete Top Flange 2015 Revision

Description: All reinforced concrete bridge girder top flanges where traffic rides directly on the structural element
regardless of the wearing surface or protection systems used. These bridge types include tee-beams, box girders, and
girders that require traffic to ride on the top flange.
Quantity Calculation: Area of the top flange from edge to edge, including any median areas and accounting for any
flares or ramps present. This quantity is for the top flange riding surface only. Girder web and bottom flange are to be
evaluated by the appropriate girder element.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
review. review to
determine the
effect on
strength or
serviceability of
warrant structural
the element or
review.
bridge; OR a
or serviceability
greater than 3.0 ft. 3.0 ft. less than 1 ft.
of the element
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The flange evaluation is three-dimensional in nature with the defects observed on the top surface, bottom surface, or
both; and being captured using the defined condition states. Flange top or bottom surfaces that are not visible for
condition shall be assessed based on destructive and nondestructive testing, or indicators in the materials covering the
surfaces.
3.1.6Element 28Steel Deck with Open Grid

Description: All open grid steel bridge decks with no fill.
ramps present.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Corrosion None. Freckled rust. Section loss is evident
The condition
(1000) Corrosion of the steel or pack rust is present
warrants a
has initiated. but does not warrant
structural
structural review.
review to
Cracking None. Crack that has self- determine the
Identified crack that is
(1010) arrested or has been effect on
not arrested but does
strength or
arrested with effective not warrant structural
arrest holes, doubling review. serviceability of
plates, or similar. the element or
bridge; OR a
Connection Connection is in place Loose fasteners or Missing bolts, rivets, structural
(1020) and functioning as pack rust without or fasteners; broken review has been
intended. distortion is present welds; or pack rust completed and
but the connection is with distortion but the defects
in place and does not warrant a impact strength
functioning as structural review. or serviceability
intended. of the element
or bridge.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
edges, or all; and being captured using the defined condition states. When the steel grid deck has concrete fill in the wheel
tracks only, use Element 29 for the concrete filled portion and Element 28 for the unfilled portion of the deck.
3.1.7Element 29Steel Deck with Concrete Filled Grid

Description: Steel bridge decks with concrete fill either in all of the openings or within the wheel tracks.
ramps present.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
The condition
warrants a
structural
structural review.
review to
(1010) arrested or has been effect on
not arrested but does
strength or
plates, or similar. the element or
bridge; OR a
or bridge.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
edges, or all; and being captured using the defined condition states. When the steel grid deck has concrete fill in the wheel
tracks only, use Element 29 for the concrete filled portion and Element 28 for the unfilled portion of the deck.
3.1.8Element 30Steel Deck Corrugated/Orthotropic/Etc.

Description: Those bridge decks constructed of corrugated metal filled with portland cement, asphaltic concrete, or
other riding surfaces. Orthotropic steel decks are also included.
ramps present.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
The condition
warrants a
structural
structural review.
review to
effect on
(1010) arrested or has been not arrested but does
arrested with effective not warrant structural strength or
the element or
plates, or similar.
bridge; OR a
or bridge.
material defect entry. material defect entry. Condition State
4 under the
appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
edges, or all; and being captured using the defined condition states. Materials added for riding surface are not part of the
element condition.
3.1.9Element 31Timber Deck

Description: All timber bridge decks regardless of the wearing surface or protection systems used.
ramps present.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Connection Connection is in place Loose fasteners or Missing bolts, rivets,
(1020) and functioning as pack rust without or fasteners; broken
intended. distortion is present welds; or pack rust
but the connection is with distortion but
in place and does not warrant a
functioning as structural review.
intended.
Decay/Section Loss None. Affects less than 10% Affects 10% or more
(1140) of the member of the member but
The condition
section. does not warrant
warrants a
structural review.
structural
Check/Shake Surface penetration Penetrates 5%50% Penetrates more than review to
(1150) less than 5% of the of the thickness of the 50% of the thickness determine the
member thickness member and not in a of the member or effect on
regardless of location. tension zone. more than 5% of the strength or
member thickness in a serviceability of
tension zone. Does the element or
not warrant structural bridge; OR a
review. structural
review has been
Crack (Timber) None. Crack that has been Identified crack that is completed and
(1160) arrested through not arrested but does the defects
effective measures. not require structural impact strength
review. or serviceability
Split/Delamination None. Length less than the Length equal to or of the element
(Timber) member depth or greater than the or bridge.
(1170) arrested with effective member depth but
actions taken to does not require
mitigate. structural review.
Abrasion/Wear (Timber) None or no Section loss less than Section loss 10% or
(1180) measurable section 10% of the member more of the member
loss. thickness. thickness but does not
warrant structural
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The deck evaluation is three-dimensional in nature with the defects observed on the top and bottom surface, edges, or
all; and being captured using the defined condition states.
Timber running planks shall be included under the wearing surface assessment.
3.1.10Element 54Timber Slab

Description: All timber bridge slabs regardless of the wearing surface or protection systems used.
ramps present.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
intended.
The condition
warrants a
structural review.
structural
review. structural
review has been
warrant structural
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The slab evaluation is three-dimensional in nature with the defects observed on the top and bottom surface, edges, or
Timber running planks shall be included under the wearing surface assessment.
3.1.11Element 60Other Deck 2015 Revision

Description: All bridge decks constructed of other materials regardless of the wearing surface or protection systems
used.
ramps present.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
Cracking None. Crack that has self- Identified crack that is
arrest holes, doubling review,
plates, or similar. The condition
warrants a
(1020) and functioning as pack rust without or fasteners; broken review to
intended. distortion is present welds; or pack rust determine the
but the connection is with distortion but effect on
in place and does not warrant a strength or
functioning as structural review. serviceability of
intended. the element or
Delamination/Spall/ None. Delaminated. Spall Spall greater than bridge; OR a
Patched Area 1 in. or less deep or 1 in. deep or greater structural
(1080) 6 in. or less in than 6 in. diameter. review has been
diameter. Patched Patched area that is completed and
area that is sound. unsound or showing the defects
distress. Does not impact strength
warrant structural or serviceability
review. of the element
or bridge.
Cracking (RC and Other) Width less than Width 0.0120.05 in. Width greater than
(1130) 0.012 in. or spacing or spacing of 1.0 0.05 in. or spacing of
Deterioration (Other) None. Initiated breakdown Significant
(1220) or deterioration. deterioration or
breakdown but does
not warrant structural
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The deck evaluation is three-dimensional in nature with the defects observed on the top and bottom surface, edges, or
The other material deck is intended for decks constructed of composite materials, or other materials that cannot be
classified using any other defined deck element.
3.1.12Element 65Other Slab 2015 Revision

Description: All slabs constructed of other materials regardless of the wearing surface or protection systems used.
ramps present.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
arrest holes, doubling review.
plates, or similar.
Connection Connection is in place Loose fasteners or Missing bolts, rivets, The condition
(1020) and functioning as pack rust without or fasteners; broken warrants a
intended. distortion is present welds; or pack rust structural
but the connection is with distortion but review to
in place and does not warrant a determine the
functioning as structural review. effect on
intended. strength or
serviceability of
the element or
bridge; OR a
structural
review has been
completed and
distress. Does not
the defects
warrant structural
impact strength
review.
or serviceability
breakdown but does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The slab evaluation is three-dimensional in nature with the defects observed on the top and bottom surface, edges, or
The other material slab is intended for slabs constructed of composite materials, or other materials that cannot be
classified using any other defined slab element.
3.2RAILINGS
This Article covers bridge rail, which may be fabricated from steel, other metal, concrete, masonry, and other
materials.
3.2.1Element 330Metal Bridge Railing

Description: All types and shapes of metal bridge railing. Steel, aluminum, metal beam, rolled shapes, etc. will all be
considered part of this element. Included in this element are posts of metal, timber, or concrete; blocking; and curb.
Classification: NBE Units of Measurement: ft
Quantity Calculation: Number of rows of bridge rail times the length of the bridge. The element quantity includes only
the rail on the bridge.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
(1000) Corrosion of the steel
or pack rust is present
structural review. The condition
warrants a
Cracking None. Crack that has self- Identified crack that is structural
(1010) arrested or has been not arrested but does review to
arrested with effective not warrant structural determine the
arrest holes, doubling review. effect on
plates, or similar. strength or
Connection Connection is in place Loose fasteners or Missing bolts, rivets, serviceability of
(1020) and functioning as pack rust without or fasteners; broken the element or
intended. distortion is present welds; or pack rust bridge; OR a
but the connection is with distortion but structural
in place and does not warrant a review has been
functioning as structural review. completed and
intended. the defects
impact strength
Distortion None. Distortion not Distortion that or serviceability
(1900) requiring mitigation requires mitigation of the element
or mitigated that has not been or bridge.
distortion. addressed but does
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The number of rows of rail on a bridge is commonly two, one on each side of the traveled way. In some cases, there
may be more than two rows when the bridge has a center median or protected pedestrian/bicycle lanes. Refer to the other
bridge rail material elements (concrete, timber, masonry, other) for specific defects for assessing the condition of posts,
blocking, and curbs that may be constructed of materials other than metal.
3.2.2Element 331Reinforced Concrete Bridge Railing 2015 Revision

Description: All types and shapes of reinforced concrete bridge railing. All elements of the railing must be concrete.
Quantity Calculation: Number of rows of bridge rail times the length of the bridge. The element quantity includes only
the rail on the bridge.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Patched Area 1 in. or less deep or 1 in. deep or greater The condition
(1080) 6 in. or less in than 6 in. diameter. warrants a
diameter. Patched Patched area that is structural
area that is sound. unsound or showing review to
distress. Does not determine the
review. strength or
Exposed Rebar None. Present without Present with serviceability of
(1090) measurable section measurable section the element or
loss. loss but does not bridge; OR a
completed and
Efflorescence/Rust Staining None. Surface white without Heavy build-up with the defects
(1120) build-up or leaching rust staining. impact strength
without rust staining. or serviceability
Cracking (RC and Other) Width less than Width 0.0120.05 in. Width greater than of the element
(1130) 0.012 in. or spacing or spacing of 1.0 0.05 in. or spacing of or bridge.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
may be more than two rows when the bridge has a center median or protected pedestrian/bicycle lanes.
3.2.3Element 332Timber Bridge Railing

Description: All types and shapes of timber bridge railing. Included in this element are posts of timber, metal, or
concrete; blocking; and curb.
Quantity Calculation: Number of rows of bridge rail times the length of the bridge; includes only the rail on the bridge.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
intended.
(1140) of the member section of the member but The condition
does not warrant warrants a
structural review. structural
review. structural
review has been
warrant structural
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
may be more than two rows when the bridge has a center median or protected pedestrian/bicycle lanes. Refer to the other
bridge rail material elements (metal, concrete, masonry, other) for specific defects for assessing the condition of posts,
blocking, and curbs that may be constructed of materials other than timber.
3.2.4Element 333Other Bridge Railing 2015 Revision

Description: All types and shapes of bridge railing except those defined as metal, concrete, timber, or masonry.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
plates, or similar.
but the connection is with distortion but The condition
in place and does not warrant a warrants a
functioning as structural review. structural
intended. review to
Delamination/Spall/ None. Delaminated. Spall Spall greater than determine the
Patched Area 1 in. or less deep or 1 in. deep or greater effect on
(1080) 6 in. or less in than 6 in. diameter. strength or
diameter. Patched Patched area that is serviceability of
area that is sound. unsound or showing the element or
distress. Does not bridge; OR a
completed and
breakdown but does
review.
Distortion None. Distortion not Distortion that
(1900) requiring mitigation requires mitigation
or mitigated that has not been
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
This element should be used for materials not otherwise defined. The number of rows of rail on a bridge is commonly
two, one on each side of the traveled way. In some cases, there may be more than two rows when the bridge has a center
median or protected pedestrian/bicycle lanes.
3.2.5Element 334Masonry Bridge Railing

Description: All types and shapes of masonry block or stone bridge railing. All elements of the railing must be masonry
block or stone.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
distress. Does not
warrant structural
review.
Efflorescence/Rust Staining None. Surface white without Heavy build-up with The condition
(1120) build-up or leaching rust staining. warrants a
without rust staining. structural
Mortar Breakdown None. Cracking or voids in Cracking or voids in review to
(Masonry) less than 10% of 10% or more of the of determine the
(1610) joints. joints. effect on
strength or
Split/Spall (Masonry) None. Block or stone has Block or stone has
serviceability of
(1620) split or spalled with split or spalled with
the element or
no shifting. shifting but does not
bridge; OR a
warrant a structural
structural
review.
review has been
Patched Area (Masonry) None. Sound patch. Unsound patch. completed and
(1630) the defects
Masonry Displacement None. Block or stone has Block or stone has impact strength
(1640) shifted slightly out of shifted significantly or serviceability
alignment. out of alignment or is of the element
missing but does not or bridge.
warrant structural
review.
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The number of rows of rail on a bridge is commonly two, one on each side of the bridge. In some cases, there may be
more than two rows when the bridge has a center median or protected pedestrian/bicycle lanes.
3.3SUPERSTRUCTURE
Superstructure elements described in this Article transmit load from decks into the substructure. These elements
include girders, trusses, arches, and floor systems. The floor systems include floor beams and stringers. Additional
elements in this group include cables, gusset plates, and pin or pin and hanger assemblies. These elements do not include
bracing members such as diaphragms, cross bracing, or portal sway bracing.
3.3.1Girders
These elements transmit the loads from the deck into the substructure. Elements listed include closed web (boxes) and
open girders (I-sections). The materials include steel, reinforced and prestressed concrete, and timber.
3.3.1.1Element 102Steel Closed Web/Box Girder

Description: All steel box girders or closed web girders. For all box girders regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of all the lengths of each box girder section; can be determined by counting the visible web
faces, dividing by two, and then multiplying by the appropriate length.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
warrants a
impact strength
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The box girder evaluation is three-dimensional in nature, with the defects observed on exterior and interior surfaces
being used to capture the condition states.
3.3.1.2Element 104Prestressed Concrete Closed Web/Box Girder 2015 Revision

Description: All pretensioned or post-tensioned concrete closed web girders or box girders For all box girders
regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Number of girders multiplied by the span length.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
diameter. Patched Patched area that is The condition
area that is sound. unsound or showing warrants a
distress. Does not structural
warrant structural review to
review. determine the
Exposed Rebar None. Present without Present with effect on
(1090) measurable section measurable section strength or
loss. loss but does not serviceability
warrant structural of the element
review. or bridge; OR a
structural
Exposed Prestressing None. Present without Present with section
review has
(1100) section loss. loss but does not
been completed
warrant structural
and the defects
review.
impact strength
Cracking (PSC) Width less than Width 0.0040.009 Width greater than or
(1110) 0.004 in. or spacing in. or spacing 1.0 0.009 in. or spacing serviceability
greater than 3 ft. 3.0 ft. less than 1 ft. of the element
Efflorescence/Rust None. Surface white Heavy build-up with or bridge.
Staining without build-up or rust staining.
(1120) leaching without rust
staining.
Damage Not applicable. The element has The element has The element
(7000) impact damage. The impact damage. The has impact
specific damage specific damage damage. The
caused by the impact caused by the impact specific
has been captured in has been captured in damage caused
Condition State 2 Condition State 3 by the impact
under the appropriate under the appropriate has been
material defect entry. material defect entry. captured in
Condition
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The box girder evaluation is three-dimensional in nature, which includes defects observed on exterior and interior
surfaces.
Where traffic rides directly on the structural element regardless of the wearing surface, evaluation of the top flange
above the fillet is considered with Element 15.
3.3.1.3Element 105Reinforced Concrete Closed Web/Box Girder 2015 Revision

Description: All reinforced concrete box girders or closed web girders. For all box girders regardless of protective
system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
review. strength or
completed and
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
3.3.1.4Element 106Other Closed Web/Box Girder 2015 Revision

Description: All other material box girders or closed web girders. For all other material box girders regardless of
protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
plates, or similar.
intended. review to
completed and
breakdown but does
review.
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The box girder evaluation is three-dimensional in nature, with the defects observed including exterior and interior
surfaces being used to capture the condition states.
The other material box girder is intended for box girders constructed of composite materials, or other materials that
cannot be classified using any other defined box girder element.
3.3.1.5Element 107Steel Open Girder/Beam

Description: All steel open girders regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of all the lengths of each girder.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
warrants a
impact strength
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Condition evaluation for this element includes the web face and the top and bottom faces of the flange.
3.3.1.6Element 109Prestressed Concrete Open Girder/Beam 2015 Revision

Description: Pretensioned or post-tensioned concrete open web girders regardless of protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
loss. loss but does not serviceability of
warrant structural the element or
review. bridge; OR a
structural
review has been
completed and
warrant structural
the defects
review.
impact strength
Cracking (PSC) Width less than Width 0.004 Width greater than or serviceability
(1110) 0.004 in. or spacing 0.009 in. or spacing 0.009 in. or spacing of the element
greater than 3 ft. 1.03.0 ft. less than 1 ft. or bridge.
Efflorescence/Rust Staining None. Surface white without Heavy build-up with
(1120) build-up or leaching rust staining.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
3.3.1.7Element 110Reinforced Concrete Open Girder/Beam 2015 Revision

Description: Mild steel reinforced concrete open web girders regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of all of the lengths of each girder.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
review. strength or
completed and
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Condition evaluation for this element includes the web faces and the top and bottom flange surfaces.
Where traffic rides directly on the structural element regardless of the wearing surface evaluation of the top flange
3.3.1.8Element 111Timber Open Girder/Beam

Description: All timber open girders regardless of protection system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of all the lengths of each girder/beam.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
intended.
The condition
warrants a
structural review.
structural
review. structural
review has been
warrant structural
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.3.1.9Element 112Other Open Girder/Beam 2015 Revision

Description: All other material girders regardless of protection system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
plates, or similar.
intended. review to
completed and
breakdown but does
review.
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The other material open girder is intended for open girders constructed of composite materials, or other materials that
cannot be classified using any other defined open girder element.
3.3.2Stringers
These superstructure elements are part of a floor system and transmit load from the deck into the floor system, such as
floor beams.
3.3.2.1Element 113Steel Stringer

Description: Steel members that support the deck in a stringer floor beam system regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of all of the lengths of each stringer.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
warrants a
impact strength
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Condition evaluation for this element includes the web faces and the top and bottom faces of the flange.
3.3.2.2Element 115Prestressed Concrete Stringer 2015 Revision

Description: Pretensioned or post-tensioned concrete members that support the deck in a stringer floor beam system

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural
review has been
completed and
warrant structural
the defects
review.
impact strength
Cracking (PSC) Width less than Width 0.0040.009 Width greater than or serviceability
(1110) 0.004 in. or spacing in. or spacing 1.03.0 0.009 in. or spacing of the element
greater than 3 ft. ft. less than 1 ft. or bridge.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Condition evaluation for this element includes the web faces and the top and bottom flange surfaces.
3.3.2.3Element 116Reinforced Concrete Stringer 2015 Revision

Description: Mild steel reinforced concrete members that support the deck in a stringer floor beam system regardless of
protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
review. strength or
completed and
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.3.2.4Element 117Timber Stringer

Description: Timber members that support the deck in a stringer floor beam system regardless of protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
intended.
The condition
warrants a
structural review.
structural
review. structural
review has been
review or serviceability
warrant structural
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.3.2.5Element 118Other Stringer 2015 Revision

Description: All other material stringers regardless of protection system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of all the lengths of each stringer.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
plates, or similar.
intended. review to
completed and
breakdown but does
review.
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The other material stringer is intended for stringers constructed of composite materials or other materials that cannot
be classified using any other defined stringer element.
3.3.3Trusses/Arches
These superstructure elements include materials of steel, concrete, timber, and masonry; they are the main load-
carrying members for the span.
3.3.3.1Element 120Steel Truss

Description: All steel truss elements, including all tension and compression members for through and deck trusses. For
all trusses regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of all of the lengths of each truss panel measured longitudinally along the travel way.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
warrants a
impact strength
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Observed distress in truss vertical or diagonal members shall be reported as the length projected along the length of
the truss.
3.3.3.2Element 135Timber Truss

Description: All timber truss elements, including all tension and compression members for through and deck trusses.
For all trusses regardless of protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
intended.
The condition
warrants a
structural review.
structural
review. structural
review has been
warrant structural
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Observed distress in truss vertical or diagonal members shall be reported as the length projected along the length of
the truss.
3.3.3.3Element 136Other Truss 2015 Revision

Description: All other material truss elements, including all tension and compression members, and through and deck
trusses. For all other material trusses regardless of protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
plates, or similar.
intended. review to
completed and
breakdown but does
review.
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Observed distress in truss diagonal and vertical members shall be reported as the projected length along the length of
the truss.
The other material open truss is intended for trusses constructed of composite materials, or other materials that cannot
be classified using any other defined truss element.
3.3.3.4Element 141Steel Arch

Description: Steel arches regardless of type or protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of all of the lengths of each arch panel measured longitudinally along the travel way.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Corrosion None. Freckled rust. Section loss is
(1000) Corrosion of the steel evident or pack rust
has initiated. is present but does
not warrant structural The condition
review. warrants a
Cracking None. Crack that has self- Identified crack that structural
(1010) arrested or has been is not arrested but review to
arrested with does not warrant determine the
effective arrest holes, structural review. effect on
doubling plates, or strength or
similar. serviceability
of the element
Connection Connection is in Loose fasteners or Missing bolts, rivets, or bridge; OR a
(1020) place and functioning pack rust without or fasteners; broken structural
as intended. distortion is present welds; or pack rust review has
but the connection is with distortion but been completed
in place and does not warrant a and the defects
functioning as structural review. impact strength
intended. or
Distortion None. Distortion not Distortion that serviceability
review.
Condition
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Observed distress in arch diagonals and vertical members (including spandrel columns) shall be reported as the
projected length along the arch length.
3.3.3.5Element 142Other Arch 2015 Revision

Description: Other material arches regardless of type or protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
review.
Cracking None. Crack that has self- Identified crack that
(1010) arrested or has been is not arrested but
arrested with does not warrant
effective arrest holes, structural review.
doubling plates, or
similar. The condition
Connection Connection is in Loose fasteners or Missing bolts, rivets, warrants a
(1020) place and functioning pack rust without or fasteners; broken structural
as intended. distortion is present welds; or pack rust review to
but the connection is with distortion but determine the
in place and does not warrant a effect on
functioning as structural review. strength or
intended. serviceability
of the element
or bridge; OR a
structural
review has
been completed
and the defects
distress. Does not
impact strength
warrant structural
or
review.
serviceability
Efflorescence/Rust None. Surface white Heavy build-up with of the element
Staining without build-up or rust staining. or bridge.
(1120) leaching without rust
staining.
breakdown but does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
review.
Condition
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Observed distress in arch diagonals and verticals (including spandrel columns) shall be reported as the projected
length along the arch length.
The other material arch is intended for arches constructed of composite materials, or other materials that cannot be
classified using any other defined arch element.
3.3.3.6Element 143Prestressed Concrete Arch 2015 Revision

Description: Only pretensioned or post-tensioned concrete arches regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the length of each arch panel measured longitudinally along the travel way.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
distress. Does not
review. warrants a
review. strength or
serviceability of
(1110) 0.004 in. or spacing in. or spacing 1.03.0 0.009 in. or spacing the defects
greater than 3 ft. ft. less than 1 ft. impact strength
or serviceability
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Observed distress in arch diagonals and vertical members (including spandrel columns) shall be reported as the
projected length along the arch length.
For filled arches, the arch quantity shall be measured from spring line to spring line. The length below the spring line
is considered substructure.
3.3.3.7Element 144Reinforced Concrete Arch 2015 Revision

Description: Only mild steel reinforced concrete arches regardless of protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
review. review to
determine the
effect on
strength or
serviceability of
warrant structural
the element or
review.
bridge; OR a
greater than 3.0 ft. 3.0 ft. less than 1 ft. or serviceability
of the element
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Observed distress in arch diagonals, vertical members (including spandrel columns) and spandrel walls shall be
reported as the projected length along the arch length.
3.3.3.8Element 145Masonry Arch

Description: Masonry or stacked stone arches regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of all of the lengths of each arch section measured longitudinally along the travel way.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
(1120) build-up or leaching rust staining. The condition
without rust staining. warrants a
Mortar Breakdown None. Cracking or voids in Cracking or voids in structural
(Masonry) less than 10% of 10% or more of the review to
(1610) joints. joints. determine the
effect on
strength or
serviceability of
the element or
bridge; OR a
review.
structural
Patched Area (Masonry) None. Sound patch. Unsound patch. review has been
(1630) completed and
Masonry Displacement None. Block or stone has Block or stone has the defects
(1640) shifted slightly out of shifted significantly impact strength
alignment. out of alignment or is or serviceability
missing but does not of the element
warrant structural or bridge.
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Observed distress in arch spandrel walls shall be reported as the projected length along the arch length.
3.3.3.9Element 146Timber Arch

Description: Only timber arches regardless of protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
intended.
The condition
warrants a
structural review.
structural
review. structural
review has been
warrant structural
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Observed distress in arch diagonal and vertical members (including spandrel columns) shall be reported as the
projected length along the arch.
3.3.4Floor Beams
These elements are the intermediate transverse load carrying members; they can be constructed from steel, concrete,
and timber.
3.3.4.1Element 152Steel Floor Beam

Description: Steel floor beams that typically support stringers regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of all of the lengths of each floor beam.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
warrants a
arrest holes, doubling review effect on
impact strength
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Condition evaluation for this element includes the web faces and the top and bottom faces of the flange.
3.3.4.2Element 154Prestressed Concrete Floor Beam 2015 Revision

Description: Prestressed concrete floor beams that typically support stringers regardless of protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural
review has been
completed and
warrant structural
the defects
review.
impact strength
Cracking (PSC) Width less than Width 0.004 Width greater than or serviceability
(1110) 0.004 in. or spacing 0.009 in. or spacing 0.009 in. or spacing of the element
greater than 3 ft. 1.03.0 ft. less than 1 ft. or bridge.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.3.4.3Element 155Reinforced Concrete Floor Beam 2015 Revision

Description: Mild steel reinforced concrete floor beams that typically support stringers regardless of protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
review. strength or
completed and
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.3.4.4Element 156Timber Floor Beam

Description: Timber floor beams that typically support stringers regardless of protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
intended.
The condition
warrants a
structural review.
structural
review. structural
review has been
warrant structural
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.3.4.5Element 157Other Floor Beam 2015 Revision

Description: Other material floor beams that typically support stringers regardless of protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
plates, or similar.
intended. review to
completed and
breakdown but does
review.
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The other material floor beam is intended for floor beams constructed of composite materials, or other materials that
cannot be classified using any other defined floor beam element.
3.3.5Miscellaneous Superstructure Elements

Steel pin, pin and hanger assemblies, steel gusset plates, and main and secondary cables will be discussed in this
Article.
3.3.5.1Element 147Steel Main Cables

Description: All steel main suspension or cable stay cables not embedded in concrete. For all cable groups regardless of
protective systems.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of all of the lengths of each main cable measured longitudinally along the travel way.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
warrants a
impact strength
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
This element is intended for use on main cables in suspension bridges or main cable stays in cable stayed bridges.
Suspender cables or other smaller cables shall be captured using the secondary cable element.
3.3.5.2Element 148Secondary Steel Cables

Description: All steel suspender cables not embedded in concrete. For all individual or cable groups regardless of
protective systems.
Classification: NBE Units of Measurement: each
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the individual cable or cable groups carrying the load from the superstructure to the main
cable/arch elements.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
warrants a
impact strength
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
This element is intended for use on suspender cables, other smaller cables, or groups of cables in one location acting
as a system to carry loads from the superstructure to the main cable/arch.
Suspension bridge main cables or cable stays shall be captured using the steel main cable element.
3.3.5.3Element 149Other Secondary Cable

Description: All other material cables not embedded in concrete. For all individual other material cables or cable groups
regardless of protective systems.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the individual cable or cable groups carrying the load from the superstructure to the main
cable/arch elements.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
(1010) arrested or has been not arrested but does The condition
arrested with effective not warrant structural warrants a
arrest holes, doubling review. structural
plates, or similar. review to
determine the
effect on
strength or
serviceability of
the element or
bridge; OR a
structural
intended.
review has been
Deterioration (Other) None. Initiated breakdown Significant completed and
(1220) or deterioration. deterioration or the defects
breakdown but does impact strength
not warrant structural or serviceability
Distortion None. Distortion not Distortion that or bridge.
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
This element is intended for use on suspender cables, other smaller cables, or groups of cables in one location acting
as a system to carry loads from the superstructure to the main cable/arch.
Suspension bridge main cables or cable stays shall be captured using the steel main cable element.
The other material secondary cable is intended for cables constructed of composite materials, or other materials that
cannot be classified using any other defined cable elements.
3.3.5.4Element 161Steel Pin and Pin & Hanger Assembly or both

Description: Steel pins and pin and hanger assemblies regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the number of pins, pin and hanger assemblies, or both.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
warrants a
impact strength
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Distress observed on either hanger assembly plate should be considered in the condition assessment.
3.3.5.5Element 162Steel Gusset Plate

Description: Only those steel gusset plate(s) connections that are on the main truss/arch panel(s). These connections can
be constructed with one or more plates that may be bolted, riveted, or welded. For all gusset plates regardless of
protective systems.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the number of primary load path gusset plate assemblies. For multiple plate gusset
connections at a single panel point, the quantity shall be one gusset plate regardless of the number of individual plates at
the single connection point.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
warrants a
impact strength
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
For built-up gusset plates, distress observed on any plate should be considered in the condition assessment.
3.4BEARINGS
This Article covers fixed, movable, and specialty bearings.
3.4.1Element 310Elastomeric Bearing

Description: Only those bridge bearings that are constructed primarily of elastomers, with or without fabric or metal
reinforcement.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of each bearing of this type.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
intended. review to
determine the
Movement Free to move. Minor restriction. Restricted but not effect on
(2210) warranting structural strength or
review. serviceability of
Alignment Lateral and vertical Tolerable lateral or Approaching the the element or
(2220) alignment is as vertical alignment that limits of lateral or bridge; OR a
expected for the is inconsistent with vertical alignment for structural
temperature the temperature the bearing but does review has been
conditions. conditions. not warrant a completed and
structural review. the defects
impact strength
Bulging, Splitting, None. Bulging less than Bulging 15% or more or serviceability
or Tearing 15% of the thickness. of the thickness. of the element
(2230) Splitting or tearing. or bridge.
Bearing's surfaces are
not parallel. Does not
warrant structural
review.
Loss of Bearing Area None. Less than 10%. 10% or more but does
(2240) not warrant structural
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.4.2Element 311Movable Bearing

Description: Only those bridge bearings that provide for both rotation and longitudinal movement by means of roller,
rocker, or sliding mechanisms.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Connection Connection is in place Loose fasteners or Missing bolts, rivets, warrants a
(1020) and functioning as pack rust without or fasteners; broken structural
intended. distortion is present welds; or pack rust review to
intended. serviceability of
the element or
Movement Free to move. Minor restriction. Restricted but not
bridge; OR a
(2210) warranting structural
structural
review.
review has been
Alignment Lateral and vertical Tolerable lateral or Approaching the completed and
(2220) alignment is as vertical alignment that limits of lateral or the defects
expected for the is inconsistent with vertical alignment for impact strength
temperature the temperature the bearing but does or serviceability
conditions. conditions. not warrant a of the element
structural review. or bridge.
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.4.3Element 312Enclosed/Concealed Bearing

Description: Only those bridge bearings that are enclosed so that they are not open for detailed inspection.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
the element or
bridge; OR a
structural
review.
review has been
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
This element should be used for box girder hinges. In cases where the bearing material is not visible, the inspector
shall assess the condition based on alignment, grade across the joint, persistence of debris, or other indirect indicators of
the condition.
3.4.4Element 313Fixed Bearing

Description: Only those bridge bearings that provide for rotation only (no longitudinal movement).

Condition States
1 2 3 4
the element or
bridge; OR a
structural
review.
review has been
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.4.5Element 314Pot Bearing

Description: Those high load bearings with confined elastomer. The bearing may be fixed against horizontal movement,
guided to allow sliding in one direction, or floating to allow sliding in any direction.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
intended. review to
determine the
Movement Free to move. Minor restriction. Restricted but not effect on
(2210) warranting structural strength or
Alignment Lateral and vertical Tolerable lateral or Approaching the the element or
(2220) alignment is as vertical alignment that limits of lateral or bridge; OR a
expected for the is inconsistent with vertical alignment for structural
temperature the temperature the bearing but does review has been
conditions. conditions. not warrant a completed and
structural review. the defects
impact strength
Bulging, Splitting or None. Bulging less than Bulging 15% or more or serviceability
Tearing 15% of the thickness. of the thickness. of the element
(2230) Splitting or tearing. or bridge.
Bearing's surfaces are
not parallel. Does not
warrant structural
review.
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.4.6Element 315Disk Bearing

Description: Those high load bearings with a hard plastic disk. This bearing may be fixed against horizontal movement,
guided to allow movement in one direction, or floating to allow sliding in any direction.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
the element or
bridge; OR a
structural
review.
review has been
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.4.7Element 316Other Bearing

Description: All other material bridge bearings regardless of translation or rotation constraints.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
the element or
bridge; OR a
structural
review.
review has been
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The other material bearing element is intended for bearings constructed of materials that cannot be classified using
any other defined bearing element.
3.5SUBSTRUCTURE ELEMENTS
Substructure elements described in this Article transmit the load from the superstructure into the ground. These
elements include columns, piles, pile caps/footings, pile extensions, pier/bent caps, pier walls, and abutments. These
elements include elements of steel, concrete, timber, masonry, and other materials.
3.5.1Columns/Pier Walls
This Article covers supporting elements of the structure. These items include columns and pier walls.
3.5.1.1Element 202Steel Column

Description: All steel columns regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the number of columns.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
the element or
Distortion None. Distortion not Distortion that bridge; OR a
(1900) requiring mitigation requires mitigation structural
or mitigated that has not been review has been
distortion. addressed but does completed and
not warrant structural the defects
review. impact strength
Settlement None. Exists within tolerable Exceeds tolerable or serviceability
(4000) limits or arrested with limits but does not of the element
no observed structural warrant structural or bridge.
distress. review.
Scour None. Exists within tolerable Exceeds tolerable
(6000) limits or has been limits but is less than
arrested with effective the critical limits
countermeasures. determined by scour
evaluation and does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.5.1.2Element 203Other Column 2015 Revision

Description: All other material columns regardless of protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
plates, or similar.
intended. review to
completed and
breakdown but does
review.
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
Settlement None. Exists within tolerable Exceeds tolerable
(4000) limits or arrested with limits but does not
no observed structural warrant structural
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The other material column is intended for columns constructed of composite materials, or other materials that cannot
be classified using any other defined column elements.
3.5.1.3Element 204Prestressed Concrete Column 2015 Revision

Description: All prestressed concrete columns regardless of protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
distress. Does not
warrant structural
review.
warrant structural
review. The condition
warrants a
Exposed Prestressing None. Present without Present with section structural
(1100) section loss. loss but does not review to
warrant structural determine the
review. effect on
Cracking (PSC) Width less than Width 0.0040.009 Width greater than strength or
(1110) 0.004 in. or spacing in. or spacing 1.0 0.009 in. or spacing serviceability of
greater than 3 ft. 3.0 ft. less than 1 ft. the element or
bridge; OR a
Abrasion/Wear (PSC/RC) No abrasion or Abrasion or wearing Coarse aggregate is the defects
(1190) wearing. has exposed coarse loose or has popped impact strength
aggregate but the out of the concrete or serviceability
aggregate remains matrix due to abrasion of the element
secure in the concrete. or wear. or bridge.
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.5.1.4Element 205Reinforced Concrete Column 2015 Revision

Description: All reinforced concrete columns regardless of protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
distress. Does not
warrant structural
review.
(1090) measurable section measurable sectionThe condition
loss. loss but does not warrants a
warrant structuralstructural
review. review to
Efflorescence/Rust Staining None. Surface white without Heavy build-up with determine the
(1120) build-up or leaching rust staining. effect on
without rust staining. strength or
serviceability of
the element or
bridge; OR a
structural
Abrasion/Wear (PSC/RC) No abrasion or Abrasion or wearing Coarse aggregate is review has been
(1190) wearing. has exposed coarse loose or has popped completed and
aggregate but the out of the concrete the defects
aggregate remains matrix due to abrasion impact strength
secure in the concrete. or wear. or serviceability
Settlement None. Exists within tolerable Exceeds tolerable of the element
(4000) limits or arrested with limits but does not or bridge.
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.5.1.5Element 206Timber Column

Description: All timber columns regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Number of columns.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
intended.
Check/Shake Surface penetration Penetrates 5%50% Penetrates more thanwarrants a
(1150) less than 5% of the of the thickness of the 50% of the thicknessstructural
member thickness member and not in a of the member or review to
regardless of location. tension zone. more than 5% of the determine the
effect on
member thickness in a
tension zone. Does strength or
serviceability of
review. the element or
bridge; OR a
Crack (Timber) None. Crack that has been Identified crack that is
structural
(1160) arrested through not arrested but does
review has been
effective measures. not require structural
completed and
review.
the defects
Split/Delamination None. Length less than the Length equal to or impact strength
(Timber) member depth or greater than the or serviceability
(1170) arrested with effective member depth but of the element
actions taken to does not require or bridge.
warrant structural
review.
distress. review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
evaluation and does
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.5.1.6Element 207Steel Tower

Description: Steel built-up or framed tower supports regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the heights of built up or framed tower supports.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
the element or
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
This element is intended to be used for truss framed tower supports or built-up steel towers. It is intended to capture
large supports and towers associated with suspension bridges, cable stayed bridges, movable bridges, or similar structural
configurations.
3.5.1.7Element 208Timber Trestle

Description: Framed timber supports. For all timber trestle/towers regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the heights of built-up or framed tower supports.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
intended.
(1140) of the member section of the member but
does not warrant
effect on
serviceability of
bridge; OR a
structural
review has been
completed and
review.
the defects
warrant structural
review.
distress. review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
evaluation and does
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
This element is intended to be used for truss framed trestle or towers. It is intended to capture large supports and
towers associated with large deck truss bridges.
3.5.1.8Element 210Reinforced Concrete Pier Wall 2015 Revision

Description: Reinforced concrete pier walls regardless of protective systems.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the lengths of the pier walls measured along the skew angle.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
distress. Does not
warrant structural
review.
review. review to
serviceability of
the element or
bridge; OR a
structural
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.5.1.9Element 211Other Pier Wall 2015 Revision

Description: Those pier walls constructed of other materials regardless of protective systems.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the lengths of the pier walls measured along the skew angle.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
arrest holes, doubling review
plates, or similar.
intended. review to
completed and
breakdown but does
review.
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
This element should be used for pier walls constructed of other materials not otherwise defined.
3.5.1.10Element 212Timber Pier Wall

Description: Those timber pier walls that include pile, timber sheet material, and filler. For all pier walls regardless of
protective systems.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the length of the pier walls measured along the skew angle.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
intended.
effect on
serviceability of
bridge; OR a
structural
review has been
completed and
review
the defects
warrant structural
review.
distress. review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
evaluation and does
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.5.1.11Element 213Masonry Pier Wall

Description: Those pier walls constructed of block or stone. The block or stone may be placed with or without mortar.
For all pier walls regardless of protective systems.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the wall lengths measured along the skew angle.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Mortar Breakdown None. Cracking or voids in Cracking or voids in
(Masonry) less than 10% of 10% or more of the of
(1610) joints. joints.
The condition
warrants a
structural
review to
review.
determine the
Patched Area (Masonry) None. Sound patch. Unsound patch. effect on
(1630) strength or
serviceability of
Masonry Displacement None. Block or stone has Block or stone has
the element or
(1640) shifted slightly out of shifted significantly
bridge; OR a
alignment. out of alignment or is
structural
missing but does not
review has been
warrant structural
completed and
review.
the defects
Settlement None. Exists within tolerable Exceeds tolerable impact strength
(4000) limits or arrested with limits but does not or serviceability
no observed structural warrant structural of the element
distress. review. or bridge.
evaluation and does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.5.2Abutments
This Article covers the abutment elements for the structure. Abutments may be constructed of steel, concrete,
masonry, and other materials.
3.5.2.1Element 215Reinforced Concrete Abutment 2015 Revision

Description: Reinforced concrete abutments, including the material retaining the embankment and monolithic
wingwalls and abutment extensions. For all reinforced concrete abutments regardless of protective systems.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the width of the abutment with monolithic wingwalls and abutment extensions measured
along the skew angle.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
distress. Does not
warrant structural
review.
review. review to
serviceability of
the element or
bridge; OR a
structural
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Monolithic wingwalls, up to the first construction joint (cold joint, water stop, etc.), shall be considered in the quantity
and assessment of the abutment element. Wingwalls that are not monolithic with the abutment shall not be included in the
quantity or assessment of the abutment element.
3.5.2.2Element 216Timber Abutment

Description: Timber abutments, including the sheet material retaining the embankment, integral wingwalls, and
abutment extensions. For all abutments regardless of protective systems.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the width of the abutment with integral wingwalls and abutment extensions measured

Condition States
1 2 3 4
intended.
effect on
serviceability of
bridge; OR a
structural
review has been
completed and
review
the defects
warrant structural
review.
distress. review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
evaluation and does
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Monolithic wingwalls, up to the first construction joint (Plank butt joint, etc.), shall be considered in the quantity and
assessment of the abutment element. Wingwalls that are not monolithic with the abutment shall not be included in the
3.5.2.3Element 217Masonry Abutment

Description: Those abutments constructed of block or stone, including integral wingwalls and abutment extensions. The
block or stone may be placed with or without mortar. For all abutments regardless of protective systems.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
The condition
warrants a
structural
review to
review.
determine the
Patched Area (Masonry) None. Sound patch. Unsound patch. effect on
(1630) strength or
serviceability of
Masonry Displacement None. Block or stone has Block or stone has
the element or
(1640) shifted slightly out of shifted significantly
bridge; OR a
alignment. out of alignment or is
structural
missing but does not
review has been
warrant structural
completed and
review.
the defects
Settlement None. Exists within tolerable Exceeds tolerable impact strength
(4000) limits or arrested with limits but does not or serviceability
no observed structural warrant structural of the element
distress. review. or bridge.
evaluation and does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Integral wingwalls, up to the first construction joint (cold joint, water stop etc.), shall be considered in the quantity and
3.5.2.4Element 218Other Abutments 2015 Revision

Description: Other material abutment systems, including the sheet material retaining the embankment, and integral
wingwalls and abutment extensions. For all abutments regardless of protective systems.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
plates, or similar.
Connection Connection is in place Loose fasteners or Missing bolts, rivets, The condition
(1020) and functioning as pack rust without or fasteners; broken warrants a
intended. distortion is present welds; or pack rust structural
but the connection is with distortion but review to
in place and does not warrant a determine the
functioning as structural review. effect on
intended. strength or
serviceability of
the element or
bridge; OR a
structural
review has been
completed and
distress. Does not
the defects
warrant structural
impact strength
review.
or serviceability
breakdown but does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
review.
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
This element should be used for abutments constructed of materials not otherwise defined.
3.5.2.5Element 219Steel Abutment

Description: Steel abutments, including the sheet material retaining the embankment, and monolithic wingwalls and
abutment extensions. For all abutments regardless of protective systems.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the width of the abutment with monolithic wingwalls and abutment extensions measured

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
the element or
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
Monolithic wingwalls, up to the first construction joint (sheet pile joint, etc.), shall be considered in the quantity and
3.5.3Piles/Pier Caps/Footings
This Article covers pilings, pier caps, and footings of all materials.
3.5.3.1Element 220Reinforced Concrete Pile Cap/Footing 2015 Revision

Description: Reinforced concrete pile caps/footings that are visible for inspection, including pile caps/footings exposed
from erosion or scour or visible during an underwater inspection. The exposure may be intentional or caused by erosion
or scour.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the length of footings or pile caps along the skew angle.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
distress. Does not
warrant structural
review.
review. review to
serviceability of
the element or
bridge; OR a
structural
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.5.3.2Element 225Steel Pile

Description: Steel piles that are visible for inspection, including piles exposed from erosion or scour and piles visible
during an underwater inspection. For all steel piles regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the number of piles visible for inspection.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
the element or
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.5.3.3Element 226Prestressed Concrete Pile 2015 Revision

Description: Prestressed concrete piles that are visible for inspection, including piles exposed from erosion or scour and
piles visible during an underwater inspection. For all prestressed concrete piles regardless of protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
distress. Does not
warrant structural
review.
warrant structural
warrants a
review. effect on
Cracking (PSC) Width less than Width 0.0040.009 Width greater than strength or
(1110) 0.004 in. or spacing in. or spacing 1.0 0.009 in. or spacing serviceability of
greater than 3 ft. 3.0 ft. less than 1 ft. the element or
bridge; OR a
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.5.3.4Element 227Reinforced Concrete Pile 2015 Revision

Description: Reinforced concrete piles that are visible for inspection, including piles exposed from erosion or scour and
piles visible during an underwater inspection. For all reinforced concrete piles regardless of protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
distress. Does not
warrant structural
review.
review. review to
serviceability of
the element or
bridge; OR a
structural
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.5.3.5Element 228Timber Pile

Description: Timber piles that are visible for inspection, including piles exposed from erosion or scour and piles visible
during an underwater inspection. For all timber piles regardless of protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
intended.
effect on
serviceability of
bridge; OR a
structural
review has been
completed and
review.
the defects
warrant structural
review.
distress. review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
evaluation and does
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.5.3.6Element 229Other Pile 2015 Revision

Description: Other material piles that are visible for inspection, including piles exposed from erosion or scour and piles
visible during an underwater inspection. For all other material piles regardless of protective system.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
plates, or similar.
The condition
warrants a
structural
review to
determine the
effect on
intended.
strength or
Delamination/Spall/ None. Delaminated. Spall 1 Spall greater than 1 serviceability of
Patched Area in. or less deep or 6 in. deep or greater the element or
(1080) in. or less in diameter. than bridge; OR a
Patched area that is 6 in. diameter. structural
sound. Patched area that is review has been
unsound or showing completed and
distress. Does not the defects
warrant structural impact strength
breakdown but does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
review.
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The other material pile element is intended for piles constructed of composite materials, or other materials that cannot
be classified using any other defined pile element.
3.5.3.7Element 231Steel Pier Cap

Description: Those steel pier caps that support girders and transfer load into piles or columns. For all steel pier caps
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the cap lengths measured along the skew angle.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
warrants a
arrest holes, doubling review effect on
impact strength
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.5.3.8Element 233Prestressed Concrete Pier Cap 2015 Revision

Description: Those prestressed concrete pier caps that support girders and transfer load into piles or columns. For all
caps regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the cap lengths measured along the skew angle.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural
review has been
completed and
warrant structural
the defects
review.
impact strength
Cracking (PSC) Width less than Width 0.0040.009 Width greater than or serviceability
(1110) 0.004 in. or spacing in. or spacing 1.0 0.009 in. or spacing of the element
greater than 3 ft. 3.0 ft. less than 1 ft. or bridge.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.5.3.9Element 234Reinforced Concrete Pier Cap 2015 Revision

Description: Those reinforced concrete pier caps that support girders and transfer load into piles or columns. For all pier
caps regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the cap length measured along the skew angle.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Exposed Rebar None. Present without Present with The condition
(1090) measurable section measurable section warrants a
loss. loss but does not structural
Efflorescence/Rust Staining None. Surface white without effect on
Heavy build-up with
strength or
without rust staining. serviceability of
the element or
Cracking (RC and Other) Width less than Width 0.0120.05 in. Width greater than bridge; OR a
(1130) 0.012 in. or spacing or spacing of 1.0 0.05 in. or spacing of structural
greater than 3.0 ft. 3.0 ft. less than 1 ft. review has been
completed and
the defects
impact strength
or serviceability
of the element
or bridge.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.5.3.10Element 235Timber Pier Cap

Description: Those timber pier caps that support girders that transfer load into piles, or columns. For all timber pier caps
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the pier cap lengths measured along the skew angle.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
intended.
The condition
warrants a
structural review.
structural
review. structural
review has been
warrant structural
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.5.3.11Element 236Other Pier Cap 2015 Revision

Description: Other material pier caps that support girders that transfer load into piles or columns. For all other material
pier caps regardless of protective system.
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the pier cap lengths measured along the skew angle.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
plates, or similar.
intended. review to
completed and
breakdown but does
review.
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The other material pier cap element is intended for pier caps constructed of composite materials, or other materials
that cannot be classified using any other defined pier cap element.
3.6CULVERTS
This Article covers steel, prestressed and reinforced concrete, timber, masonry, and other types of culverts.
3.6.1Element 240Steel Culvert

Description: Steel culverts, including arched, round, or elliptical pipes.
Quantity Calculation: Flow line length of the barrel times the number of barrels.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
review.
Cracking None. Crack that has self- Identified crack that
(1010) arrested or has been is not arrested but
arrested with does not warrant
effective arrest holes, structural review.
doubling plates, or The condition
similar. warrants a
Connection Connection is in Loose fasteners or Missing bolts, rivets, structural
(1020) place and functioning pack rust without or fasteners; broken review to
as intended. distortion is present welds; or pack rust determine the
but the connection is with distortion but effect on
in place and does not warrant a strength or
functioning as structural review. serviceability
or bridge; OR a
Distortion None. Distortion not Distortion that structural
(1900) requiring mitigation requires mitigation review has
or mitigated that has not been been completed
distortion. addressed but does and the defects
not warrant structural impact strength
review. or
Settlement None. Exists within Exceeds tolerable serviceability
(4000) tolerable limits or limits but does not of the element
arrested with no warrant structural or bridge.
observed structural review.
distress.
Scour None. Exists within Exceeds tolerable
(6000) tolerable limits or limits but is less than
has been arrested the critical limits
with effective determined by scour
countermeasures. evaluation and does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
Condition
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The distortion defect is contingent on a number of factors such as site, wall thickness, and fill depth. The inspector
shall use such factors to assess the proper condition state.
3.6.2Element 241Reinforced Concrete Culvert 2015 Revision

Description: Reinforced concrete culverts, including box, arched, round, or elliptical shapes.
Quantity Calculation: Flow line length of the barrel times the number of the barrels.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
distress. Does not
warrant structural
review.
warrant structural
review.
The condition
warrants a
(1120) build-up or leaching rust staining. structural
without rust staining. review to
Cracking (RC and Other) Width less than Width 0.0120.05 in. Width greater than determine the
(1130) 0.012 in. or spacing or spacing of 1.0 0.05 in. or spacing of effect on
greater than 3.0 ft. 3.0 ft. less than 1 ft. strength or
serviceability of
Abrasion/Wear (PSC/RC) No abrasion or Abrasion or wearing Coarse aggregate is the element or
(1190) wearing. has exposed coarse loose or has popped bridge; OR a
aggregate but the out of the concrete structural
aggregate remains matrix due to abrasion review has been
secure in the concrete. or wear. completed and
Distortion None. Distortion not Distortion that the defects
(1900) requiring mitigation requires mitigation impact strength
or mitigated that has not been or serviceability
distortion. addressed but does of the element
not warrant structural or bridge.
review.
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
3.6.3Element 242Timber Culvert

Description: All timber culverts.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
intended.
structural review.
Check/Shake Surface penetration Penetrates 5%50% Penetrates more thanThe condition
(1150) less than 5% of the of the thickness of the 50% of the thicknesswarrants a
member thickness member and not in a of the member or structural
regardless of location. tension zone. more than 5% of the review to
determine the
tension zone. Does effect on
strength or
the element or
bridge; OR a
structural
review has been
review
completed and
Split/Delamination None. Length less than the Length equal to or the defects
(Timber) member depth or greater than the impact strength
(1170) arrested with effective member depth but or serviceability
actions taken to does not require of the element
mitigate. structural review. or bridge.
warrant structural
review.
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
3.6.4Element 243Other Culvert 2015 Revision

Description: Other material-type culverts, including arches, round, or elliptical pipes. These culverts are not included in
steel, concrete, or timber material types.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
structural review.
plates, or similar.
intended. review to
completed and
breakdown but does
review.
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
3.6.5Element 244Masonry Culvert

Description: Masonry block or stone culverts.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
warrants a
Patched Area (Masonry) None. Sound patch. Unsound patch. structural
(1630) review to
Masonry Displacement None. Block or stone has Block or stone has determine the
(1640) shifted slightly out of shifted significantly effect on
alignment. out of alignment or is strength or
missing but does not serviceability of
structural
Distortion None. Distortion not Distortion that review has been
(1900) requiring mitigation requires mitigation completed and
or mitigated that has not been the defects
distortion. addressed but does impact strength
not warrant structural or serviceability
Settlement None. Exists within tolerable Exceeds tolerable or bridge.
distress. review.
evaluation and does
review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
3.6.6Element 245Prestressed Concrete Culvert 2015 Revision

Description: All prestressed concrete culverts.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
distress. Does not
warrant structural
review.
warrant structuralThe condition
review. warrants a
review. effect on
strength or
Cracking (PSC) Width less than Width 0.0040.009 Width greater than serviceability of
(1110) 0.004 in. or spacing in. or spacing 1.0 0.009 in. or spacing the element or
greater than 3 ft. 3.0 ft. less than 1 ft. bridge; OR a
the defects
Abrasion/Wear (PSC/RC) No abrasion or Abrasion or wearing Coarse aggregate is impact strength
(1190) wearing. has exposed coarse loose or has popped or serviceability
aggregate but the out of the concrete of the element
aggregate remains matrix due to abrasion or bridge.
review.
distress. review.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
evaluation and does
review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
3.7JOINTS
This Article covers expansion joints, pourable joints, compression joints, and assembly joints.
3.7.1Element 300Strip Seal Expansion Joint

Description: Those expansion joint devices which utilize a neoprene type waterproof gland with some type of metal
extrusion or other system to anchor the gland.
Classification: BME Units of Measurement: ft
Quantity Calculation: Sum of all the lengths of the joint measured along the skew angle.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Leakage None. Minimal. Minor Moderate. More than Free flow of
(2310) dripping through the a drip and less than water through
joint. free flow of water. the joint.
Seal Adhesion Fully adhered. Adhered for more Adhered 50% or less Complete loss
(2320) than 50% of the joint of joint height but still of adhesion.
height. some adhesion.
Seal Damage None. Seal abrasion without Punctured or ripped Punctured
(2330) punctures. or partially pulled out. completely
through, pulled
out, or missing.
Seal Cracking None. Surface crack. Crack that partially Crack that fully
(2340) penetrates the seal. penetrates the
seal.
Debris Impaction No debris to a shallow Partially filled with Completely filled and Completely
(2350) cover of loose debris hard-packed material impacts joint filled and
may be evident but but still allowing free movement. prevents joint
does not affect the movement. movement.
performance of the
joint.
Adjacent Deck or Header Sound. No spall, Edge delamination or Spall greater than Spall,
(2360) delamination, or spall 1 in. or less deep 1 in. deep or greater delamination,
unsound patch. or 6 in. or less in than 6 in. diameter. unsound
diameter. No exposed Exposed rebar. patched area, or
rebar. Patched area Delamination or loose joint
that is sound. unsound patched area anchor that
that makes the joint prevents the
loose. joint from
functioning as
intended.
Metal Deterioration or None. Freckled rust; metal Section loss, missing Metal cracking,
Damage has no cracks, or or broken fasteners, section loss,
(2370) impact damage. cracking of the metal, damage, or
Connection may be or impact damage but connection
loose but functioning joint still functioning. failure that
as intended. prevents the
joint from
functioning as
intended.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.7.2Element 301Pourable Joint Seal

Description: Those joints filled with a pourable seal with or without a backer.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
through, pulled
out, or missing.
seal.
performance of the
joint.
loose. joint from
functioning as
intended.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.7.3Element 302Compression Joint Seal

Description: Only those joints filled with a preformed compression type seal. This joint may or may not have an anchor
system to confine the seal.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
through, pulled
out, or missing.
seal.
performance of the
joint.
loose. joint from
functioning as
intended.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.7.4Element 303Assembly Joint with Seal

Description: Only those joints filled with an assembly mechanism that has a seal.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
(2320) than 50% of the joint of joint height but of adhesion.
height. still some adhesion.
(2330) punctures. or partially pulled completely
out. through, pulled
out, or missing.
seal.
Debris Impaction No debris to a Partially filled with Completely filled Completely
(2350) shallow cover of hard-packed material and impacts joint filled and
loose debris may be but still allowing free movement. prevents joint
evident but does not movement. movement.
affect the
performance of the
joint.
(2360) delamination, or spall 1 in. or less 1 in. deep or greater delamination,
unsound patch. deep or 6 in. or less than 6 in. diameter. unsound
in diameter. No Exposed rebar. patched area, or
exposed rebar. Delamination or loose joint
Patched area that is unsound patched area anchor that
sound. that makes the joint prevents the
loose. joint from
functioning as
intended.
Metal Deterioration None. Freckled rust; metal Section loss, missing Metal cracking,
or Damage has no cracks or or broken fasteners, section loss,
(2370) impact damage. cracking of the metal damage, or
Connection may be or impact damage connection
loose but functioning but joint still failure that
as intended. functioning. prevents the
joint from
functioning as
intended.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
Condition
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.7.5Element 304Open Expansion Joint

Description: Only those joints that are open and not sealed.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
performance of the
joint.
loose. joint from
functioning as
intended.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
This element is intended for joints designed as open joints; not for those joints that were designed to have a seal that is
currently missing.
3.7.6Element 305Assembly Joint without Seal

Description: Only those assembly joints that are open and not sealed, including finger and sliding plate joints.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
performance of the
joint.
loose. joint from
functioning as
intended.
Damage has no cracks or or broken fasteners, section loss,
joint from
functioning as
intended.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
This element shall include open joints with or without a drainage trough below the joint.
3.7.7Element 306Other Joint

Description: Only those other joints that are not defined by any other joint element.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
performance of the
joint.
loose. joint from
functioning as
intended.
Damage has no cracks, or or broken fasteners, section loss,
joint from
functioning as
intended.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
The other material joint element is intended for joints constructed of materials that cannot be classified using any
other defined joint element.
3.8WEARING SURFACES, PROTECTIVE COATINGS, AND CONCRETE

REINFORCING STEEL PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS
The elements in this Article are wearing surfaces, steel and concrete protective coatings, and concrete reinforcing steel
protection systems such as cathodic protection. These systems will influence the deterioration and condition of the
underlying structural element.

3.8.1Element 510Wearing Surfaces

Description: All decks/slabs that have overlays made with flexible (asphaltic concrete), semi-rigid (epoxy and polyester
material), and rigid (portland cement) materials; and timber running planks.
Classification: BME Units of Measurement: ft2
Quantity Calculation: Should include the area of the deck/slab that is protected by this wearing surface.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Delamination/Spall/ None. Delaminated. Spall Spall 1 in. deep or
Patched Area/Pothole less than 1 in. deep or greater or 6 in.
(Wearing Surfaces) less than 6 in. diameter or greater.
(3210) diameter. Patched Patched area that is
Partial depth pothole. distress. Full depth
pothole.
The wearing
Crack (Wearing Surface) Width less than Width 0.0120.05 in. Width of more than surface is no
(3220) 0.012 in. or spacing or spacing of 1.0 0.05 in. or spacing of longer effective.
greater than 3.0 ft. 3.0 ft. less than 1.0 ft.
Effectiveness (Wearing Fully effective. No Substantially Limited effectiveness.
Surface) evidence of leakage effective. Deterioration of the
(3230) or further Deterioration of the protected element has
deterioration of the protected element has progressed.
protected element. slowed.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.8.2Element 515Steel Protective Coating

Description: Steel elements that have a protective coating such as paint, galvanization, weathering steel patina, or other
top coat steel corrosion inhibitor.
Classification: BME Units of Measurement: ft2 (surface)
Quantity Calculation: Should include the entire protected surface of the steel element.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Chalking (Steel None. Surface dulling. Loss of pigment. Not applicable.
Protective Coatings)
(3410)
Peeling/Bubbling/Cracking None. Finish coats only. Finish and primer Exposure of
(Steel Protective Coatings) coats. bare metal.
(3420)
Oxide Film Degradation Yellow-orange or Granular texture. Small flakes, less than Dark black
1
Color/Texture Adherence light brown for early /2-in. diameter. color. Large
(Steel Protective Coatings) development. flakes,
1
(3430) Chocolate-brown to /2-in. diameter
purple-brown for fully or greater, or
developed. Tightly laminar sheets
adhered, capable of or nodules.
withstanding
hammering or
vigorous wire
brushing.
Effectiveness (Steel Fully effective. Substantially Limited effectiveness. Failed; no
Protective Coatings) effective. protection of the
(3440) underlying
metal.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
This element shall describe all coating systems. This includes paint systems, oxide on weathering steel, and
galvanization. Assess protective coatings based upon the defects that would apply.
3.8.3Element 521Concrete Protective Coating

Description: Concrete elements that have a protective coating applied to them. These coatings include silane/siloxane
water proofers, crack sealers such as High Molecular Weight Methacrylate (HMWM), or any top coat barrier that
protects concrete from deterioration and reinforcing steel from corrosion.
Classification: BME Units of Measurement: ft2 (surface)
Quantity Calculation: Should include the entire protected surface of the concrete element.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Wear (Concrete None. Underlying concrete Underlying concrete Underlying
Protective Coatings) not exposed; coating is not exposed; concrete
(3510) showing wear from thickness of the exposed.
UV exposure; friction coating is reduced. Protective
course missing. coating no
longer effective.
Effectiveness (Concrete Fully effective. Substantially Limited effectiveness. The protective
Protective Coatings) effective. system has
(3540) failed or is no
longer effective.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.8.4Element 520Concrete Reinforcing Steel Protective System

Description: All types of protective systems used to protect reinforcing steel in concrete elements from corrosion.
Quantity Calculation: Should include the entire surface area of the protected element.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Effectiveness Protective Fully effective. Substantially Limited effectiveness. The protective
System (e.g. cathodic) effective. system has
(3600) failed or is no
longer effective.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
This protection system element is intended to capture situations where the concrete element may be expected to
deteriorate at a rate that is slower than unprotected situations. Protection systems may include rebar coatings, cathodic
protection, or other similar protection methods. Wearing surfaces are addressed under the appropriate wearing surface
element and not this element.
3.9APPROACH SLABS
This Article will cover bridge approach slabs. These slabs will be constructed with concrete and mild or prestressed
(post-tension) reinforcement. Approach slabs are Bridge Management Elements (BMEs) and are not included in the
standard set of National Bridge Elements (NBEs).
3.9.1Element 320Prestressed Concrete Approach Slab 2015 Revision

Description: Those structural sections between the abutment and the approach pavement that are constructed of
prestressed (post-tensioned) reinforced concrete.
Quantity Calculation: Should include the area of the approach slab(s) from edge to edge including any median areas
and accounting for any flares or ramps present.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
distress. Does not
warrant structural
warrants a
review. strength or
Exposed Prestressing None. Present without Present with section serviceability of
(1100) section loss. loss but does not the element or
warrant structural bridge; OR a
review. structural
review has been
Cracking (PSC) Width less than Width 0.004 Width greater than completed and
(1110) 0.004 in. or spacing 0.009 in. or spacing 0.009 in. or spacing the defects
greater than 3 ft. 1.03.0 ft. less than 1 ft. impact strength
Abrasion/Wear (PSC/RC) No abrasion or Abrasion or wearing Coarse aggregate is or serviceability
(1190) wearing. has exposed coarse loose or has popped of the element
aggregate but the out of the concrete or bridge.
distress. review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.9.2Element 321Reinforced Concrete Approach Slab 2015 Revision

Description: Those structural sections between the abutment and the approach pavement that are constructed of mild
steel reinforced concrete.
Quantity Calculation: Should include the area of the approach slab(s) from edge to edge including any median areas
and accounting for any flares or ramps present.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
area that is sound. unsound or showingThe condition
distress. Does notwarrants a
review. review to
Exposed Rebar None. Present without Present with determine the
(1090) measurable section measurable section effect on
loss. loss but does not strength or
warrant structural serviceability of
bridge; OR a
structural
review has been
completed and
distress. review.
State 4 under
the appropriate
material defect
entry.
Element Commentary
None.
3.10ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS (SERVICE ENVIRONMENTS)

Elements exposed to different environmental factors and service environments deteriorate differently. These factors
may include:
Operational activities from traffic volumes and truck movements,

Exposure to water, road salt, and other corrosive materials,
Condition of protective and water proofing systems, or
Temperature extremes, either from nature or human activity.
When inventorying and assessing the condition of the elements, an inspector should consider the environment in
which the element is operating. The environmental designation of an element can change over time; as it would, for
example, if operating policies were changed to reduce the use of road salt. However, by definition, the environmental
designation for any element cannot change as the result of maintenance work or deterioration.
Environment Description
1Benign Neither environmental factors nor operating practices are likely to significantly change the
condition of the element over time, or their effects have been mitigated by the presence of
highly effective protective systems.
2Low Environmental factors, operating practices, or both either do not adversely influence the
condition of the element, or their effects are substantially lessened by the application of
effective protective systems.
3Moderate Any change in the condition of the element is likely to be quite normal as measured against the
environmental factors, operating practices, or both that are considered typical by the agency.
4Severe Environmental factors, operating practices, or both contribute to the rapid decline in the
condition of the element. Protective systems are not in place or are ineffective.
Examples of factors that could increase the severity of the environment rating for various types of elements may
include any of the following. The inspector would record the predominant environmental factor affecting an element.
Element Example Environmental Factors

Timber Elements High moisture content
Pest infestation
Ice flow impacts
Steel Elements Distance from salt air
Water wet/dry cycles
Exposure to corrosive soils and liquids
Concrete Elements Freeze-thaw cycles
Tire chain wear
Deck salting
Petroleum-Based High temperatures
Joints and Bearings Extreme temperature ranges

Operating Practices High traffic or truck volume, or both
Manual for Bridge Element Inspection iii
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 20122013

President Michael P. Lewis, Rhode Island
Vice President Mike Hancock, Kentucky
Secretary/Treasurer Carlos Braceras, Utah
Regional Representatives
REGION I James P. Redeker, Connecticut, One-Year Term
Chris Clement, New Hampshire, Two-Year Term
REGION II Anthony J. Tata, North Carolina, One-Year Term
Sheri LeBas, Louisiana, Two-Year Term
REGION III Mark Gottlieb, Wisconsin, One-Year Term
Paul Trombino, Iowa, Two-Year Term
REGION IV John Cox, Wyoming, One-Year Term
John Halikowski, Arizona, Two-Year Term
Nonvoting Members
Immediate Past President Kirk Steudle, P.E., Michigan
AASHTO Executive Director Bud Wright, Washington, DC
iv Manual for Bridge Element Inspection
HIGHWAYS SUBCOMMITTEE ON BRIDGES AND STRUCTURES, 2013

GREGG FREDRICK, Chair
BRUCE JOHNSON, Vice Chair
M. MYINT LWIN, Federal Highway Administration, Secretary
RAJ AILANEY, Federal Highway Administration, Assistant Secretary
KELLEY REHM, AASHTO Liaison
ALABAMA, John F. Buddy Black, Eric J. Christie, OHIO, Timothy J. Keller, Jawdat Siddiqi
William Tim Colquett OKLAHOMA, Robert J. Rusch, John A. Schmiedel,
ALASKA, Richard A. Pratt Walter Peters
ARIZONA, Jean A. Nehme OREGON, (Vacant), Hormoz Seradj
ARKANSAS, Carl J. Fuselier PENNSYLVANIA, Thomas P. Macioce, Lou Ruzzi
CALIFORNIA, Barton J. Newton, Michael Donald PUERTO RICO, (Vacant)
Keever, Susan Hida, Lian Daun RHODE ISLAND, David Fish
COLORADO, Joshua Laipply SOUTH CAROLINA, Barry W. Bowers, Jeff Sizemore
CONNECTICUT, Timothy David Fields SOUTH DAKOTA, Kevin Goeden
DELAWARE, Barry A. Benton, Douglass A. Robb, TENNESSEE, Wayne J. Seger, William Henry Pate
Jason Hastings TEXAS, Gregg A. Freeby, Keith L. Ramsey, John M.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, L. Donald Cooney, Holt
Konjit Connie Eskender, Ronaldo T. Nicholson U.S. DOT, M. Myint Lwin, Raj Ailaney, Thomas D.
FLORIDA, Sam Fallaha, Jeff Pouliotte, Dennis Golabek Everett
GEORGIA, Paul V. Liles, Jr., Bill DuVall, Ben UTAH, Carmen Swanwick, Joshua Sletten, Cheryl H.
Rabun Simmons
HAWAII, Paul T. Santo VERMONT, Wayne B. Symonds
IDAHO, Matthew M. Farrar VIRGINIA, Kendal Ken Walus, Prasad L.
ILLINOIS, Carl Puzey, Tim A. Armbrecht Nallapaneni, Julius F. J. Volgyi, Jr.
INDIANA, Anne M. Rearick WASHINGTON, Tony M. Allen, Bijan Khaleghi
IOWA, Norman L. McDonald WEST VIRGINIA, Gregory Bailey
KANSAS, Loren R. Risch, James J. Brennan WISCONSIN, Scot Becker, Beth A. Cannestra,
KENTUCKY, Mark Hite, Marvin Wolfe William Dreher
LOUISIANA, Paul Fossier, Arthur DAndrea WYOMING, Keith R. Fulton, Mike E. Menghini, Paul
MAINE, Wayne Frankhauser, Michael H. Wight Cortez
MARYLAND, Earle S. Freedman, Jeffrey L. Robert, DELAWARE RIVER AND BAY AUTHORITY,
Gregory Scott Roby Shoukry Elnahal
MASSACHUSETTS, Alexander K. Bardow, Walter GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, Kary H. Witt
P. Heller MD. TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY, Dan
MICHIGAN, David Juntunen, Matthew Jack Williams
Chynoweth N.J. TURNPIKE AUTHORITY,
MINNESOTA, Nancy Daubenberger, Kevin Western, Richard J. Raczynski
Arielle Ehrlich N.Y. STATE BRIDGE AUTHORITY,
MISSISSIPPI, Nick J. Altobelli, Austin Banks, Justin William J. Moreau
Walker PENN. TURNPIKE COMMISSION,
MISSOURI, Dennis Heckman, Scott Stotlemeyer James L. Stump
MONTANA, Kent M. Barnes U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
NEBRASKA, Mark J. Traynowicz, Mark Ahlman, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY,
Fouad Jaber Christopher H. Westbrook, Phillip W. Sausers
NEVADA, Mark P. Elicegui, Todd Stefonowicz U.S. COAST GUARD, Kamal Elnahal
NEW HAMPSHIRE, Mark W. Richardson, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
David L. Scott FOREST SERVICE, Tom Gillins
NEW JERSEY, Nagnath Nate Kasbekar, Eli D. ALBERTA, Lloyd Atkin
Lambert, Xiaohua Hannah Cheng KOREA, Eui-Joon Lee, Sang-Soon Lee
NEW MEXICO, Raymond M. Trujillo, Jeff C. Vigil SASKATCHEWAN, Howard Yea
NEW YORK, Wahid Albert, Richard Marchione TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH BOARD
NORTH CAROLINA, Greg R. Perfetti Waseem Dekelbab
NORTH DAKOTA, Terrence R. Udland
Manual for Bridge Element Inspection xiii
INTRODUCTION
The proper assessment of the condition of bridge elements is the cornerstone of sound bridge management. The
introduction of element inspection condition methods in the early 1990s represented a significant advancement in bridge
inspection practice and has been adopted by the vast majority of the state transportation departments in the United States.
Bridge owners nationwide have recognized the benefits of detailed condition assessments through the use of the raw
inspection information, expanded performance measures, and bridge management system deterioration forecasting and
evaluation. As the use of element-level inspection techniques has proliferated, the need for updates and enhancements to
the standard element specification has been identified. This manual incorporates improvements through changes in the
measurement units of decks and slabs, the development of a wearing surface element, the standardization of the number of
element states, and the development of protective coating elements for concrete and steel, as well as deck protection
systems. Elements constructed of innovative materials are also identified. The goal of this manual is to completely capture
the condition of bridges in a simple, effective way that can be standardized across the nation while providing the flexibility
to be adapted to both large- and small-agency settings.
This manual is not intended to supplant proper bridge and element inspection training or the exercise of engineering
judgment by the inspector or professional engineer.
2015 INTERM TO AASHTO GUIDE MANUAL
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION FOR BRIDGE ELEMENT INSPECTION, FIRST EDITION
INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION
General
AASHTO has issued interim revisions to AASHTO Manual for Bridge Element Inspection (2013). This packet
contains the revised pages.
Affected Articles
Underlined text indicates revisions that were approved in 2014 by the AASHTO Highways Subcommittee on
Bridges and Structures. Strikethrough text indicates any deletions that were likewise approved by the Subcommittee. A
list of affected articles is included below.
All interim pages are printed on pink paper to make the changes stand out when inserted in the first edition binder.
They also have a page header displaying the section number affected and the interim publication year. Please note that
these pages may also contain non-technical (e.g., editorial) changes made by AASHTO publications staff; any changes
of this type will not be marked in any way so as not to distract the reader from the technical changes.
Please note that in response to user concerns, page breaks are now being added within sections between non-
contiguous articles. This change makes it an option to insert the changes closer to the affected articles.
2014 Changed Articles
SECTION 1: BACKGROUND
1.5
SECTION 3: DETAILED ELEMENT DESCRIPTIONS

3.1.1 3.3.2.2 3.5.2.1
3.1.2 3.3.2.3 3.5.2.4
3.1.3 3.3.2.5 3.5.3.1
3.1.4 3.3.3.3 3.5.3.3
3.1.5 3.3.3.5 3.5.3.4
3.1.11 3.3.3.6 3.5.3.6
3.1.12 3.3.3.7 3.5.3.8
3.2.2 3.3.4.2 3.5.3.9
3.2.4 3.3.4.3 3.5.3.11
3.3.1.2 3.3.4.5 3.6.2
3.3.1.3 3.5.1.2 3.6.4
3.3.1.4 3.5.1.3 3.6.6
3.3.1.6 3.5.1.4 3.9.1
3.3.1.7 3.5.1.8 3.9.2
3.3.1.9 3.5.1.9
APPENDIX D: MATERIALS AND DEFECTS BY MATERIAL TYPE

D.2.2
D2.3
D2.5
iii
APPENDIX A:
AGENCY-DEFINED ELEMENTS (ADES)

This manual was developed with the understanding that agencies may have elements in their inventory that are not
included in the defined element set. An unlimited number of agency elements can be defined as necessary, providing that
they conform to this manual.
Agency elements fall into three main categories:
Subsets of defined National Bridge Elements,

Subsets of defined Bridge Management Elements, and
Elements that are entirely independent of the defined elements.
A1AGENCY-DEFINED SUBSETS OF THE NATIONAL BRIDGE ELEMENTS

The National Bridge Elements (NBEs) represent the primary structural components of bridges and are of national
concern for safety. The NBE elements are intended to form an element basis for bridge condition assessment in the
National Bridge Inventory (NBI). Due to the higher purpose for these NBEs, the flexibility for an agency to customize
them is limited. An agency is permitted to create NBE sub-elements providing that the sub-elements can be aggregated
back together for NBI submission. In all cases, the element condition states are fixed at four states and the specific
condition state and defect criteria must remain consistent between the NBE and all agency-developed NBE sub-elements.
For example, many agencies have developed elements to capture the quantity and condition of their beam ends. This
agency-developed element isolates the area around joints or hinges to capture the rapid deterioration that may occur in this
area. Since the beam element itself is an NBE, this agency-developed sub-element would need to inherit all of the
language characteristics of the encompassing NBE. In this example, the agency will simply subdivide the element quantity
between two items that both share the same language. Combining the NBE beam element and the agency-developed
beam ends together is simple addition and would permit consistent reporting of the quantity and condition distribution of
this item to the NBI.
A2AGENCY-DEFINED SUBSETS OF THE BRIDGE MANAGEMENT ELEMENTS

Agency-developed elements that are not a subset of an NBE have considerably more flexibility in customization. The
Bridge Management Elements (BMEs) represent many components of bridges that require preservation but are not
primary structural members. These elements include joints, wearing surfaces, protective coatings, and deck protection
systems. These elements as a class are defined to provide a sound basis for bridge management. In order to identify these
additional agency elements, the number range of 800 and above has been reserved and is not used in this manual.
This manual has defined a set of basic BMEs with the expectation that agencies may opt for considerably more detail
in certain areas. For example, an agency may wish to individually define the wearing surfaces typically used in their bridge
inventory into their own wearing surface elements in order to track performance and recognize cost differences for actions.
In this example, these detailed wearing surface elements would be sub-elements of the general BME for wearing surfaces.
For this wearing surface example, an agency would still be required to define only four condition states following the
good, fair, poor, and severe convention. However, the BME would not need to be aggregated for national reporting unless
the particular element information is required for submission to the FHWA for inclusion in the NBI.
When developing a sub-element of one of the defined 500-series BMEs, the agency needs to consider the potential
impacts on the deterioration modeling in their bridge management systems (BMSs). The BMEs for protective coatings,
wearing surfaces, and protection systems may need to be set up to influence the deterioration rates of certain elements. The
relationship between these protective BMEs and other elements (NBEs or BMEs) must be considered if the agency wishes
to have the deterioration modeling influenced by the protective element. For example, the steel protective coating element
(Element 515) defines condition state language that covers conventional paint systems, weathering steel, and galvanized
protective coatings. An agency may wish to break these three classes of protective coatings into their own BME to capture
performance or cost differences among them. All of these protective coatings will influence the rate of deterioration of the
base element that they are designed to protect. Condition forecast models in BMSs such as the AASHTOWare Bridge
Management software program will slow or eliminate deterioration of the base element as long as the protective element
is in good condition. This relationship between protective system and base element will constrain the degree
of customization that an agency can exercise on the condition state element definitions of sub-elements to the
500-series BMEs.
A-1
A-2 Manual for Bridge Element Inspection
A3INDEPENDENT AGENCY-DEFINED ELEMENTS

Agencies may identify a business need to develop a completely independent custom element that is not a subset or
derivative of an NBE or BME. Such custom elements provide the most flexibility; these elements are not intended to be
reported at a national level, nor are they expected to be rolled up into any element with defined condition state language in
this manual. These elements are available for agencies utilizing BMSs to track elements unique to their inventory, such as
movable bridge components, or to capture specific performance aspects of bridges. Independent agency-defined elements
may or may not have defined feasible actions or defined deterioration, and need not follow any condition state or defect
language included in this manual. These are free-form elements that are only limited by the number of required condition
states (four).
Examples of independent agency-developed elements could include approach guardrails, slope paving, seismic retrofit
components, or tunnels, just to name a few. Independent agency elements could also be created to track maintenance items
that an agency wishes to capture during the inspection process. Items such as the condition of drains, structure lighting,
appurtenances, or bridge identification plaques could be developed into elements that are not associated with deterioration
but potentially have feasible actions.
Independent agency-developed elements can also be created to capture the components and condition of ancillary
structures that an agency may wish to inspect. These elements can exist side by side with the bridge elements and can
optionally be defined with deterioration models or feasible actions as an agency desires. Custom element definitions
provide a ready-made framework for capturing items such as tunnels, walls, median barriers, high-mast lighting, and
overhead sign structures within an agencys BMS.
A3.1Example Element Definition: Concrete Tunnel Ancillary Structure

The example on the following page shows an agency-defined concrete tunnel element. The definition is presented in
the same format as the element definitions in Chapter 3 and uses the standard defect names, identifiers, and state language
appropriate to reinforced concrete elements. While this example follows the conventions for concrete elements defined
earlier, there is no requirement that an agency utilize any or all of these defects or defect state language. An agency may
define entirely new defects and state language as necessary.
Manual for Bridge Element Inspection A-3
A3.1.1Element 600Concrete Tunnel (Example)

Description: All concrete tunnels.
Classification: ADE Units of Measurement: ft
Quantity Calculation: Sum of the lengths of the bores in decimal feet.

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Spalls/Delamination/ None. Delaminated. Spall Spall greater than 1 in.

Patch Areas 1 in. or less deep or deep or greater than
(1080) 6 in. or less in 6 in. diameter.
diameter. Patched area Patched area that is
that is sound. unsound or showing
distress. Does not
warrant structural The remaining capacity
review. of the tunnel been
reduced due to the
Exposed Rebar None. Present without Present with condition. The
(1090) measurable section measurable section condition warrants a
loss. loss but does not structural review to
warrant structural determine the effect on
review. strength or
serviceability of the
Crack Width less than Width 0.0120.05 in. Width greater than element or tunnel; OR a
(1130) 0.012 in. or spacing or spacing of 1.0 0.05 in. or spacing of structural review has
greater than 3.0 ft. 3.0 ft. less than 1 ft. been completed and the
Efflorescence/Rust None. Surface white without Heavy build-up with defects impact strength
Staining build-up or leaching rust staining. or serviceability of the
(1120) without rust staining. element or tunnel.
Distortion None. None. Tolerable without

(1900) reducing load
capacity.
Load Capacity No reduction. No reduction. No reduction.

(5000)
Damage Not applicable. The element has The element has The element or tunnel
(7000) minor impact damage. moderate impact has impact damage.
The specific damage damage. The specific The specific damage
caused by the impact damage caused by the caused by the impact
has been captured in impact has been has been captured in
Condition State 2 captured in Condition Condition
under the appropriate State 3 under the State 4 under the
material defect entry. appropriate material appropriate material
defect entry. defect entry.
Element Commentary
None.
APPENDIX B:
INSPECTION EXAMPLES
The examples provided show the evaluation and coding of bridge inspection data for timber, concrete, and steel
bridges of varying complexity. The examples include the use of National Bridge Elements (NBEs) and Bridge
Management Elements (BMEs) and the recording of defects. While it is an agencys choice of how to record defect codes,
these examples were developed to demonstrate the use of the defect codes.
B1TIMBER BRIDGE
The subject of this example is a four-span timber bridge crossing a small creek. The sketches in Figure B-1 show the
bridge elements with relevant dimensions and note the locations of the defects described in Article B1.2.
109 0
Bent 2 Bent 3 Bent 4
0 61/2 26 111/2 27 0 27 0 26 111/2 0 61/2
c.l. Abut. 1 Span 1 Span 2 Span 3 Span 4 c.l. Abut. 5
4
1 2
Timber Lagging, 3
Full Width of
Abutment Cap Beam
30 0
30 51/2 Out-to-Out
Timber Deck
28 5
Curb-to-Curb 3 Asphalt Overlay
11 EA 8 22
Timber Girders
6 Square Steel Tube
Rail with Timber Posts
12 12 34 0
and Curb
Timber Cap at 2
Piers and Abutments
12 dia.
Timber Piles Circled numbers correspond to
defects described in Articles B1.2.1
5 9
3 through B1.2.4
Typ.
Figure B-1Elevation and Typical Section of Bridge for Timber Bridge Example
B1.1Element Quantities
B1.1.1Deck
The timber deck has an asphalt wearing surface that runs curb to curb:
Timber Deck (Element 31) Quantity: 30 ft 109 ft = 3,270 ft2

Wearing Surface (Element 510) Quantity: 28.42 ft 109 ft = 3,097.78 ft2 (round up to 3,098 ft2)
The metal bridge railing has timber posts and curb. The square steel tube rail elements are galvanized:
Metal Bridge Railing (Element 330) Quantity: 109 ft (2 railing lines) = 218 ft
Steel Protective Coating (Element 515) Quantity: 0.50 ft (4 sides) 109 ft (2 railing lines) = 436 ft2
B1.1.2Superstructure
All four spans are composed of timber beams:
Timber Open Girder/Beam (Element 111) Quantity: 109 ft (11 beams) = 1,199 ft
B-1
B-2 Manual for Bridge Element Inspection
B1.1.3Substructure
As separate elements distribute vertical loads to the piles and retain the approach embankment, the vertical load-
carrying elements will be considered similar to a bent and the timber abutment will consist of only the lagging retaining
the approach embankment behind the abutment piles and cap beam:
Timber Abutment (Element 216) Quantity: 34 ft (2 abutments) = 68 ft
The timber piles at the abutments and bents can be visually inspected to mud line:
Timber Pile (Element 228) Quantity: (6 piles per substructure unit) (3 bents + 2 abutments) = 30 piles
Vertical load is transferred to the piles at the abutments and bents by the timber bent caps:
Timber Pier Cap (Element 235) Quantity: (34 ft per substructure unit) (3 bents + 2 abutments) = 170 ft
B1.2Element Condition States

Aside from the defects described in Articles B1.2.1 through B1.2.4, all remaining element quantities are in good
condition and are assigned to Condition State One. The following defects correspond to those labeled in Figure B-1.
B1.2.1Defect #1, Timber Open Girder/Beam (Element 111)

A 2-in. deep check (Defect #1150) extends the length of the right side exterior beam in Span 1, shown in Figure B-2.
As it penetrates 25 percent (2 in. of the 8-in. member thickness), the length of this beam (27 ft.) is placed in Condition
State 2. No other defects are present in the element.
Figure B-22-in. Deep Check in Exterior Beam
B1.2.2Defect #2, Timber Pier Cap (Element 235)

A 1-in. deep check (Defect #1150) extends the length of the bent cap at Bent 2 as shown in Figure B-3. As it
penetrates 8 percent (1 in. of the 12-in. width of the member), the length of this beam (34 ft) is placed in Condition State 2.
No other defects are present in the element.
Manual for Bridge Element Inspection B-3
Figure B-31-in. Deep Check in Bent Cap at Bent 2
B1.2.3Defect #3, Timber Pile (Element 228)

A 7-in. deep check (Defect #1150) 3 ft long is present in the left exterior pile of Bent 2 as seen in Figure B-4. As it
penetrates 58 percent (7 in. of the 12-in. member thickness), this condition meets the criteria for either Condition State 3 or
Condition State 4. Per agency guidance, the severity of the check does not warrant structural review; this pile is placed in
Condition State 3. Five other piles exhibit 11/2-in. to 2-in. deep checks (not shown) and are placed in Condition State 2.
Figure B-47-in. Deep Check in Right Exterior Pile of Bent 2
B1.2.4Defect #4, Metal Bridge Railing (Element 330)

Two posts at Abutment 4 exhibit severe decay (Defect #1140) affecting 80 percent of the post section as see bib
Figure B-5. Based on the severity and extent of the decay, this defect warrants structural review and the horizontal length
of rail represented by the posts (2 ft) is placed in Condition State 4.
Figure B-5Decay in Timber Rail Posts
B1.3Element Quantity and Condition State Summary

The element quantities and defects described above are summarized as follows:
Element Unit of Total Condition Condition Condition Condition

Number Element Description Measure Quantity State 1 State 2 State 3 State 4 Defect #*
31 Timber Deck ft2 3,270 3,270 0 0 0
510 Wearing Surfaces ft2 3,098 3,098 0 0 0
330 Metal Bridge Railing ft 218 216 0 0 2 4
1140 Decay/Section Loss ft 2 0 0 0 2 4
515 Steel Protective Coating ft2 436 436 0 0 0
111 Timber Open Girder/Beam ft 1,199 1,172 27 0 0 1
1150 Check/Shake ft 27 0 27 0 0 1
228 Timber Pile each 30 24 5 1 0 3
1150 Check/Shake each 6 0 5 1 0 3
216 Timber Abutment ft 68 68 0 0 0
235 Timber Pier Cap ft 170 136 34 0 0 2
1150 Check/Shake ft 34 0 34 0 0 2
Notes:
* See Figure B-1 for defect locations.
Violet background: National Bridge Element
Blue background: Bridge Management Element
Italic type: Defect
B2PRESTRESSED CONCRETE GIRDER BRIDGE

The subject of this example is a four-span prestressed concrete girder bridge crossing a divided highway. The sketches
in Figure B-6 show the bridge elements with relevant dimensions and note the locations of the defects described in
Article B2.2.
270 3
Pier 2 Pier 3 Pier 4
1 6 43 6 90 0 90 0 43 6 1 6
c.l. Abut. 1 Span 1 Span 2 Span 3 Span 4 c.l. Abut. 5
1 (Entire Deck) Compression Joint
Pourable Joint Seal,
Typ. Each Abutment Seal,Typ. Each Pier
2 4 3
6 7
5
30 Rail Posts,
44 0 Each Side
Out-to-Out
42 0 Concrete Parapet
Curb-to-Curb with 2 EA 4 Square
Steel Tubular Rail
11 EA AASHTO
Type I or Type II Girders
Elastomeric Bearing
4 3 44 Concrete Pad (2 per Girder)
Pier Cap Beam
5 6
3 EA 4 3 7
Concrete Columns Circled numbers correspond to
14 0 through B2.2.7
Figure B-6Elevation and Typical Section of Bridge for Prestressed Concrete Girder Bridge Example
B2.1.1Deck
The reinforced concrete deck has uncoated reinforcing steel and no protective overlay.
Reinforced Concrete Deck (Element 12) Quantity: 270 ft 44 ft = 11,880 ft2
As the redirective elements of the bridge railing consist of a combination of concrete and metal components, both the
metal and reinforced concrete railing elements will be considered. The metal railing members are galvanized; estimate the
surface area of each metal post as 5 ft2:
Metal Bridge Railing (Element 330) Quantity: 270 ft (2 railing lines) = 540 ft
Steel Protective Coating (Element 515) Quantity: [0.33 ft (4 sides)] (2 rails) 270 ft + 5 ft2 per post
30 posts] (2 railing lines) = 1,725.60 ft2 (rounded up to 1,726 ft2)
Reinforced Concrete Bridge Railing (Element 331) Quantity: 270 ft (2 railing lines) = 540 ft
There is a deck joint at every substructure unit, extending out-to-out of the bridge deck, with pourable joint seals at the
abutments and compression joint seals at the piers. There is no skew:
Pourable Joint Seal (Element 301) Quantity: 44 ft (2 joints) = 88 ft

Compression Joint Seal (Element 302) Quantity: 44 ft (3 joints) = 132 ft
Since the prestressed concrete girders extend past the bearings and are embedded in the end and pier diaphragms, the
length of the bridge minus the backwall thickness (1 ft at each end) provides a good estimate of the total length of each
girder line:
Prestressed Concrete Open Girder (Element 109) Quantity: [270 ft (2 1 ft)] (8 girders) = 2,144 ft
Elastomeric bearings transfer load from the girders to the substructure:
Elastomeric Bearing (Element 310) Quantity: (2 bearings per girder) (8 girders per span) (4 spans) =
64 bearings
B2.1.3Substructure
The reinforced concrete abutment distributes vertical load to the piles (not visible for inspection) and retains the
approach embankment.
Reinforced Concrete Abutment (Element 215) Quantity: (44 ft per abutment) (2 abutments) = 88 ft
Each reinforced concrete pier consists of a pier cap (Element 234) and three columns (Element 205):
Reinforced Concrete Column (Element 205) Quantity: (3 columns per pier) (3 piers) = 9 columns
Reinforced Concrete Pier Cap (Element 234) Quantity: (44 ft per pier) (3 piers) = 132 ft

Aside from the defects described in Articles B2.2.1 through B2.2.7, all remaining element quantities are in good
condition and assigned to Condition State One. The following defects correspond to those labeled in Figure B-6.
B2.2.1Defect #1, Reinforced Concrete Deck (Element 12)

Transverse, hairline cracks throughout at variable spacing greater than 3 ft throughout the top surface of the deck.
Based on the cracks widths (less than 0.012 in.) and density (greater than 3 ft), these areas meet the criteria for Condition
State 1.

1-in. to 2-in. deep spalls with exposed rebar (with no section loss) and areas of distressed patches in both lanes near
midspan of Span 2, shown in Figure B-7. The total area of spalls is 12 ft2.; the total area of distressed patches is 100 ft2.
With no section loss, the exposed rebar (Defect #1090) meets the criteria for Condition State 2. As the spalls (Defect
#1080) are more than 1 in. deep, all of these areas (112 ft2 total) meet the criteria for Condition State 3, which controls.
Figure B-7Spalls and Distressed Patches in Span 2 Deck

1-in. to 2-in. deep spalls with exposed rebar (with no section loss) and areas of distressed patches in both lanes near
midspan of Span 4, shown in Figure B-8. The total area of spalls is 40 ft2; the total area of distressed patches is 60 ft2. With
no section loss, the exposed rebar (Defect #1090) meets the criteria for Condition State 2. As the spalls (Defect #1080) are
more than 1 in. deep and the patches are not sound, all of these areas (100 ft2 total) meet the criteria for Condition State 3.
Figure B-8Spalls and Distressed Patches in Span 4 Deck
B2.2.4Defect #4, Compression Joint Seal (Element 302) and Reinforced Concrete
Deck (Element 12)
Deep spalls with unsound concrete the full length (40 ft) of the deck 6 in. adjacent to the joint seal at Pier 3, shown in
Figure B-9. The gland at this joint is also partially pulled out. For the joint element, the seal damage (Defect #2330) meets
the criteria for Condition State 3 but the adjacent deck damage (Defect #2360) meets the criteria for Condition State 4,
which controls. Due to their depth, the spalls (Defect #1080) in the concrete deck element in this area (40 ft 1 ft = 40 ft2)
meet the criteria for Condition State 3.
Figure B-9Deep Spalls in the Deck Adjacent to the Joint Seal at Pier 3
B2.2.5Defect #5, Reinforced Concrete Pier Cap (Element 234)

The underside of the Pier 2 cap has a spalled area 12 ft long and 2 in. deep with exposed rebar and rust staining,
shown in Figure B-10. The depth of the spall (Defect #1080) meets the criteria to place this length of cap beam in
Condition State 3. The section loss measured on the exposed rebar (Defect #1090) does not warrant a structural review of
the cap beam and also meets the criteria for Condition State 3. Agency policy in this situation places a higher priority on
the exposed rebar, making it the predominant defect.
Figure B-10Spall, Underside of Pier 2 Cap
B2.2.6Defect #6, Reinforced Concrete Pier Cap (Element 234)

Both the right and left cantilevers of the Pier 3 cap exhibit 0.04-in. wide cracks, some with rust staining, shown in
Figure B-11. This cracking extends for 2 ft on the left side and for 4 ft on the right. The widths of these cracks (Defect
#1130) meet the criteria to place this quantity of the cap in Condition State 2; however, the presence of efflorescence
(Defect #1120) with rust staining meets the criteria for Condition State 3, which controls.
Figure B-110.04-in. Width Cracks with Rust Staining in the Cantilevers of the Pier 3 Cap
B2.2.7Defect #7, Reinforced Concrete Column (Element 205)

The left column of Pier 4 has a 3/16-in. wide 11-ft long vertical crack, shown in Figure B-12. A previous structural
review found that this crack does not affect the strength or serviceability of the element; thus, the width of this crack
(Defect #1130) meets the criteria to place this column in Condition State 3.
Figure B-123/16-in. Width Vertical Crack in Left Column of Pier 4
B2.3ELEMENT QUANTITY AND CONDITION STATE SUMMARY

Element Unit of Total Condition Condition Condition Condition Defect

Number Element Description Measure Quantity State 1 State 2 State 3 State 4 #*
12 Reinforced Concrete ft2 11,880 11,628 0 252 0 1,2,3,4

Deck
1080 Delamination/Spall/ ft2 252 0 0 252 0 2,3,4

Patched Area
301 Pourable Joint Seal ft 88 88 0 0 0
302 Compression Joint Seal ft 132 92 0 0 40 4
2360 Adjacent Deck or Header ft 40 0 0 0 40 4
330 Metal Bridge Railing ft 540 540 0 0 0
515 Steel Protective Coating ft2 1,726 1,726 0 0 0
331 Reinforced Concrete ft 540 540 0 0 0

Bridge Railing
109 Prestressed Concrete ft 2,144 2,144 0 0 0

Girder/Beam
310 Elastomeric Bearing each 64 64 0 0 0

Abutment
205 Reinforced Concrete each 9 8 0 1 0 7

Column
1130 Cracking (RC and Other) each 1 0 0 1 0 7
234 Reinforced Concrete Pier ft 132 114 0 18 0 5,6

Cap
1090 Exposed Rebar ft 12 0 0 12 0 5
1120 Efflorescence/Rust ft 6 0 0 6 0 6
Staining
Notes:
* See Figure B-6 for defect locations
Italic type: Defect
B3STEEL TRUSS BRIDGE

The subject of this example is a two-span steel truss bridge crossing a river. The sketches in Figure B-13 show the
bridge elements with relevant dimensions and note the locations of the defects described in Article B3.2.
404 6
Pier 2
2 3 200 0 200 0 2 3
c.l. Abut. 3 Span 1 Span 2 c.l. Abut. 3
Pourable Joint Seal,
Sliding Plate Joint
Typ. Each Floor Beam
without Seal
2
3
7
3
34 0 2 48 Rail Posts,
Curb-to-Curb Trusses Metal Rail with Each Side
23 Diameter
Asphalt Wearing Surface
Tube Rail Elements
32 4
W27 94 Steel Stringers Out-to-Out Deck W36 194 33 0
30 0 Steel Floor Beam,
5 Curb-to-Curb 1 per Panel Point
4
Fixed Bearings (Abutments)
6 Movable Bearings (Piers)
1
Concrete Pier Wall 7

Circled numbers correspond to
42 0 through B3.2.7
Figure B-13Elevation and Typical Section of Bridge for Example B.3
B3.1.1Deck
The reinforced concrete deck has uncoated reinforcing steel and an asphalt wearing surface overlay.
Reinforced Concrete Deck (Element 12) Quantity: 404.50 ft 32.33 ft = 13,077.49 ft2 (round up to 13,078 ft2)
Wearing Surface (Element 510) Quantity: 404.50 ft 30 ft = 12,135 ft2
The metal railing has a concrete curb and metal posts. The metal railing members are painted; estimate the surface
area of each metal post as 5 ft2:
Metal Bridge Railing (Element 330) Quantity: 404.50 ft (2 railing lines) = 809 ft
Steel Protective Coating (Element 515) Quantity: [3.1416 0.25 ft] (2 rails) 404.50 ft + 5 ft2 per post
48 posts] (2 railing lines) = 1,750.78 ft2 (round up to 1751 ft2)
There are deck joints with pourable seals at 12 of the 14 floor beams. The sliding plate expansion joint at the pier does
not have a seal. All joints extend from out-to-out of the deck. There is no skew:
Pourable Joint Seal (Element 301) Quantity: 32.33 ft (12 joints) = 388 ft
Assembly Joint without Seal (Element 305) Quantity: 32.33 ft (1 joint) = 32.33 ft (round up to 33 ft)
The main superstructure elements are the steel truss, floor beams, and stringers. Each of these elements is painted:
Steel Truss (Element 120) Quantity: 200 ft (2 trusses per span) (2 spans) = 800 ft
Steel Protective Coating (Element 515) Quantity: Calculated from as-built plans; 18,696 ft2
Steel Floor Beam (Element 152) Quantity: 33 ft (7 floor beams per span) (2 spans) = 462 ft
Steel Protective Coating (Element 515) Quantity: 33 ft 8.9 ft2/ft* (14 floor beams) = 4,112 ft2
Steel Stringer (Element 113) Quantity: 200 ft (5 stringers) (2 spans) = 2,000 ft

Steel Protective Coating (Element 515) Quantity: 200 ft 6.8 ft2/ft* x (5 stringers) (2 spans) = 13,600 ft2
* Surface area per foot length for W36 194 (floor beams) and W27 94 (stringers) steel sections are taken
from the AISC Steel Design Guide 19, Fire Resistance of Structural Steel Framing, Appendix A, and do not
include the surface area of the top face of the top flange.
There is a gusset plate assembly at each truss connection composed of two gusset plates (one on each side). All of the
assemblies are painted; estimate the painted surface area of each gusset plate as 16 ft2:
Steel Gusset Plate (Element 162) Quantity: (12 plate assemblies per span) (2 trusses) (2 spans) = 48
Steel Protective Coating (Element 515) Quantity: (48 assemblies) (2 plates per assembly) (16 ft2/plate)
= 1,536 ft2
Each truss is supported on one movable bearing and one fixed bearing. The bearings are painted; estimate the painted
surface area of each bearing as 12 ft2:
Movable Bearing (Element 311) Quantity: (1 bearing per truss) (2 trusses per span) (2 spans) = 4 bearings
Steel Protective Coating (Element 515) Quantity: (4 bearings) (12 ft2/bearing) = 48 ft2
Fixed Bearing (Element 313) Quantity: (1 bearing per truss) (2 trusses per span) (2 spans) = 4 bearings
Steel Protective Coating (Element 515) Quantity: (4 bearings) (12 ft2/bearing) = 48 ft2
B3.1.3Substructure
The reinforced concrete abutment distributes vertical load to the spread footing foundation and retains the approach
embankment. The abutments are the same width as the pier wall.
Reinforced Concrete Abutment (Element 215) Quantity: 42 ft (2 abutments) = 84 ft
The trusses are also supported on a reinforced concrete pier wall:
Reinforced Concrete Pier Wall (Element 215) Quantity: 42 ft (1 pier) = 42 ft

Aside from the defects described in Articles B3.2.1 through B3.2.7, all element quantities are in good condition and
assigned to Condition State One. The following defects correspond to those labeled in Figure B-13.

Moderate efflorescence (Defect #1120) is noted in the two interior deck bays throughout the length of Span 1
(affected area: 15 ft 200 ft = 3000 ft2), shown in Figure B-14. Based on the extent of the efflorescence build-up and the
lack of rust staining, these areas meet the criteria for Condition State 2. Cracks (Defect #1130) measuring 0.015 in. wide
spaced at 1 ft are also noted. The width and density of these cracks also meet the criteria for Condition State 2. Agency
policy in this situation places a higher priority on the efflorescence, making it the predominant defect.
Figure B-14Efflorescence on the Underside of the Deck in Span 1
B3.2.2Defect #2, Steel Truss (Element 120)

There is new impact damage to the sway bracing at panel point 4 in the Span 1 truss, resulting in a 1-in. distortion
(Defect #7000) in the right side L4-U4 vertical member as shown in Figure B-15. As the impact of this damage on the
strength and serviceability of the truss is unknown, the length of the truss attributed to the vertical, measured parallel to the
traveled way (1 ft) is placed in Condition State 4.
Figure B-15Sway Bracing Impact Damage in Span 1
B3.2.3Defect #3, Steel Truss (Element 120), Steel Gusset Plate (Element 162), and
Steel Protective Coating (Element 515)
Freckle rust throughout the length of both spans, both trusses as shown in Figure B-16. As no section loss is
measured, this corrosion (Defect #1000) results in the entire quantity of the steel truss and gusset plate elements being
assigned to Condition State 2. The paint system throughout is chalking (Defect #3410), exhibiting loss of pigment, and
meeting the criteria for Condition State 3. The areas of paint where freckle rust is noted (estimated at 5 percent of the
painted area, or 18,696 ft2 0.05 = 935 ft2 of the trusses and 1,536 ft2 0.05 = 77 ft2 of the gusset plates) have failed
(Defect #3440), meeting the criteria for Condition State 4.
Figure B-16Freckle Rust, Typical, Both Trusses, Both Spans
B3.2.4Defect #4, Steel Floor Beam (Element 152) and Steel Protective Coating
(Element 515)
Freckle rust throughout the length of all floor beams; thus, the quantity of the steel floor beam element not showing
further corrosion is assigned to Condition State 2. There is corrosion (Defect #1000) with less than 10 percent section loss
in the top flange at 20 of the 28 beam ends, shown in Figure B-17, which meets the criteria for Condition State 3. Each
affected area will be considered to represent 2 ft of floor beam length (20 2 ft = 40 ft total). The paint system in these
areas (approximately 2 ft2 per location, 20 2 ft2 = 40 ft2 total) has failed (Defect #3440) and is assigned to Condition
State 4. The paint system throughout the rest of the beams is chalking (Defect #3410), exhibiting loss of pigment and
meeting the criteria for Condition State 3. The areas of paint where freckle rust is noted (estimated at 5 percent of the
painted area, or 4,112 ft2 0.05 = 206 ft2) has also failed (Defect #3440), meeting the criteria for Condition State 4.
Figure B-17Corrosion at Floor Beam Ends
B3.2.5Defect #5, Steel Stringer (Element 113)

Freckle rust present near the floor beam connections; total length affected is 50 ft. As no section loss is evident, the
corrosion (Defect #1000) in these areas meets the criteria for Condition State 2. In these areas, the paint is chalking
(Defect #3410), exhibiting loss of pigment and meeting the criteria for Condition State 3 (total affected area is 50 ft
6.8 ft2/ft = 340 ft2). The areas of paint where freckle rust is noted (estimated at 5 percent of the affected area, or 340 ft2
0.05 = 17 ft2) have failed (Defect #3440), meeting the criteria for Condition State 4.
B3.2.6Defect #6, Steel Stringer (Element 113)

Broken and missing rivets in 8 stringer-to-floor beam connections (Defect #1020), shown in Figure B-18. Each
affected connection will be considered to represent 1 ft of stringer length, or 8 1 ft = 8 ft total. This condition led the
inspector to assign these quantities to Condition State 4 in the field. However, a structural review of the floor system
demonstrates that, despite the missing fasteners, the bridge can still carry legal loads and, per agency policy, these
quantities are reassigned to Condition State 3.
Figure B-18Missing and Broken Fasteners at Stringer-to-Floor Beam Connections
B3.2.7Defect #7, Pier Wall (Element 210)

There is a small scour hole (Defect #6000) extending 10 ft in from the upstream end of the pier wall as shown in
Figure B-19. The measured scour is within the tolerable limits established by the bridges scour evaluation; thus, the
affected length meets the criteria for Condition State 2.
Figure B-19Scour Hole at the Upstream End of the Pier Wall
B3.3Element Quantity and Condition State Summary


12 Reinforced Concrete ft2 13,079 10,079 3,000 0 0 1

Deck
1120 Efflorescence/Rust ft2 3,000 0 3,000 0 0 1

Staining
510 Wearing Surface ft2 12,135 12,135 0 0 0
330 Metal Bridge Railing ft 809 809 0 0 0

2
515 Steel Protective Coating ft 1,751 1,751 0 0 0
301 Pourable Joint Seal ft 388 388 0 0 0
305 Assembly Joint without ft 33 33 0 0 0

Seal
120 Steel Truss ft 800 0 799 0 1 2,3
1000 Corrosion ft 800 0 799 0 0 3
7000 Damage ft 1 0 0 0 1 2
2
515 Steel Protective Coating ft 18,696 0 0 17,761 935 3
3410 Chalking ft2 17,761 0 0 17,761 0 3
3440 Effectiveness ft2 935 0 0 0 935 3
152 Steel Floor Beam ft 462 0 442 20 0 4
1000 Corrosion ft 462 0 442 20 0 4
515 Steel Protective Coating ft2 4,112 0 0 3,866 246 4
3410 Chalking ft2 3,866 0 0 3,866 0 4

2
3440 Effectiveness ft 246 0 0 0 246 4
113 Steel Stringer ft 2,000 1,942 50 8 0 5,6
1000 Corrosion ft 50 0 50 0 0 5
1020 Connections ft 8 0 0 8 0 6
515 Steel Protective Coating ft2 13,600 13,260 0 323 17 5
3410 Chalking ft2 323 0 0 323 0 5
3440 Effectiveness ft2 17 0 0 0 17 5
162 Steel Gusset Plate each 48 0 48 0 0 3
515 Steel Protective Coating ft2 1,536 0 0 1,459 77 3
3410 Chalking ft2 1,459 0 0 1,459 0 3

2
3440 Effectiveness ft 77 0 0 0 77 3
311 Movable Bearing each 4 4 0 0 0

313 Fixed Bearing each 4 4 0 0 0

Abutment
210 Reinforced Concrete ft 42 32 10 0 0 7

Pier Wall
6000 Scour ft 10 0 10 0 0 7
Notes:
* See Figure B-13 for defect locations
Italic type: Defect
APPENDIX C:
ELEMENT GROUPINGS
The charts on the following pages organize the elements defined in Section 3 into National Bridge Elements (NBEs)
and Bridge Management Elements (BMEs). For each element, the name, identifier, and units of measure are shown and
elements are grouped by major bridge assembly and material type.
C-1
National Bridge Elements (NBE)
Deck Superstructure Substructure Culverts Bearings Bridge Rail
RC Deck
(12)
Steel Metal
SF Steel PSC RC Timber Masonry Other Steel PSC RC Timber Masonry Other (240) Bridge
LF Railing
(330)
PSC Deck LF
(13) Closed Closed
SF Closed Closed
Web / Web / Web / Column Column Column Column Column RC Elastomeric
Box Box Web / (202) (204) (205) (241) Bearings
Box Box (206) (203)
Girder Girder Girder EA EA EA EA EA LF (310) RC
PSC top (104) (105) Girder EA Bridge
(102) (106)
flange LF LF LF Railing
(15) LF (331)
SF Column Timber LF
Column (242) Moveable
Girder Girder Girder Girder Girder Tower (roller,
Beam Beam Beam Beam Tower (Trestle) LF
RC top Beam (207) sliding, etc)
(107) (109) (110) (111) (112) (208)
flange LF LF (311)
LF LF LF LF LF EA
(16)
SF Timber
Other Bridge
Stringer Stringer Stringer Stringer Stringer Pier Wall Pier Wall Pier Wall Pier Wall (243) Railing
(113) (115) (116) (117) (118) (210) (212) (213) (211) LF (332)
Steel Deck
Open Grid LF LF LF LF LF LF LF LF LF Enclosed/ LF
(28) Concealed
SF Bearing
Truss Truss Truss Masonry (312)
(120) (135) (136) Abutment Abutment Abutment Abutment Abutment (244) EA Other
Steel Deck LF LF LF (219) (215) (216) (217) (218) LF Bridge
Concrete LF LF LF LF LF Railing
Filled Grid (333)
(29) Arch Arch Arch Arch Arch Arch Fixed LF
SF (141) (143) (144) (146) (145) (142) Bearing
LF LF LF LF Pile Cap/ PSC
LF LF (245) (313)
Footing EA
(220) LF
Steel Deck Floor LF
Corrugated Floor Floor Floor Floor Masonry
Beam Beam
Orthotropic Beam Beam Beam (157) Pot Bridge
(30) (152) (154) (155) (156) Bearing Railing
LF LF
SF LF LF LF Pile Pile Pile Pile Pile (314) (334)
(225) (226) (227) (228) (229) EA LF
Cable EA EA EA EA EA
Timber Cable
(147) (149)
Deck (31) EA Disc
SF LF Bearing
(315)
Pier Cap Pier Cap Pier Cap Pier Cap Pier Cap EA
Secondary (231) (233) (234) (235) (236)
RC Slab LF LF LF LF LF
(38) Steel
SF Cables
(148) Other
EA (316)
EA
Timber
Slab
(54) Pin and/or Pin
SF & Hanger
Assembly Acronyms / Abbreviations
(161)
Other EA EA: each
Deck
(60) LF: linear feet
SF
Gusset PSC: prestressed concrete
Other Plate (162)
EA RC: reinforced concrete
Slab
(65) SF: square feet Revised April 15, 2013
SF
Figure C-1National Bridge Elements (courtesy of Federal Highway Administration)
C-2 Manual for Bridge Element Inspection
Bridge Management Elements (BME)
Joints Protective Approach

Systems Slabs
Strip Seal Wearing P/S Concrete

Expansion Surfaces Approach Slab
Joint (510) (320)
(300) SF SF
LF
Steel Reinforced
Pourable Protective Concrete
Joint Coating Approach Slab
Seal (515) (321)
(301) SF SF
LF
Compression Deck Slab

Joint Seal Protective
(302) System
LF (520)
SF
Assembly
Joint Seal Concrete
(modular) Protective
(303) Coating
LF (521)
SF
Open
Expansion
Joint
(304)
LF
Assembly
Joint w/o Acronyms / Abbreviations
Seal
(305) LF: linear feet
LF
P/S: prestressed
SF: square feet
Other
(306)
LF
Revised April 15, 2013
Figure C-2Bridge Management Elements (courtesy of Federal Highway Administration)
Manual for Bridge Element Inspection C-3
APPENDIX D:
MATERIALS AND DEFECTS BY MATERIAL TYPE

This Appendix describes the element materials defined for this manual and the defects that may be observed for each
condition state. Included are individual materials, such as reinforced and prestressed concrete, steel, timber, masonry, and
other materials; and element types that are made of mixed materials or are not material-based, including joints, protective
coatings, wearing surfaces, and deck protection systems. For each material type, the defects are identified with a unique
defect code and conditions are described for each state. The primary intent of this Appendix is to provide a roadmap of
defined defects for each material, without considering the specific elements constructed of the material. Defect
identification codes are provided for reference consistent with Appendix E. Article D1 provides a list of the defects cross-
tabulated with the materials for which the defects are defined. Defect condition state descriptions are detailed in
Article D2. Figure D-1 presents the information in graphical form.
D1DEFECT DEFINITIONS AND MATERIALS 2015 Revision

Defect names and ID numbers in the following table correspond to the defects associated with each element definition
in Section 3.
Defect Name
(Number) Used to Report Materials
Corrosion Corrosion of metal and other material elements. Steel/Metal
(1000)
Other Materials
Cracking Fatigue cracking in metal and other material elements. Steel/Metal
(1010)
Other Materials
Connection Connection distress in metal and other material elements. Steel/Metal
(1020)
Timber
Other Materials
Delamination/Spall/ Spalls, delamination, and patched areas in concrete, masonry, PSC
Patched Area and other material elements.
RC
(1080)
Masonry
Other Materials
Exposed Rebar Exposed conventional reinforcing steel in reinforced and PSC
(1090) prestressed concrete elements.
RC
Exposed Prestressing Exposed prestressing steel in concrete elements. PSC
(1100)
Cracking (PSC) Cracking in prestressed concrete elements. PSC
(1110)
Efflorescence/Rust Staining Efflorescence/rust staining in concrete and masonry elements. PSC
(1120)
RC
Masonry
Other Materials
Cracking (RC and Other) Cracking in reinforced concrete and other material elements. RC
(1130)
Other Materials
Decay/Section Loss Decay (section loss) in timber elements. Timber
(1140)
Check/Shake Checks and shakes in timber elements. Timber
(1150)
Crack (Timber) Cracking in timber elements. Timber
(1160)
D-1
D-2 Manual for Bridge Element Inspection
Defect Name
Split/Delamination (Timber) Splits/delaminations in timber elements. Timber
(1170)
Abrasion/Wear (Timber) Abrasion in timber elements. Timber
(1180)
Abrasion/Wear (PSC/RC) Abrasion/wear in PSC and RC elements. PSC
(1190)
RC
Deterioration (Other) General deterioration in elements constructed of other materials Other Materials
(1220) such as fiber reinforced plastics or similar.
Mortar Breakdown (Masonry) Breakdown of masonry mortar between brick, block, or stone. Masonry
(1610)
Split/Spall (Masonry) Splits or spalls in brick, block, or stone. Masonry
(1620)
Patched Area (Masonry) Masonry patched areas. Masonry
(1630)
Masonry Displacement Displaced brick, block, or stone. Masonry
(1640)
Distortion Distortion from the original line or grade of the element; used to Steel/Metal
(1900) capture all distortion regardless of cause.
PSC
RC
Masonry
Timber
Other Materials
Movement Movement of bridge bearing elements. Other Materials
(2210)
Alignment Alignment of bridge bearing elements. Other Materials
(2220)
Bulging, Splitting, or Tearing Bulging, splitting, or tearing of elastomeric bearing elements. Other Materials
(2230)
Loss of Bearing Area Loss of bearing area for bridge bearing elements. Other Materials
(2240)
Leakage Leakage through or around sealed bridge joints. Other Materials
(2310)
Seal Adhesion Loss of adhesion in sealed bridge joints. Other Materials
(2320)
Seal Damage Damage to the rubber in bridge joint seals. Other Materials
(2330)
Seal Cracking Cracking in the rubber in bridge joint seals. Other Materials
(2340)
Debris Impaction Accumulation of debris in bridge joint seals that may or may not Other Materials
(2350) affect the performance of the joints.
Adjacent Deck or Header Concrete deck damage in the area anchoring the bridge joint. Other Materials
(2360)
Metal Deterioration or Damage Metal damage or deterioration in the bridge joint. Other Materials
(2370)
Delamination/Spall/ Spalls, delaminations, patched areas, and potholes in wearing Wearing Surfaces
Patched Area/Pothole surface elements.
(Wearing Surfaces)
(3210)
Manual for Bridge Element Inspection D-3
Defect Name
Crack (Wearing Surface) Cracking in wearing surface elements. Wearing Surfaces
(3220)
Effectiveness (Wearing Loss of effectiveness in the protection provided to the deck by Wearing Surfaces
Surface) the wearing surface elements.
(3230)
Chalking (Steel Chalking in metal protective coatings. Steel/Metal Protective Coatings
(3410)
Peeling/Bubbling/Cracking Peeling, bubbling, or cracking in metal protective coatings. Steel/Metal Protective Coatings
(Steel Protective Coatings)
(3420)
Oxide Film Degradation Color/ Oxide film degradation of texture in metal protective coatings. Steel/Metal Protective Coatings
Texture Adherence (Steel
(3430)
Effectiveness (Steel Loss of effectiveness of metal protective coatings. Steel/Metal Protective Coatings
(3440)
Wear (Concrete Wearing of concrete protective coatings. Concrete Protective Coatings
(3510)
Effectiveness (Concrete Effectiveness of concrete protective coatings. Concrete Protective Coatings
(3540)
EffectivenessProtective Effectiveness of internal concrete protective systems (epoxy Concrete Reinforcing Steel
System (e.g. cathodic) rebar, cathodic protection, etc.). Protective Systems
(3600)
Settlement Settlement in substructure elements. Steel/Metal
(4000)
PSC
RC
Masonry
Timber
Other Materials
Scour Scour in substructure elements. Steel/Metal
(6000)
PSC
RC
Masonry
Timber
Other Materials
Defect Name
Damage Impact damage. Steel/Metal
(7000)
PSC
RC
Masonry
Timber
Other Materials
Wearing Surfaces
Steel/Metal Protective Coatings
Concrete Protective Coatings
Concrete Reinforcing Steel
Protective Systems
D2MATERIALS AND DEFECT CONDITION STATE DESCRIPTIONS

Defect condition state language in the following tables corresponds to the descriptions associated with each element
definition documented in Section 3.
D2.1Steel (100)
Condition States
1 2 3 4
Corrosion None. Freckled rust. Section loss is evident or The condition warrants
(1000) Corrosion of the steel pack rust is present but a structural review to
has initiated. does not warrant determine the effect on
structural review. strength or
element or bridge; OR
a structural review has
been completed and the
defects impact strength
or serviceability of the
element or bridge.
Cracking None. Crack that has self- Identified crack that is The condition warrants
(1010) arrested or has been not arrested but does not a structural review to
arrested with effective warrant structural determine the effect on
arrest holes, doubling review. strength or
plates, or similar. serviceability of the
element or bridge.
Connection Connection is in place and Loose fasteners or pack Missing bolts, rivets, or The condition warrants
(1020) functioning as intended. rust without distortion fasteners; broken welds; a structural review to
is present but the or pack rust with determine the effect on
connection is in place distortion but does not strength or
and functioning as warrant a structural serviceability of the
intended. review. element or bridge; OR
element or bridge.
Distortion None. Distortion not requiring Distortion that requires The condition warrants
(1900) mitigation or mitigated mitigation that has not a structural review to
distortion. been addressed but does determine the effect on
not warrant structural strength or
review. serviceability of the
element or bridge.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
Settlement None. Exists within tolerable Exceeds tolerable limits The condition warrants
(4000) limits or arrested with but does not warrant a structural review to
no observed structural structural review. determine the effect on
distress. strength or
element or bridge.
Scour None. Exists within tolerable Exceeds tolerable limits The condition warrants
(6000) limits or has been but is less than the a structural review to
arrested with effective critical limits determined determine the effect on
countermeasures. by scour evaluation and strength or
does not warrant serviceability of the
structural review. element or bridge; OR
element or bridge.
Damage Not applicable. The element has impact The element has impact The element has impact
(7000) damage. The specific damage. The specific damage. The specific
damage caused by the damage caused by the damage caused by the
impact has been impact has been captured impact has been
captured in Condition in Condition State 3 captured in Condition
State 2 under the under the appropriate State 4 under the
appropriate material material defect entry. appropriate material
D2.2Prestressed Concrete (300) 2015 Revision

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Delamination/Spall/ None. Delaminated. Spall 1 in. Spall greater than The condition warrants
Patched Area or less deep or 6 in. or 1 in. deep or greater than a structural review to
(1080) less in diameter. 6 in. diameter. Patched determine the effect on
Patched area that is area that is unsound or strength or
sound. showing distress. Does serviceability of the
not warrant structural element or bridge; OR
review. a structural review has
element or bridge.
Exposed Rebar None. Present without Present with measurable The condition warrants
(1090) measurable section loss. section loss but does not a structural review to
review. strength or
element or bridge.
Exposed Prestressing None. Present without section Present with section loss The condition warrants
(1100) loss. but does not warrant a structural review to
structural review. determine the effect on
strength or
element or bridge.
Cracking (PSC) Width less than Width 0.0040.009 in. Width greater than The condition warrants
(1110) 0.004 in. or spacing or spacing 1.03.0 ft 0.009 in. or spacing less a structural review to
greater than 3 ft. than 1 ft. determine the effect on
strength or
element or bridge.
Efflorescence/Rust None. Surface white without Heavy build-up with rust The condition warrants
Staining build-up or leaching staining. a structural review to
(1120) without rust staining. determine the effect on
strength or
element or bridge.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
Abrasion/Wear No abrasion or wearing. Abrasion or wearing Coarse aggregate is The condition warrants
(PSC/RC) has exposed coarse loose or has popped out a structural review to
(1190) aggregate but the of the concrete matrix determine the effect on
aggregate remains due to abrasion or wear. strength or
secure in the concrete. serviceability of the
element or bridge.
element or bridge.
element or bridge.
element or bridge.
D2.3Reinforced Concrete (400) 2015 Revision

Condition States
1 2 3 4
element or bridge.
Exposed Rebar None. Present without Present with measurable The condition warrants
(1090) measurable section loss. section loss but does not a structural review to
review. strength or
element or bridge.
strength or
element or bridge.
Cracking (RC and Width less than 0.012 in. Width 0.0120.05 in. or Width greater than The condition warrants
Other) or spacing greater than spacing of 1.03.0 ft. 0.05 in. or spacing of a structural review to
(1130) 3.0 ft. less than 1 ft. determine the effect on
strength or
element or bridge.
Abrasion/Wear No abrasion or wearing. Abrasion or wearing Coarse aggregate is The condition warrants
(PSC/RC) has exposed coarse loose or has popped out a structural review to
(1190) aggregate but the of the concrete matrix determine the effect on
aggregate remains due to abrasion or wear. strength or
secure in the concrete. serviceability of the
element or bridge.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
element or bridge.
element or bridge.
element or bridge.
D2.4Timber (500)
Condition States
1 2 3 4
element or bridge.
Decay/Section Loss None. Affects less than 10% Affects 10% or more of The condition warrants
(1140) of the member section. the member but does not a structural review to
review. strength or
element or bridge.
Check/Shake Surface penetration less Penetrates 5%50% of Penetrates more than The condition warrants
(1150) than 5% of the member the thickness of the 50% of the thickness of a structural review to
thickness regardless of member and not in a the member or more than determine the effect on
location. tension zone. 5% of the member strength or
thickness in a tension serviceability of the
zone. Does not warrant element or bridge; OR
structural review. a structural review has
element or bridge.
Crack (Timber) None. Crack that has been Identified crack that is The condition warrants
(1160) arrested through not arrested but does not a structural review to
effective measures. require structural review. determine the effect on
strength or
element or bridge.
Split/Delamination None. Length less than the Length equal to or The condition warrants
(Timber) member depth or greater than the member a structural review to
(1170) arrested with effective depth but does not determine the effect on
actions taken to require structural review. strength or
mitigate. serviceability of the
element or bridge.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
Abrasion/Wear None or no measurable Section loss less than Section loss 10% or The condition warrants
(Timber) section loss. 10% of the member more of the member a structural review to
(1180) thickness. thickness but does not determine the effect on
warrant structural strength or
element or bridge.
element or bridge.
element or bridge.
element or bridge.
D2.5Other Materials (600) 2015 Revision

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Corrosion None. Freckled rust. Section loss is evident or The condition warrants
(1000) Corrosion of the steel pack rust is present but a structural review to
has initiated. does not warrant determine the effect on
element or bridge.
Cracking None. Crack that has self- Identified crack that is The condition warrants
(1010) arrested or has been not arrested but does not a structural review to
arrested with effective warrant structural determine the effect on
arrest holes, doubling review. strength or
plates, or similar. serviceability of the
element or bridge.
element or bridge.
element or bridge.
strength or
element or bridge.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
Cracking (RC and Width less than 0.012 in. Width 0.0120.05 in. or Width greater than The condition warrants
Other) or spacing greater than spacing of 1.03.0 ft. 0.05 in. or spacing of a structural review to
(1130) 3.0 ft. less than 1 ft. determine the effect on
strength or
element or bridge.
Deterioration (Other) None. Initiated breakdown or Significant deterioration The condition warrants
(1220) deterioration. or breakdown but does a structural review to
not warrant structural determine the effect on
review. strength or
element or bridge.
element or bridge.
Movement Free to move. Minor restriction. Restricted but not The condition warrants
(2210) warranting structural a structural review to
review. determine the effect on
strength or
element or bridge.
Alignment Lateral and vertical Tolerable lateral or Approaching the limits The condition warrants
(2220) alignment is as expected vertical alignment that of lateral or vertical a structural review to
for the temperature is inconsistent with the alignment for the bearing determine the effect on
conditions. temperature conditions. but does not warrant a strength or
structural review. serviceability of the
element or bridge.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
Bulging, Splitting, None. Bulging less than 15% Bulging 15% or more of The condition warrants
or Tearing of the thickness. the thickness. Splitting a structural review to
(2230) or tearing. Bearing's determine the effect on
surfaces are not parallel. strength or
Does not warrant serviceability of the
element or bridge.
Loss of Bearing Area None. Less than 10%. 10% or more but does The condition warrants
(2240) not warrant structural a structural review to
review. determine the effect on
strength or
element or bridge.
Leakage None. Minimal. Minor Moderate. More than a Free flow of water
(2310) dripping through the drip and less than free through the joint.
joint. flow of water.
Seal Adhesion Fully adhered. Adhered for more than Adhered 50% or less of Complete loss of
(2320) 50% of the joint height. joint height but still adhesion.
some adhesion.
Seal Damage None. Seal abrasion without Punctured or ripped or Punctured completely
(2330) punctures. partially pulled out. through, pulled out, or
missing.
(2340) penetrates the seal. penetrates the seal.
Debris Impaction No debris to a shallow Partially filled with Completely filled and Completely filled and
(2350) cover of loose debris may hard-packed material impacts joint movement. prevents joint
be evident but does not but still allowing free movement.
affect the performance of movement.
the joint.
Adjacent Deck Sound. No spall, Edge delamination or Spall greater than Spall, delamination,
or Header delamination, or unsound spall 1 in. or less deep 1 in. deep or greater than unsound patched area,
(2360) patch. or 6 in. or less in 6 in. diameter. Exposed or loose joint anchor
diameter. No exposed rebar. Delamination or that prevents the joint
rebar. Patched area that unsound patched area from functioning as
is sound. that makes the joint intended.
loose.
Metal Deterioration None. Freckled rust; metal has Section loss, missing or Metal cracking, section
or Damage no cracks or impact broken fasteners, loss, damage, or
(2370) damage. Connection cracking of the metal, or connection failure that
may be loose but impact damage but joint prevents the joint from
functioning as intended. still functioning. functioning as
intended.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
element or bridge.
element or bridge.
D2.6Masonry (650)
Condition States
1 2 3 4
element or bridge.
strength or
element or bridge.
Mortar Breakdown None. Cracking or voids in Cracking or voids in The condition warrants
(Masonry) less than 10% of joints. 10% or more of the of a structural review to
(1610) joints. determine the effect on
strength or
element or bridge.
Split/Spall (Masonry) None. Block or stone has split Block or stone has split The condition warrants
(1620) or spalled with no or spalled with shifting a structural review to
shifting. but does not warrant a determine the effect on
element or bridge.
Patched Area None. Sound patch. Unsound patch. The condition warrants
(Masonry) a structural review to
(1630) determine the effect on
strength or
element or bridge.
Condition States
1 2 3 4
Masonry Displacement None. Block or stone has Block or stone has The condition warrants
(1640) shifted slightly out of shifted significantly out a structural review to
alignment. of alignment or is determine the effect on
missing but does not strength or
warrant structural serviceability of the
review. element or bridge; OR
element or bridge.
element or bridge.
element or bridge.
element or bridge.
D2.7Wearing Surfaces (800)

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Delamination/Spall/ None. Delaminated. Spall less Spall 1 in. deep or The wearing surface is
Patched Area/Pothole than 1 in. deep or less greater or 6 in. diameter no longer effective.
(Wearing Surfaces) than 6 in. diameter. or greater. Patched area
(3210) Patched area that is that is unsound or
sound. Partial depth showing distress. Full
pothole. depth pothole.
Crack (Wearing Width less than Width 0.0120.05 in. or Width of more than The wearing surface is
Surface) 0.012 in. or spacing spacing of 1.03.0 ft. 0.05 in. or spacing of no longer effective.
(3220) greater than 3.0 ft. less than 1.0 ft.
Effectiveness Fully effective. No Substantially effective. Limited effectiveness. The wearing surface is
(Wearing Surface) evidence of leakage or Deterioration of the Deterioration of the no longer effective.
(3230) further deterioration of the protected element has protected element has
protected element. slowed. progressed.
D2.8Concrete Reinforcing Steel Protective Systems (820)

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Effectiveness Fully effective. Substantially effective. Limited effectiveness. The protective system
Protective System has failed or is no
(e.g. cathodic) longer effective.
(3600)
D2.9Steel Protective Coatings (850)

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Chalking (Steel None. Surface dulling. Loss of pigment. Not applicable.
(3410)
Peeling/Bubbling/Cracking None. Finish coats only. Finish and primer coats. Exposure of bare
(Steel Protective Coatings) metal.
(3420)
Oxide Film Degradation Yellow-orange or light Granular texture. Small flakes, less than Dark black color.
1
Color/Texture Adherence brown for early /2-in. diameter. Large flakes, 1/2-in.
(Steel Protective Coatings) development. Chocolate- diameter or greater or
(3430) brown to purple-brown laminar sheets or
for fully developed. nodules.
Tightly adhered, capable
of withstanding
hammering or vigorous
wire brushing.
Effectiveness (Steel Fully effective. Substantially effective. Limited effectiveness. Failed; no protection
Protective Coatings) of the underlying
(3440) metal.
Damage Not applicable. The element has The element has impact The element has
(7000) impact damage. The damage. The specific impact damage. The
specific damage damage caused by the specific damage
caused by the impact impact has been caused by the impact
has been captured in captured in Condition has been captured in
Condition State 2 State 3 under the Condition State 4
under the appropriate appropriate material under the appropriate
material defect entry. defect entry. material defect entry.
D2.10Concrete Protective Coatings (880)

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Wear (Concrete None. Underlying concrete Underlying concrete is Underlying concrete
Protective Coatings) not exposed, coating not exposed; thickness of exposed. Protective
(3510) showing wear from the coating is reduced. coating no longer
UV exposure, friction effective.
course missing.
Effectiveness (Concrete Fully effective. Substantially Limited effectiveness. The protective system
Protective Coatings) effective. has failed or is no
(3540) longer effective.
Damage Not applicable. The element has The element has impact The element has impact
(7000) impact damage. The damage. The specific damage. The specific
specific damage damage caused by the damage caused by the
caused by the impact impact has been captured impact has been
has been captured in in Condition State 3 captured in Condition
Condition State 2 under the appropriate State 4 under the
under the appropriate material defect entry. appropriate material
material defect entry. defect entry.
Material Defects
RC (400) Timber Other Masonry Wearing CRS Steel Concrete

Steel (100) PSC (300) (500) Materials (650) Surfaces Protective Protective Protective
(600) (800) System Coatings Coatings
(820) (850) (850)
Leakage Delam/Spall/ Delamination/ Effectiveness, Wear

Corrosion Delam/Spall/ Delam/Spall/ Corrosion Protective System Chalking
Connection (1000) (2310) Patched Area Spall/Patched (Concrete
(1000) Patched Area Patched Area (e.g. CP) (Steel Protective Protective
(1080) (1020) (1080) Area/Pothole Coatings)
(1080) (Wearing (3600) Coatings)
(3410) (3510)
Surfaces)
Cracking Seal Adhesion Efflorescence/ (3210)
Cracking Exposed (1010) (2320) Rust Staining
(1010) Exposed Decay/ Damage
Rebar Rebar (1120) Chalking
Section Loss (7000) Peeling/Bubbling/ (Concrete
(1090) (1090) (1140) Crack Cracking (Steel
(Wearing Protective
Protective Coatings) Coatings)
Connection Seal Damage Surfaces) (3420)
Connection (2330) Mortar (3520)
Exposed Efflorescence/ (1020) Breakdown (3220)
(1020)
Prestressing Rust Staining Check/ (Masonry)
(1100) (1120) Shake (1610) Oxide Film Peeling/
(1150) Delam/Spall/ Effectiveness Bubbling/
Seal Cracking (Wearing Degradation Color/
Patched Area (2340) Texture Adherence Cracking
Distortion Cracking Cracking (1080) Split/Spall Surface) (Concrete
(3220) (Steel Protective
(1900) (PSC) (RC & Other) (Masonry) Coatings) Protective
(1110) (1130) Crack (1620) (3430) Coatings)
(Timber) Efflorescence/ Debris (3530)
(1160) Rust Staining Impaction Damage
Efflorescence/ (1120) (2350) (7000)
Settlement Abrasion/Wear Patched Area Effectiveness
Rust Staining (1190) (Masonry) (Steel Protective Effectiveness
(4000) (1120) Split/ (1630) Coatings) (Concrete
Delamination Cracking Adjacent Deck
(RC & Other) (3440) Protective
(Timber) or Header Coatings)
(1170) (1130) (2360) Masonry (3540)
Scour Abrasion/Wear Distortion Displacement
(6000) (1190) (1900) (1640) Damage
Deterioration (7000)
Abrasion (Other) Metal
Deterioration or Damage
(1180) (1220) (7000)
Distortion Settlement Damage Distortion
(1900) (4000) (2370) (1900)
Damage
(7000) Distortion Distortion
(1900) (1900)
Settlement Settlement
Scour Settlement (4000)
(4000) (6000) (4000)
Settlement Movement
(4000) (2210) Scour
Scour Damage (6000)
(6000) (7000) Scour
(6000)
Scour Alignment
(6000) (2220) Damage
(7000) Acronyms / Abbreviations
Damage
(7000) Damage CP: cathodic protection
Damage Bulging, (7000)
(7000) Splitting or CRS: concrete reinforcing steel
Tearing
(2230) PSC: prestressed concrete
RC: reinforced concrete
Loss of
Bearing Area
(2240)
Revised April 15, 2013
Figure D-1 Material Defects (courtesy of Federal Highway Administration)
APPENDIX E:
MATERIALS AND FEASIBLE ACTIONS BY MATERIAL TYPE

This Appendix describes the element materials defined for this manual and the feasible actions that may be applied for
each condition state. Included are individual materials, such as reinforced and prestressed concrete, steel, timber, masonry,
and other materials; and element types that are made of mixed materials or are not material-based, including joints,
protective coatings, wearing surfaces, and deck protection systems. For each material or element type, the feasible actions
are listed at a high level, with the understanding that agency practices will differ in scope and detail. The primary intent is
to provide a roadmap of possible actions scaled by distress or defect severity, with the assumption that needed work for all
elements constructed of these materials or in an element family may be addressed by one or more of these common
feasible actions. Material identification codes are provided for reference consistent with Appendix D.
E1STEEL (100)
Condition States
1 2 3 4
Feasible Actions GOOD FAIR POOR SEVERE
Do Nothing Do Nothing Do Nothing Do Nothing
Protect Protect Protect Protect
Repair Repair Repair
Rehabilitate Rehabilitate
Replace Replace
E2PRESTRESSED CONCRETE (300)

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Replace Replace
E-1
E-2 Manual for Bridge Element Inspection
E3REINFORCED CONCRETE (400)

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Replace Replace
E4TIMBER (500)
Condition States
1 2 3 4
Replace Replace
E5OTHER MATERIALS (600)

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Replace Replace
E6MASONRY (650)
Condition States
1 2 3 4
Replace Replace
Manual for Bridge Element Inspection E-3
E7WEARING SURFACES (800)

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Replace Replace
E8CONCRETE REINFORCING STEEL PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS (820)

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Replace Replace
E9STEEL PROTECTIVE COATINGS (850)

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Replace Replace
E10CONCRETE PROTECTIVE COATINGS (880)

Condition States
1 2 3 4
Replace Replace

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(Aashto) Aashto Mbei-1-I1 2015 Interim Revisions

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2015 Interim

Manual for Bridge

ISBN: 978-1-56051-622-4 Pub Code: MBEI-1-I1

ISBN: 978-1-56051-591-3 PUB CODE: MBEI-1

Name Agency Role

Wade Casey Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) Technical Team Member

Larry ODonnell FHWA Technical Team Member

Derek Soden FHWA Technical Team Member

Paula Allec Caltrans Technical Support

Allen R. Marshall Allen R. Marshall Consulting LLC Manual Development Consultant

HIGHWAYS SUBCOMMITTEE ON BRIDGES AND STRUCTURES, 2013 .................................................................... iv

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................ xiii

SECTION 1: BACKGROUND............................................................................................................................................. 1-1

SECTION 2: ELEMENT LOCATION MATRIX ................................................................................................................ 2-1

SECTION 3: DETAILED ELEMENT DESCRIPTIONS .................................................................................................... 3-1

3.2.3Element 332Timber Bridge Railing ...................................................................................................... 3-26

3.4.5Element 314Pot Bearing ....................................................................................................................... 3-91

3.7.6Element 305Assembly Joint without Seal........................................................................................... 3-172

APPENDIX A: AGENCY-DEFINED ELEMENTS (ADES) ............................................................................................. A-1

APPENDIX B: INSPECTION EXAMPLES ....................................................................................................................... B-1

B3.1.1Deck ............................................................................................................................................... B-11

APPENDIX C: ELEMENT GROUPINGS .......................................................................................................................... C-1

APPENDIX D: MATERIALS AND DEFECTS BY MATERIAL TYPE .......................................................................... D-1

APPENDIX E: MATERIALS AND FEASIBLE ACTIONS BY MATERIAL TYPE ....................................................... E-1

1.1CONDITION ASSESSMENT PHILOSOPHY: MULTIPATH AND DEFECT CONCEPTS

1. Standard number of condition states is four.

1.2NATIONAL BRIDGE ELEMENTS (NBES)

1.3BRIDGE MANAGEMENT ELEMENTS (BMES)

1.4AGENCY-DEVELOPED ELEMENTS (ADES)

1.5HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL 2015 Revision

AAgency-Defined Elements (ADEs)

ELEMENT LOCATION MATRIX

2.1NATIONAL BRIDGE ELEMENTS

Element Units Decks Slab Other

Reinforced Concrete Deck/Slab area, ft2 12 38

Prestressed Concrete Deck area, ft2 13

Prestressed Concrete Top Flange area, ft2 15

Reinforced Concrete Top Flange area, ft2 16

Steel DeckOpen Grid area, ft2 28

Steel DeckConcrete Filled Grid area, ft2 29

Steel DeckCorrugated/ area, ft2 30

Timber Deck/Slab area, ft2 31 54

Other Material Deck/Slab area, ft2 60 65

Metal Bridge Railing length, ft 330

Reinforced Concrete length, ft 331

Timber Bridge Railing length, ft 332

Other Bridge Railing length, ft 333

Masonry Bridge Railing length, ft 334

Girder/Beam length, ft 107 109 110 111 112

Closed Web/Box Girder length, ft 102 104 105 106

Stringer length, ft 113 115 116 117 118

Truss length, ft 120 135 136

Arch length, ft 141 143 144 146 145 142

Floor Beam length, ft 152 154 155 156 157

CablePrimary length, ft 147

CableSecondary each 148 149

Gusset Plate each 162

Pin, Pin and Hanger each 161

Element Units Element Number

Elastomeric each 310

Movable (roller, each 311

Enclosed/Concealed each 312

Fixed each 313