LoadPath PDH — PE/NICET supplemental PDH (not FHWA/NBIS refresher training).

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InspectionOnline self-study

Inspecting Concrete Decks and Superstructures

1 PDH · about 60 minutes · Course no. BR-I06 · Instructor: Michael Craig, PE

About the instructor

Michael Craig, PE is Senior Vice President and Southeast Director at Strinteg Corporation, leading bridge inspection and structural engineering across eight states and Puerto Rico. In 27+ years he has inspected over 4,000 structures and completed 3,000+ load ratings and 160+ load tests. He has managed repair and preservation design for complex bridges, including cable-stayed bridges. He holds PE licenses in twelve states, DC and Puerto Rico, SPRAT Level 1, and FAA Part 107 credentials.

Concrete decks and superstructures make up most of the inventory. This course covers what concrete defects look like, how to find them, and how to quantify and rate them so engineers can act.

⬇ Download study guide (PDF)

Learning objectives

  • Recognize cracking, delamination, spalling and efflorescence
  • Use sounding and visual methods effectively
  • Rate and quantify concrete defects
  • Flag conditions that need engineering follow-up

Outline

  1. Concrete defect vocabulary
  2. Finding hidden deterioration
  3. Concrete superstructures
  4. Quantifying and rating
  5. When to call the structural engineer
  6. Part A — Learning objectives and how to use this course
  7. Part B — Why concrete deteriorates: the mechanisms behind the defects
  8. Part C — Concrete defect vocabulary in depth
  9. Part D — Planning and performing a concrete deck inspection
  10. Part E — Reading crack patterns: structural or durability?
  11. Part F — Superstructure types and what to look for on each
  12. Part G — Joints, drainage and bearings: the sources of the worst damage
  13. Part H — Nondestructive evaluation for decks
  14. Part I — Quantifying by element and condition state
  15. Part J — Worked examples
  16. Part K — When to call the structural engineer, and what to tell them
  17. Part L — Summary and documentation checklist
  18. Part M — From findings to action: preservation and repair options
  19. Part N — Photographs and field notes that hold up
  20. Part O — Frequently asked questions
  21. Part P — More worked examples for self-check
  22. Part Q — Quick glossary
  23. Open the course (28 screens, 2 knowledge checks)
  24. Final quiz — 10 questions, 70% to pass

References

  1. FHWA, Bridge Inspector's Reference Manual (BIRM), FHWA-NHI-12-049, 2012 (as revised)
  2. AASHTO, Manual for Bridge Element Inspection, 2nd Edition, 2019
  3. ACI 345.1R-16, Guide for Maintenance of Concrete Bridge Members
  4. FHWA, Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory (SNBI), FHWA-HIF-22-017, March 2022
  5. 23 CFR Part 650, Subpart C — National Bridge Inspection Standards (final rule published May 6, 2022)
  6. NCHRP Report 280, Guidelines for Evaluation and Repair of Prestressed Concrete Bridge Members, 1985
  7. NCHRP Report 226, Damage Evaluation and Repair Methods for Prestressed Concrete Bridge Members, 1980
  8. FHWA, Post-Tensioning Tendon Installation and Grouting Manual, FHWA-NHI-13-026, 2013
  9. NCHRP Synthesis 319, Bridge Deck Joint Performance, 2003
  10. FHWA, Bridge Preservation Guide: Maintaining a Resilient Infrastructure to Preserve Mobility, FHWA-HIF-18-022, 2018
  11. ACI 546R-14, Guide to Concrete Repair
  12. ACI 440.2R-17, Guide for the Design and Construction of Externally Bonded FRP Systems for Strengthening Concrete Structures
  13. ACI 228.2R-13, Report on Nondestructive Test Methods for Evaluation of Concrete in Structures
  14. ASTM C876, Standard Test Method for Corrosion Potentials of Uncoated Reinforcing Steel in Concrete
  15. ASTM D6087, Standard Test Method for Evaluating Asphalt-Covered Concrete Bridge Decks Using Ground Penetrating Radar