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

Home › 1-PDH Bridge Catalog › BR-I03

InspectionOnline self-study

Critical Findings: Recognition, Reporting and Follow-Up

1 PDH · about 60 minutes · Course no. BR-I03 · 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.

A critical finding is the inspection result that cannot wait for the report. This course covers the NBIS definition, minimum triggers, FHWA notification, protective actions and closure documentation.

⬇ Download study guide (PDF)

Learning objectives

  • Define a critical finding under the NBIS
  • Describe owner and FHWA notification expectations
  • Outline immediate protective actions
  • Document follow-up and closure

Outline

  1. Definition and minimum triggers
  2. Typical critical deficiencies
  3. Immediate actions in the field
  4. FHWA notification and status reporting
  5. Engineering follow-up and closure
  6. Part A — What makes a finding critical
  7. Part B — Typical critical findings by component
  8. Part C — Immediate actions in the field
  9. Part D — Notification
  10. Part E — Documentation that holds up
  11. Part F — Engineering follow-up
  12. Part G — Tracking to resolution
  13. Part H — Case studies from public investigations
  14. Part I — Scour-related critical findings
  15. Part J — Building a good critical findings procedure
  16. Part K — Field exercise
  17. Part L — Communicating with the public
  18. Part M — Recognizing severity: steel and concrete details
  19. Part N — Roles and responsibilities
  20. Part O — Frequently asked questions
  21. Part P — Self-check and summary
  22. Part Q — Bearing seat loss: a quick calculation
  23. Part R — Culvert and timber findings
  24. Part S — Case study: a finding handled well
  25. Part T — Event-driven findings and lessons for designers
  26. Part U — Readiness checklist for the field team
  27. Open the course (32 screens, 2 knowledge checks)
  28. Final quiz — 10 questions, 70% to pass

References

  1. 23 CFR Part 650, Subpart C — National Bridge Inspection Standards (final rule published May 6, 2022)
  2. FHWA, Bridge Inspector's Reference Manual (BIRM), FHWA-NHI-12-049, 2012 (as revised)
  3. AASHTO, The Manual for Bridge Evaluation, 3rd Edition, 2018 (with interim revisions)