N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 17 § 165.11

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 45, November 2, 2024

Section 165.11 - Structural integrity evaluation

A structural integrity evaluation is a detailed structural and foundation evaluation and analysis. Used in conjunction with an inspection, it details a bridge's structural condition and integrity as well as present and future needs to preserve or upgrade the safety and serviceability of the bridge. The scope of a structural integrity evaluation shall include, where applicable to the determination of integrity and safety, the following:

(a) A review, where available and reasonably retrievable and consistent with engineering practice to perform such an evaluation, of the design, design as- built plans, contract documents, and history of construction, structural alterations, rehabilitation, and maintenance repairs.

(b) A review of design code changes since the time of original design with emphasis on the impact the original design assumptions have on the bridge's structural integrity and safety in comparison with current standards and practices.

(c) A level 1 load rating as defined by section 165.8 of this Part.

(d) For bridges over water, an evaluation of the effect of relevant or anticipated stream changes, as well as an evaluation of the effects of hydraulic flows, including design flood conditions. The Federal Technical Advisory (Code T 5140.20) titled Scour at Bridges published by the Federal Highway Administration may serve as a guide for evaluating bridges for scour vulnerability.

(e) An evaluation of the effects of deterioration and modification to the original structure on structural integrity, in conjunction with a general inspection conforming to the requirements of this Code.

(f) A life cycle projection of the scope and estimated cost of maintenance, repair, and/or rehabilitation needed to preserve or upgrade the structural integrity and safety of the bridge, in order to provide criteria for comprehensive bridge management and safety.

Structural integrity evaluations shall be documented in a detailed report format and shall be signed by a qualified structural integrity evaluation engineer as defined by Section 165.5(b)(4) of this Part. Two copies of the structural integrity evaluation report shall be filed with the New York State Department of Transportation regional office in which the bridge is located. One copy of the report shall be made available to the bridge inspector as a reference for all subsequent general bridge inspections. Whenever a structural integrity and safety rating indicates a high vulnerability to structural failure a structural integrity evaluation shall be performed. Specific criteria for requiring a structural integrity evaluation to be performed based on the New York State Department of Transportation structural integrity and safety rating system are described in the New York State Department of Transportation Structural Integrity and Safety Rating Guide. In cases where a bridge meets the criteria for requiring a structural integrity evaluation, but already has such an evaluation on file, a repeat evaluation is not required unless it is determined that the evaluation on file is no longer appropriate for the bridge in question. A recommendation of appropriateness shall be made and documented by the bridge inspection team leader based on a review of the report as part of performing a general bridge inspection. In cases where only portions of the report are no longer appropriate, amendments to the original structural integrity evaluation report may be produced.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 17 § 165.11