Post-Earthquake Bridge Inspection Guidelines

Keywords: New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).  Highway infrastructure.  Bridges.  Seismic performance.  Inspection.  Guidelines.  Earthquake Response Plans.  Emergency management.  Damage assessments.

Abstract: This report presents a course of action that can be used by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYDOT) to respond to an earthquake that may have damaged bridges so that the highway system can be assessed for safety and functionality in an orderly and expeditious manner.  If a significant earthquake occurs, residency staff will respond immediately by driving all state highways in an affected area, starting with pre-defined priority routes.  They will report their findings to the Residential Engineer (RE) and erect barricades to close badly damaged bridges.  The second phase of the Department's response will consist of detailed bridge inspections.  The Regional Structures Engineer (RSE) will mobilize and deploy bridge inspectors according to preliminary damage assessments and data that are available about the proximity, importance and seismic vulnerability of each structure.  The proposed Earthquake Response Plan consists of four response levels, delineated by ranges of earthquake magnitude.  Tools needed for implementation of the plan are provided and/or described in this report: a process flowchart, clear lines of responsibility, prioritization methods, reporting forms, lists of necessary resources, sample photos of damage that might occur, strategies for repairing damaged bridges, and training exercises for staff.