A bridge inspection crane is one of the types of equipment that are vital to this process since it ensures the ease and efficiency of accessibility of engineers and inspection personnel to the access of out-of-the-way portions of a bridge.
Also referred to as under-bridge inspection units, they provide a means for inspectors to reach under the bridge deck so they can look directly and see critical structural components such as girders, beams, and supports.
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), after an initial inspection, most public bridges are subsequently inspected at least every two years, per the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS).
This requirement ensures that bridges are continually checked for any possible deterioration, corrosion, or damage. Bridge inspection cranes are valuable in managing safety and accessibility concerns, allowing inspectors to identify problems early before they become serious issues.
Key Points
- The inspection cranes provide safe, secure access to virtually any part of a bridge, including hard-to-reach areas.
- The inspection cranes can perform both accurate nondestructive testing and visual inspections.
- Crane use enhances the safety and efficiency of both the inspectors and users of the road.
- They will help the agencies to comply with federal inspection initiatives such as the NBIS.
- When under the control of skilled personnel, they can extend the life of the bridge while ensuring the safety and accessibility of the people.
Why is Bridge Inspection Crane Useful?
Bridge inspection cranes have been designed to provide a solution to the problem of accessing parts of a bridge.
Having the crane on site enables inspectors the flexibility to get close to all aspects of a bridge, discover wear or damage sooner, and document evidence through cameras or sensors. The crane is itself a stable surface on which test runs, such as ultrasonic or magnetic particle testing, can be conducted, critical in discovering cracks on the inside as well as underground corrosion. In the final analysis, the use of a bridge inspection crane saves time on inspection, is safer, and is more accurate.
Key Functions and Operations of Bridge Inspection Cranes
Offering Complete Structural Access
One of the significant purposes of a bridge inspection crane is that any part of a bridge may be reached securely and inspected. Most of a bridge, such as the bottom surface of decks or girders over bodies of water, is otherwise inaccessible. Its truck body or articulated arm goes under the span, providing full access and visibility for detailed inspections.
For Supporting Nondestructive Testing
Bridge inspection cranes often serve as mobile platforms for nondestructive testing equipment. With these cranes, inspectors can safely operate NDT devices like ultrasonic sensors or ground-penetrating radars to detect hidden defects without damaging the structure. This approach ensures that maintenance decisions are based on accurate, data-driven findings.
Improved Inspector Safety
If there is a clear priority in inspecting bridges, it should be safety. Inspecting at height or over the water is hazardous because a bridge inspection crane controls the risk of falling. The crane is purposely built for stability to minimize the chance of falling.
In addition, all of the safety features help minimize risk even more, including harness points to tie off, guardrails, and emergency controls. All safety features are intended to ensure that the act of inspecting bridges is as controlled and safe as possible.
Achieving Efficiency and Low Cost
Using a bridge inspection crane is not just safer, but it is also far more efficient compared to the traditional method of bridge inspection. There is no longer a need to erect scaffolding or close even long stretches of the roadway. Inspection periods are therefore shortened, expenses reduced, and public traffic disruptions reduced. In the longer term, the efficiency can significantly defer maintenance budgets for the authorities over bridges.
How Is a Bridge Inspection Crane Superior to Other Approaches?
Although scaffolding and rope access methods can be used for inspection of bridges, these methods often carry more risks and take more time to set up. Drones can provide visual information, but cannot perform a detailed hand inspection under bridge decks and in tight areas.
Bridge inspection cranes extend direct physical access for inspectors to reach out and touch, test and examine every aspect up close. Therefore, it is the best tool for full inspection of bridges where safety and accuracy are the highest priority.
How to Choose the Most Effective Bridge Inspection Crane
There are many different considerations in choosing your bridge inspection crane to make it applicable. The reach and weight capacity of the crane must be compatible with the size of the bridge and the requirement of the inspection.
Also, maneuverability is critical as articulated or telescoping cranes can more easily maneuver through complicated bridge geometries. Safety features like stabilizers and fail-safe brakes are also needed in the crane. Selective integration with test tools, cameras and lighting systems also helps inspect accuracy.
Is Bridge Inspection Crane Law Requalified?
Bridge inspection cranes are not a mandatory requirement, but highly suggested in the detailed assessment, especially on bridges that are wide or high. In the FHWA’s NBIS guidelines, inspections should be comprehensive enough that they can detect defects as well as structural integrity. For that purpose, the deployment of a bridge inspection crane will efficiently facilitate the requirements, leaving no part of the structure unscanned.
What Challenges Come with Using Bridge Inspection Cranes?
Although there are many benefits to using bridge inspection cranes, there are also some drawbacks. Buying the equipment or renting one can be expensive, and the operator needs to be trained to operate the unit safely. It can also be tricky to put a crane in locations that are difficult to access, such as limited space, rough roads, or environmental conditions. However, the advantages of safety, access, and efficiency often outweigh these drawbacks.
The Importance of Bridge Inspection Cranes for Structural Safety
Bridge inspection cranes provide a vital service in assuring bridges are safe and durable. They provide access to the entirety of the structure, allow for a complete inspection, and ultimately ensure that even the small deficiencies are identified so they do not develop into bigger issues. Agencies that purchase or even rent the appropriate inspection crane can help reduce costs, assure the safety of the public, and preserve their infrastructure.
Zo-Air offers thorough, safe, and compliant bridge inspection crane services supported by trained professionals who respect federal and state requirements when you require the use of expert services.
Their professionals will ensure that all types of bridges get safe, precise, and compliant inspections. For more information on how Zo-Air can aid your inspection service, check Zo-Air’s Bridge Crane Inspection Services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often should a crane be utilized to inspect a bridge?
Routine inspections are carried out on most bridges twice every two years, although significant bridges under high traffic loadings or environmental exposures can require one-year inspections through cranes with a comprehensive inspection.
2. Can drones substitute for bridge inspection cranes?
Even though drones can facilitate visual inspections, drones have no replacement when cranes are considered regarding access, accuracy, and the capability of conducting physical testing. Cranes are still indispensable when dealing with detailed inspections.
3. What safety measures must be implemented when performing crane inspections?
Inspectors must use personal protection, secure the crane, use load limits, and comply with the OSHA safety standard.
4. What are the significant benefits of the use of a bridge inspection crane?
The key benefits include increased access, enhanced safety, faster inspections, and enhanced structural defect detection.
5. Who can operate a bridge inspection crane?
Struts should be operated by trained and certified operators who comprehend the mechanical operation as well as the safety requirements needed for safe inspections.
