Jurisdictional Inspections, Structural Observation, and Special Inspections are intended to ensure that projects are completed according to the approved construction documents and the relevant building code and standards to protect public safety. But since there are three or perhaps more entities involved in this process with some overlap (picture a Venn diagram), teamwork and clear communication are required. Even then, there are chances that some deficient items might slip through undetected. The contractor is ultimately responsible for the construction in accordance with the approved plans and specifications. Still, if this does not occur, the structural engineer will almost certainly be involved in the fallout. Therefore, structural engineers have a vested interest in understanding the process and what they need to do as the professionals of record to protect themselves and the public.

Bridge Life Cycle Cost Savings

Standard practice during bridge design and construction is to consider the biddability of the construction documents, the constructability of the design, and the operability of the asset. Quite often, designers do not consider the inspectability of the bridge over its life cycle. Inspection, required by law on a 24-month cycle at a maximum, presents the bridge owner with costs: labor, equipment expenses, travel impacts, and safety. These costs, especially for complex bridges, signature structures, and high-level river crossings, can be reduced if inspectability is included in the design. …