Inspection of Concrete and Masonry Structures - 1997 - : Section/Article Description

8
Part 21
Inspection of Concrete and Masonry Structures1
— 1997 —
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section/Article Description Page
21.1 G eneral (1997) ............................................................ 8-21-1
21.2 R eporting of D efects....................................................... 8-21-2
21.3 Inspection ................................................................ 8-21-2 1

21.3.1 G eneral.................................................................. 8-21-2
21.3.2 StructuralProtection ...................................................... 8-21-5
C om m entary .................................................................. 8-21-20
3
SECTION 21.1 GENERAL (1997)2
a. A llconcrete and m asonry structures and com ponents should be given thorough,detailed inspections at
scheduled intervals.For tim ber and steelcom ponents,refer to Chapter 7 and Chapter 15,respectively.
T he depth and detailofthe inspection should be based on the condition and age ofthe structure,and
traffic type and tonnage in order to determ ine thatthe physicalcondition ofeach structure is suitable for
the im posed loading.A record ofphysicalconditions should be kept.
b. A specialinspection m ay be required w hen the structure is subjected to abnorm alconditions w hich m ay

affect the capacity ofthe struct e such
ur as:floods,storm s,fires,earthquakes,collisions,overloads and
evidence ofrecent m ovem ent.R efer to Com m entary for inform ation related to inspection offire
dam aged concrete.
c. T he inspector should review prior inspection reports before m aking the inspection.Previously noted
defects should be exam ined in the field and any changes in conditions recorded.Field book,sketch pad,
inspection form ,cam era,m onitoring gages,etc.,should be used to record the inspection data.
A ppropriate personalsafety equipm ent should be em ployed throughout the inspection.
1
R eferences,Vol.71,1970,p.246;Vol.86,1985,p.53.
2 See Com m entary
© 2004, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association 8-21-1

Concrete Structures and Foundations
SECTION 21.2 REPORTING OF DEFECTS
a. W hen the inspector finds defects that appear to be ofsuch a nature as to m ake the passage oftraffic
unsafe,the condition should im m ediately be reported.After steps have been taken to protect traffic,the
train dispatcher and appropriate officers should be notified,consistent w ith established policies,
recom m ending a speed lim it and briefly describingthe conditions w hich prom pted the action.T he
inspector should follow this im m ediately w ith a report so that a detailed investigation and
recom m endation for repair can be m ade.
b. U pon com pletion ofthe inspection,a w ritten record covering the inspection should be forw arded to the
engineer or other officer in charge ofm aintenance.U pon receipt ofthe report,a review should be m ade
to determ ine the need for rem edialaction.
SECTION 21.3 INSPECTION1
21.3.1 GENERAL
a. T he inspection ofconcrete and m asonry structures should be carried out in a m ethodicalm anner.O f
prim ary im portance in allstructures is evidence ofdistress,m isalignm ent,deflection,settlem ent,cracks,
and generaldeterioration.E vidence ofdeterioration ofconcrete such as w idth and length ofstructural
cracks,size and location ofspalling and scaling,and location and extent ofw ater-saturation ofconcrete
should be recorded.
b. T he inspector should report indications offailure in any portion ofthe structure and any conditions
w hich could contribute to a future failure.
c. Ifpractical,the inspector should observe the structure during passage ofa train,so that the effects of
vibration,sidesw ay and deflection m ay be noted.
d. R eference points should be established for m onitori

ng m isalignm ent,deflection,settlem ent,and cracks.
T he am ount oftilt,separation betw een com ponents,w idth and length ofcracks ,efflorescence and rust-
staining and other m easurem ents necessary for future checking should be recorded.
e. T he inspection should include the structure and allrelated features.T he follow ing additionalitem s
should be covered in detail.
21.3.1.1 Track
T he inspector should note the alignm ent,profile and surface ofthe track on the structure,its approaches and
bridge ends.A ny irregularities in line or surface should be noted along w ith their m agnitude,location and any
other inform ation that m ay indicate the cause ofthe irregularities.D epth ofballast and condition ofballast,
ties and hardw are should be noted.Line sw ings m ay be an indication ofpier m ovem ent.Sags in the track over
the structure m ay indicate settlem ent.
21.3.1.2 Site and Crossing2
a. W here a structure crosses over a w aterw ay,the inspector should note the condition and alignm ent ofthe
w aterw ay.T he condition ofthe slopes and any slope protection (such as riprap) should be noted along
1
See Com m entary
2 See Com m entary
© 2004, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association
8-21-2 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering

Inspection of Concrete and Masonry Structures
w ith any indication ofdebris accum ulation.T he inspector should note any indication ofdam age from
m arine collision,ice or debris.
b. W here scour is possible,the channelbottom at piers and abutm ents should be checked by sounding,
probing or other m eans.
c. W here a structure carries tracks over a roadw ay or another track,the inspector should note any
indication ofcollision dam age from high or w ide loads.R oadw ay clearances should be m easured and
signage verified for accuracy.
21.3.1.3 Foundations, Piers and Abutments1
a. T he inspector should note any settlem ent and/or rotation offoundations,piers,abutm ents or their
com ponent parts.R eference points should be established for m onitoring ofstructuralm ovem ent if
appropriate.
b. T he type offoundation and type and condition ofm aterialused in the various structuralcom ponents
should be noted.Location and extent ofexposed or corroded reinforcing bars should be reported.T he
condition ofthe structure at the bridge seats,bearings and near the w aterline should also be
investigated.
c. Crack w idth,orientation and location should be noted.W idths and lengths ofstructuralcracks should be
m arked and dated to m onitor crack progression.O n m asonry structures note cracked,shifted,or m issing
stones,and condition ofm ortar.
d. Location,size and description ofunsound areas,spalling,scaling or other deterioration should be noted. 1

e. Condition ofretained fill,drainage and slope protection at abutm ents should be inspected.W ater-
saturated m asonry or concrete and extent ofefflorescence and rust-staining should be noted.Check
w eepholes and drains for clogging.
21.3.1.4 Pile and Pile Bents
a. Inspection ofpiling and pile bents should be in generalconform ance w ith A rticle 21.3.1.3.For tim ber 3
and steelcom ponents,refer to Chapter 7 and Chapter 15,respectively.
b. A lignm ent and condition ofpiling should be recorded.Im pact dam age from debris,vessels or vehicles
should also be noted.
c. Condition ofpiles should be investigated for soundness.Loss ofsection and cracking should be noted.
T hese m ay be especially severe in a m arine environm ent,particularly in the tidalzone. 4
d. Connections betw een cap and piling should be inspected.
e. B racing m em bers and their connections should be inspected.
21.3.1.5 Underwater Inspections2
T he need and frequency for underw aterinspections should be evaluated for every structure having subm erged
com ponents.T hese inspections should identify the channelbottom conditions and presence ofany scour,extent
offoundation exposure and any underm ining,and alldeterioration and dam age below w ater.
a. D ivers should be experienced in the inspection ofbridges.
b. Inspection data should be recorded by w ritten description,sketches,reports,photography and/or video.
1
See Com m entary
2 See Com m entary
AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering 8-21-3

c. D uring high w ater events w hen scour conditions m ay be expected,channelactivity should be m onitored,
w hich m ay include the use ofsonar readings,untilinspections can be m ade.
21.3.1.6 Retaining Walls1
a. T he inspector should note any settlem ent and/or rotation ofretaining w alls.Changes in w allalignm ent
or cracks in earth em bankm ent w hich parallelthe w all should be noted.
b. Concrete inspection should be in generalconform ance w ith 21.3.5.3.
c. Condition ofretained filland drainage at w alls should be inspected.T he extent ofw ater-saturated
concrete and exposed or corroded reinforcing bars should be recorded.
21.3.1.7 Slabs and Beams2
a. Inspector should note ifprestressed or conventionally reinforced concrete is used in the structure.
M ethod ofconstruction,cast-in-place or precast,sim ple or continuous,should also be indicated.
b. A ny cracks that open and close under traffic,diagonalcracks near supports,or w ide or num erous cracks
in any location should be reported im m ediately to the proper authority.A cute corners ofskew ed bridges
should be exam ined for cracking.
c. Structuralm em bers should be inspected for excessive deflection or m isalignm ent.
d. Curbs,ballast retainers,w alkw ays and handrails should be inspected,noting the condition as to
soundness and security offastening devices.Soundness,uniform ity and condition ofbearings and
bearing areas should also be noted.A reas exposed to drainage should be checked for spalling and
cracking.
21.3.1.8 Box Girders3
a. T ype ofbox construction (precast,segm ental,pre-tensioned,post-tensioned,sim ple or continuous spans)

should be recorded.
b. G eneralinspection guidelines should be as outlined in A rticle 21.3.1.7 Top flange,bottom flange and w eb
w alls should be inspected w hen accessible.Cham fersofboxes should be inspected for cracking w hich
m ay extend along the sides or bottom ofthe girders.
c. Shear transfer devices betw een adjacent box girders should be inspected,w here accessible.Condition of
grout,hardw are,tie rods,and other m aterials used in tying together adjacent box girders should be
noted.E vidence ofdifferentialbox deflections or m isalignm ents should be recorded.
d. Condition ofvoid drain holes and evidence ofleakage betw een adjacent boxes should be noted.
21.3.1.9 Arches4
a. T ype ofarch construction,such as segm ental,open spandrel,closed spandrel,single or m ultiple span

should be noted.Shape ofarch span (circular,ellipticalor parabolic) should be recorded,ifknow n.T ype
and generalcondition ofm aterial(brick,stone,m ortar or concrete) should also be recorded.
b. A rch foundations should be investigated for settlem ent,shifting,scour and underm ining.
c. A rch ribs and bearing areas ofarches at springings should be inspected for loss ofcross section due to
spalling or cracking.
1
See Com m entary
2
See Com m entary
3
See Com m entary
4 See Com m entary

d. O pen spandrelcolum ns should be inspected w ith particular attention to areas near the interface w ith
the arch rib and cap.
e. A rch ribs connected w ith struts should be inspected for diagonalcracking due to torsionalshear.
f. Floor system s ofopen spandrelarches and closed spandrelarches w ith no fillm aterialshould be
inspected as outlined in A rticle 21.3.1.7.
g. Inspect areas exposed to drainage and seepage for deteriorated and contam inated areas.For closed
spandrelarches,note ifw eepholes are w orking properly.
21.3.2 STRUCTURAL PROTECTION
Structuralprotection devices including crash w alls,cellular dolphins,pile clusters,sheer fences,floating sheer

boom s,anchored pontoons,fender system s,navigation lights and w arning m echanism s should be inspected as
part ofthe scheduled inspection oftheir related foundation or substructure elem ent.T he inspection should
identify alldeterioration,dam age,displacem ent,m isalignm ent,instability,and any other detrim ental
conditions w hich w ould inhibit these devices from protecting the structure or cause them to create an
obstruction.A llsubm erged portions ofstructuralprotection devices should be inspected underw ater based on
the recom m endations set forth in A rticle 21.3.1.5.T he inspection ofstructuralprotection devices should also
note any aspects w hich m ay present a hazard to navigation,and identify the necessary m easures to correct the
situation.
21.3.2.1 Culverts1
a. Inspector should note any settlem ent,variations in cross-sectionalshape and m isalignm ent along the
1
horizontalaxis ofa culvert.A lljoints betw een end treatm ents and w ithin the culvert itselfshould be
exam ined for differentialm ovem ent,and alltransverse or longitudinalcracking w ithin a culvert should
be noted.Look for holes appearing in the track structure as an indication ofopen culvert joints.
b. A culvert should be inspected for any scour or underm ining at either end.A ny em bankm ent dam age
around the culvert openings and debris or vegetation w ithin the culvert should be noted.A llsubm erged
portions ofa culvert should be inspected underwater based on the recom m endations set forth in
3
A rticle 21.3.1.5.
c. Inspection ofa concrete or m asonry culvert in generalshould be in conform ance w ith A rticle 21.3.1.3.
21.3.2.2 Tunnels
a. Im portant features ofa tunnelm ight be obscured by a shield or lining,therefore the inspector should 4
review plans,ifavailable,prior to the inspection.N ote the structuralconfiguration,provisions for
drainage,ventilation and lighting.N ote ifsecondary passagew ays that w ould provide additionalaccess
for inspection are present.
b. Concrete inspection should be in generalconform ance w ith A rticle 21.3.1.3.In exposed m asonry
construction,m ake specialnote ofbulges in w alls and displacem ent,shifting or loss ofm asonry or
m ortar.
c. W alls should be inspected for indications ofw aterleakage or ice buildup.T he condition and effectiveness
ofdrainage system s should be noted.
d. N ote w hether ancillary system s for lighting,ventilation,and fire prevention are in w orking order,if
discernible.
e. T he accum ulation oftrash or foreign debris or the blockage ofsafety niches should be noted.
1 See Com m entary

f. A ny new construction above or adjacent to the tunnelshould be noted.
g. H orizontaland verticalclearances should be verified.Item s causing changes in clearance should be

noted.
h. T he inspector should note the alignm ent,profile and surface ofthe track and clearance ofthe
tunnel.

RECORD OF INSPECTION OF CONCRETE AND MASONRY STRUCTURES
D ivision __________________________________ D ate: ____________________________________
B ridge N o. ___________________________(M P) Inspector _________________________________
W eather __________________________________ Temperature _____________________________
D escription ofStructure:
NOTE: R emarks should include an estimatetof he urgency to repair the structure.

(i.e.,Im m ediate,1 or 2 years,over 2 years).
TRACK CONDITION
1.Surface oftrack on structure and approaches
2.A lignm ent oftrack and its location w ith reference to the structure
1
3.Location,am ount and probable causes ofany track out ofline or surface
4.B allast,condition and depth 3
5.R em arks
4
SUBSTRUCTURE
1. G eneral:
A lignm ent ofunit (horizontal,vertical)
E vidence ofsettlem ent
E vidence ofscour (w ingw alls,abutm ents,piers)

RECORD OF INSPECTION OF CONCRETE AND MASONRY STRUCTURES (Continued)
SUBSTRUCTURE (CONT)
Condition ofretained fill(drainage,slope protection)
A lignm ent ofw aterw ay and evidence ofdebris
Changes apparent since last inspection
2. P iers and A butm ents:

M aterial(brick,stone,concrete)
Condition ofbackw all(plum b,clearance ofstructure)
Condition ofbridge seat
Condition ofbearings (level,bedding)
B rick and Stone:

Condition ofm ortar joints
Condition ofbricks or stones
Conditions at w aterline
C oncrete:
Cracks (location,size,description)

SUBSTRUCTURE (CONT)
Spalling or crazing (location,size,description)
Condition ofreinforcing (exposed,corroded – location)
Condition at w aterline
3. B ents and P ile P iers:

K ind of piling
(prestressed concrete,conventionalconcrete,concrete filled,m etalshells,steelH ,tim ber,other)
A lignm ent ofpiling (horizontaland vertical)
1
Cracks,corrosion and decay (location,size,description)
Spalling or crazing (location,size,description)

3
Condition ofreinforcing (exposed,co

rroded – location and description)
Condition ofpile shells (corroded – location,size and description) 4
Condition ofpile at w aterline
C aps,B racing and C ollars

Cracks (location,size and description)
Spalling and crazing (location,size and description)

SUBSTRUCTURE (CONT)
Condition ofreinforcing (exposed,corroded – location and description)
Condition ofbridge seat
Condition ofbearings (level,bedding)
4. R em arks
PRESTRESSED AND REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS AND SLABS

1. G eneral:
T ype ofconstruction (prestressed or reinforced concrete)
Condition ofreinforcing (exposed,corroded,rust around cracks – location and description)
Condition ofend blocks (voids draining)
Condition ofbearings
Condition ofexpansion joints

PRESTRESSED AND REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS

AND SLABS (CONT)
Condition ofcurbs (cracks,spalls)
Condition ofhandrail(fastenings)
Indications ofm ovem ent
O ther deterioration (location and description)
1
2. R em arks
ARCHES – SOLID AND OPEN SPANDREL

1. G eneral: 3
M aterials (stone or concrete)
H eadw alls and w ingw alls

4
B arrelofarch
A lignm ent ofunit (horizontal,vertical)
E vidence ofsettlem ent

ARCHES – SOLID AND OPEN SPANDREL (CONT)

Leakage through barrelofarch
Condition ofexpansion joints
2. H eadw alls and W ingw alls:

Condition ofem bankm ent (spilling over,drainage,cavities)
Indications ofw ingw allm ovem ent
E vidence ofscour
H eadw all pulling aw ay from barrel ofarch
Stone:
Condition ofstones
C oncrete:

ARCHES – SOLID AND OPEN SPANDREL (CONT)

3. Stone A rch B arrel:

Condition ofstones
4. C oncrete A rch B arrel:


1

5. R em arks 3
CULVERTS
1. G eneral:
T ype (box,pipe,arch) 4
M aterial
Condition ofchannel(open)
Culvert underm ined

CULVERTS (CONT)
Indications ofsettlem ent
Cracks or open joints (location and description)
Condition ofem bankm ent (spilling over,drainage,cavities)
Condition ofheadw alls and w ingw alls
Indications ofw ingw allm ovem ent
W ater leaking into em bankm ent
2. R em arks
TUNNELS
1. G eneral:
M aterial
Portals
Lining (or unlined)

TUNNELS (CONT)
T rack alignm ent
Condition ofside ditches and drainage
2. P ortals
Conditions ofoverburden (spilling over,drainage,cavities)
Sealing required
1
E vidence ofw ashing
Portalpulling aw ay from tunnel

3
3. T unnel lining
L ined:
B ulges,cracks,open joints,flaking (location,size and description)
4
Seepage through w alls (w eep holes functioning)
D eterioration oflining m aterial (location,size and description)
U nlined:
Condition ofrock (loose)

TUNNELS (CONT)
Seepage into tunnel
Condition ofrock anchors (ifpresent)
4. R em arks
RETAINING WALLS
1. G eneral:
M aterial
Indicated m ovem ent (settling,sliding,leaning)
Condition offill(spilling over,cavities,stability)
W ashing or scouring
Condition ofdrainage (w eep holes functioning,ditches open)
Cracks,deterioration or open joints (location,size and description)
Condition ofprefabricated m em bers (broken,m isaligned)
Changes apparent since last inspection (w allraised)

RETAINING WALLS (CONT)

2. R em arks
PIER PROTECTION
1. G eneral:
T ype
M aterials
G eneralcondition ofalignm ent
Collision dam age

1
E vidence ofscour
Condition ofnavigation channel 3
Condition ofnavigation aids (lighting,fog horn)
4
D ebris trapped on system
A pparent ability to protect pier

PIER PROTECTION (CONT)

2. Integral:
Condition ofenergy absorbing devices
Condition ofrubbing strips (non-sparking)
Condition offasteners and splicing m aterials
Condition ofpier adjacent to fender
3. D olphins:
P ile clusters
T ype ofpiles
Condition ofpiles
Location relative to planned position
Condition oflashings or connections
C ellular dolphins:
T ype ofconstruction (sheet piles,steelrings,etc.)
Condition ofpiles or rings
T ype and condition offillm aterial


4. F loating shear boom s:

Condition offloating m aterial
Condition ofboom m aterial
Condition ofanchoring system
1
5. H ydraulic devices:
Condition ofsuspended cylinder
Condition ofsuspension system 3
Condition ofsupporting piles,caissons,or piers
4
Changes in w ater levelaffecting cylinder engagem ent
6. Independent Fenders:
Condition ofpile supports
Condition ofenergy absorbers


Condition oflongitudinalw ales
Condition ofrubbing strips
7. R em arks
COMMENTARY
T he purpose ofthis part is to furnish the technicalexplanation ofvarious articles in Part 21,Inspection of
Concrete and M asonry Structures.In the num bering ofarticles ofthis section,the num bers after the “C -”
correspond to the section/article being explained.
C - 21.1 GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING FIRE DAMAGED CONCRETE RAILWAY

BRIDGES
C - 21.1.1 General
Concrete structures exposed to firem ay experience a perm anent loss ofstrength,form ation ofstructural
cracks,surface spalling,and reinforcing dam age.H ow ever,concrete structures exposed to fire generally
perform w elland usually are repairable.T he heat conductivity ofconcrete is low and thus heat from a fire is
usually confined to shallow depths.T he extent ofstructuraldam age is related to the intensity and duration of
the fire,and the m ass and details ofthe concrete structure.
T he exposure ofconcrete to a tem perature of300°C (572°F) is significant for tw o reasons:
• Below this tem perature the effects ofheat on concrete are likely to be insignificant.
• A bove this tem perature concrete coloration changes m ay indicate perm anent dam age.
W ater directed on hot concrete m ay cause spalling,crack developm ent and the em brittlem ent ofsteel.
Fire fighting efforts should be directed to extinguishing the com bustible m aterialand not cooling the
structure.
T raffic should notcross the structure ifsignificant deflection or distortion is noted or ifthere are reasons
to doubt that adequate strength rem ains.

C - 21.1.2 Inspection
a. Prior to the inspection ofa dam aged concrete structure,it should be determ ined w hether the site is safe
for entry.
b. D am age m ay include the deflection ofconcrete beam s and slabs,distortion ofcolum ns,cracking,spalling
and unsightly appearance.
c. Inspection observations should include looking for and m easuring any unusualcom ponent deflection,
recording the location and extent ofstructuralcracks,spalls and exposed reinforcing.Fire exposed
surfaces should be m apped to indicate those areas having structuraland cosm etic dam age.Iffire exposed
surfaces exhibit colorations ofpink,w hite or buff,those surfaces should be m apped and color noted.
Surfaces m ay need to be cleaned ofsoot to m ake these observations.
d. Inform ation concerning the com bustible m aterial,duration,intensity indicators and m ethod for
extinguishing should be obtained from eyew itnesses or other reliable sources for assistance in evaluating
the dam age.A lthough any concrete coloration from the fire m ay provide sufficient inform ation
concerning the intensity ofthe fire,ifcoloration is not evident,to a lesser degree other m aterials
associated w ith the fire site m ay have m elted and m ay provide som e indication ofthe fire intensity,such
as:lead 327°C (621°F),plastics 300–450°C (572-842°F),glass 400–500°C (752–932°F),alum inum 660°C
(1218°F)and copper 1083°C (1981°F).O ther inform ation concerning the originalconcrete strength,age,
reinforcing details and types ofaggregates m ay be obtained from structuralplans,specifications and
construction records.
C - 21.1.3 Evaluation
1
a. G enerally,allconcrete that has coloration changes (pink,w hite,buff) is considered dam aged.T he pink
coloration 300°C (572°F) experienced by heating concrete is the form ation offerrous salts and is m ore
pronounced in concrete w ith siliceous aggregates.At approxim ately 600°C (1110°F),concrete m ay have a
w hitish coloration from the hydration oflim e.At 900°C (1650°F)the coloration m ay be grey-buff.
3
b. Indications ofpossible structuraldam age m ay beevident by visualexam ination,but the extent of
dam age w illrequire tests and analysis.E valuation tools for testing include:surface ham m er sounding,
im pact ham m ers,coring and/or drilling and pulse-echo non-destructive testing.Sounding the concrete
surface w ith ham m ers m ay be sufficient to determ ine ifthere is any internalconcrete delam ination.
Calibrated im pact ham m ers can give direct m easurem ents ofthe concrete com pressive strength and m ay
be used on sound and unsound concrete for quick strength com parisons.Coring w illassist in
determ ining the depth ofdam age and corings destructively tested w illascertain accurate com pressive 4
strength.A petrographic analysis ofcored sam ples w illgive a detailed analysis ofthe concrete condition
but the analysis is tim e consum ing.Pulse-echo testing can give a rapid and accurate determ ination of
internalconcrete conditions relative to m icro-cracking and bond loss.A dditionaltesting m ay be needed
for prestressed and post-tensioned concrete.
c. Concrete strength decreases as tem perature is increased and further decreases on cooling as a result of
m icro-cracking.A pproxim ately 75% residualstrength rem ains in m ost concrete after exposure to fire.
T his loss m ay be offset by excess residualstrength ofm ature concrete.Internalinduced stresses from
differentialheating m ay result in the form ation ofcracks.Young concrete m ay experience m ore dam age
than m ature concrete due to larger am ounts ofinternalm oisture thatm ay convert to steam and increase
internaltensile stresses.
d. D am age m ay result from aggregate spalls due to physicalor chem icalchanges.E xplosive spalling m ay
occur from the release oftensile stresses by the form ation ofsteam w ithin aggregates.Slough-offor the
detachm ent oflayers ofconcrete m ay occur w here reinforcem ent is restrained.Igneous aggregates
(granite,basalt) generally perform w ellw hen exposed to fire,carbonate aggregates (lim estone)perform

w ellto about 700°C (1290°F),and siliceous aggregates (quartz)do not perform w elldue to expansion and
cracking.
e. T he absence ofdeflection or distortion in any elem ent m ay indicate that the steelw as not dam aged.
R einforcing steelusually recovers in strength unless exposed to tem peratures over 600°C (1110°F).
A nchorages ofpost-tensioned m em bers m ay require specialevaluation.T he tension in pretensioned steel
or post-tensioned ducts exposed by spalling should generally be assum ed to be zero.Prestressed
m em bers m ay suffer substantialrelaxation losses,additionalto those allow ed by norm aldesign.Low
relaxation strands m ay have im proved fire perform ance.At 300°C (572°F) the residualbond strength is
approxim ately 85% and at 500°C (932°F)the bond strength is approxim ately 50% ofinitialbond.B ond
strength losses ofepoxy coated reinforcing steelsubjected to fire m ay require specialevaluation.
f. R esins used in construction bonding ofconcrete elem ents and in repairs m ay not perform w ellin the
presence ofelevated tem peratures.
g. H ydrochloric acid fum es occurring in fires involving PV C and other plastic ducts m ay react w ith
hardened cem ent paste to form calcium chloride w hich m ay constitute a hazard to the reinforcem ent.A
silver/chrom ate test can confirm the presence ofcalcium chloride ions.
C - 21.1.4 Repairs
a. R epair procedures,as applicable,are outlined in Part14.
b. Pulse-echo or other nondestructive testing m ay be used to confirm that alldam aged concrete is rem oved
and can be used to confirm proper bonding ofnew concrete to old concrete and bonding to reinforcem ent.
C - 21.3 INSPECTION
T here are m any com m on defects that occur on concrete bridges.T he follow ing definitions are provided as a
guideline for consistency in reporting ofdefects.
A brasion — A brasion dam age is the result ofexternalforces acting on the surface ofthe concrete m em ber.
E rosive action ofsilt-laden w ater running over a concrete surface and ice flow in rivers and stream s can cause
considerable abrasion dam age to concrete.
C old joint displacem ent or deterioration — U nbonded concrete resulting fo

rm intended separate concrete
placem ent or by lack ofconsolidation.
C racking — A crack is a linear fracture that m ay extend partially or com pletely through the concrete m em ber.
When recording cracks,the inspector oul
sh
d describe the type,w idth,depth,length,direction,location and
appearance ofthe crack as appropriate for the inspection.
D elam ination — D elam ination occurs w hen layers ofconcrete separate at or near the levelofthe top or
outerm ost layer ofreinforcing steel.T he m ajor cause ofdelam ination is expansion ofcorroding reinforcing
steel.D elam inated areas can generally be identified by a hollow sound w hen tapped w ith a ham m er.
E fflorescence — E fflorescence is a w hite deposit on concrete caused by crystallization of soluble salts

(calcium chloride) brought to the surface by m oisture in the concrete.
H oneycom bs — H oneycom bs are hollow spaces or voids thatm ay be presentw ithin the concrete.H oneycom bs
are caused by im proper consolidation during construction,resulting in the segregation ofthe coarse aggregates
from the fine aggregates and cem ent paste.

P op-O uts — Pop-outs are conicalfragm ents that break out ofthe surface ofthe concrete leaving sm allholes.
G enerally,a shattered aggregate particle w illbe found at the bottom ofthe hole,w ith a part ofthe fragm ent
stilladhering to the sm allend ofthe pop-out cone.
Scaling — Scaling is the gradualand continuing loss ofsurface m ortar and aggregate over an area.W hen
reporting scaling,the inspector should note the location ofthe defect,the size ofthe area,and the depth of
penetration ofthe defect.
Spalling — A spallis a roughly circular or ovaldepression in the concrete.Spalls result from the separation
and rem ovalofa portion ofthe surface concrete,revealing a fracture roughly parallelto the surface.Spalls can
be caused by corroding reinforcem ent and friction from therm alm ovem ent.R einforcing steelis often exposed.
W hen reporting spalls,the inspector should note the location ofthe defect,the size ofthe area,and the depth of
the defect.
C - 21.3.1.2 SITE AND CROSSING
T he inspector should note any changes in the alignm ent ofa w aterw ay both upstream and dow nstream
and the resulting effect that they m ay have on the structure.A m ajor change in the alignm ent ofa
w aterw ay m ay place it outside the spans intended for the crossing.
Sedim entation deposits m ay fillscour holes after high w ater events.U nderw ater investigations m ay be
required as per A rticle C -21.3.1.5.
Structures located dow nstream ofspillw ays or locks m ay be subject to increased scour potential.
1
C - 21.3.1.3 FOUNDATIONS, PIERS AND ABUTMENTS
Concrete and m asonry structures are placed on foundations ofearth,piling,cribbing,rock or other sim ilar
m aterial.Cracks m ay be evidence ofsettlem ent w hich has occurred during consolidation ofthe foundation.
Settlem ent m ay occur w ithout cracking.N oticeable changes in track surfaces and alignm ent,plum bness or
elevation m ay indicate foundation settlem ent.Changes in backw allalignm ent or cracks in the earth 3
em bankm ent parallelto the backw allm ay indicate m ovem ent.Constant w etting m ay indicate sw elling,
prem ature loss ofm ortar,deterioration offacing or excessive w ater pressure behind backw alls.E xposure of
tim ber m ats or untreated tim ber piling m ay lead to rapid deterioration ofthe tim ber.
C - 21.3.1.5 UNDERWATER INSPECTIONS
In evaluating the need for an underw ater inspection,consideration should be given to type and depth of 4
foundation,depth ofw ater,norm aland peak flow rates,nature ofchannelbottom and susceptibility to and
history ofscour,type ofaquatic environm ent,typicalextent ofdrift and ice accum ulation,and am ount and type
ofw atercraft traffic.T he inspections should be perform ed w ith sufficient frequency to provide early detection
ofany detrim entalconditions,and betw een inspections,the m easuring ofw ater depths should be considered to
m onitor channelbottom activity.In the event ofahigh w ater and/or flow occurrence,an excessive
accum ulation ofice or drift,a w atercraft collision,a significant change in channelbottom configuration,or any
subm erged com ponent m ovem ent,consideration should be given to perform ing an em ergency inspection as
soon as conditions w illsafely perm it.
C - 21.3.1.6 RETAINING WALLS
In addition to structuraldeficiencies,retaining w allfailures m ay result from :
a. Softening ofthe supporting m aterialby m oisture.

b. O verloading ofthe em bankm ent behind the w all.
c. Scour or erosion beneath the foundation.
d. E xpansive backfills.
e. H ydrostatic pressure behind w all.
f. Cracks in the earth em bankm ent w hich parallelthe w allm ay be signs ofw allm ovem ent.
C - 21.3.1.7 SLABS AND BEAMS
a. T ransverse cracks in the bottom ofsim ple span slabs and beam s can indicate overload,particularly if
cracks open and close during passage ofa train.H airline cracks on the tops ofsim ple span prestressed
beam s are generally due to shrinkage ofthe concrete.H airline cracks in the top or bottom ofsim ple span
reinforced concrete slabs and beam s are generally not significant.D iagonalcracks running up the sides
ofthe slab or beam from near the supports m ay indicate excessive shear stress in the m em ber or the
beginning ofshear failure.
b. T ransverse cracks in the top ofcontinuous beam s over support locations or in the bottom ofcontinuous
beam s w ithin the span can indicate overload.
(1) Sagging or excess deflection m ay indicate a loss ofprestress.Loss ofprestress m ay be caused by

strand slippage,w hich m ay be visible at the ends ofbeam s.
(2) E nd spalling can lead to a loss ofbond in the prestressing tendons.N ote any deterioration that has
exposed or dam aged prestressing tendons.
C - 21.3.1.8 BOX GIRDERS
a. H orizontalor verticalcracks in the top ofgirder ends are probably due to stresses created at the transfer
ofprestressing forces.Flexuralcracks in the low erportion ofthe girders,particularly at m id-span,m ay
indicate a problem resulting from overload or loss ofprestress.
b. Individualgirder deflection under live load m ay indicate that shear keys betw een boxes have been
broken and that boxes are acting independently ofeach other.
C - 21.3.1.9 ARCHES
a. A true arch has an ellipticalshape and functions in a state ofpure com pression.M any arches are not
ellipticaland resist loads by a com bination ofaxialcom pression and bending m om ent.
b. Changes in alignm ent,sags in the arch crow n,bulges in the sidew alls,transverse and longitudinalcracks
and expansion joint failures may be signs ttlof
em se
ent,overload or im pending arch failure.
c. T he area betw een the arches and the deck is called the spandrel.O pen spandrelconcrete arches receive
traffic loads through spandrelbents w hich support a slab or tee beam floor system .H orizontalcracks in
spandrelcolum ns w ithin severalfeet ofthe arch indicate excessive bending in the colum n,w hich m ay be
caused by overloads and differentialarch rib deflection.
d. T he spandrelarea in closed spandrelarches is typically occupied by fillretained by verticalw alls.Surface

w ater should drain properly and not penetrate the fillm aterial.

C - 21.3.2.1 CULVERTS
a. H orizontalalignm ent ofa culvert can be inspected by sighting along one ofthe culvert w alls.Sag in the
culvert axis m ay be identified by a location ofsedim ent buildup on the culvert floor.Spalls or cracking in
the vicinity ofa joint m ay be a sign ofm ovem ent at the joint.B oth longitudinaland transverse cracking
m ay be an indication ofdifferentialsettlem ent.Longitudinalcracks can also be caused by a structural
overloading ofthe culvert.
b. Insufficient hydraulic capaci ther

ty,by
eidesign or due to obstruct
ions,m ay cause upstream ponding and
lateralflow m ovem ents w hich can erode the em bankm ents and supporting m aterialaround the culvert
end treatm ents.Culverts often convey short-term ,high volum e flow s,and consequently,allculverts
should be carefully inspected for scour and underm ining.T ipping,cracking or separation ofthe
headw alls,w ingw alls or apron m ay indicate the presence ofunderm ining.For arch and fram e type
culverts w ith earthen floors,underm ining beneath the w allfoundations along their fulllength should
also be investigated.

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Inspection of Concrete and Masonry Structures1

Section/Article Description Page

21.1 G eneral (1997) ............................................................ 8-21-1

21.2 R eporting of D efects....................................................... 8-21-2

21.3 Inspection ................................................................ 8-21-2 1

C om m entary .................................................................. 8-21-20

b. A specialinspection m ay be required w hen the structure is subjected to abnorm alconditions w hich m ay

© 2004, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association 8-21-1

SECTION 21.2 REPORTING OF DEFECTS

SECTION 21.3 INSPECTION1

d. R eference points should be established for m onitori

21.3.1.2 Site and Crossing2

© 2004, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

8-21-2 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering

21.3.1.3 Foundations, Piers and Abutments1

d. Location,size and description ofunsound areas,spalling,scaling or other deterioration should be noted. 1

21.3.1.4 Pile and Pile Bents

e. B racing m em bers and their connections should be inspected.

21.3.1.5 Underwater Inspections2

a. D ivers should be experienced in the inspection ofbridges.

b. Inspection data should be recorded by w ritten description,sketches,reports,photography and/or video.

© 2004, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering 8-21-3

21.3.1.6 Retaining Walls1

b. Concrete inspection should be in generalconform ance w ith 21.3.5.3.

21.3.1.7 Slabs and Beams2

c. Structuralm em bers should be inspected for excessive deflection or m isalignm ent.

21.3.1.8 Box Girders3

a. T ype ofbox construction (precast,segm ental,pre-tensioned,post-tensioned,sim ple or continuous spans)

a. T ype ofarch construction,such as segm ental,open spandrel,closed spandrel,single or m ultiple span

© 2004, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

8-21-4 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering

21.3.2 STRUCTURAL PROTECTION

Structuralprotection devices including crash w alls,cellular dolphins,pile clusters,sheer fences,floating sheer

1 See Com m entary

© 2004, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering 8-21-5

f. A ny new construction above or adjacent to the tunnelshould be noted.

g. H orizontaland verticalclearances should be verified.Item s causing changes in clearance should be

© 2004, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

8-21-6 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering

RECORD OF INSPECTION OF CONCRETE AND MASONRY STRUCTURES

D ivision __________________________________ D ate: ____________________________________

B ridge N o. ___________________________(M P) Inspector _________________________________

W eather __________________________________ Temperature _____________________________

NOTE: R emarks should include an estimatetof he urgency to repair the structure.

4.B allast,condition and depth 3

E vidence ofsettlem ent

E vidence ofscour (w ingw alls,abutm ents,piers)

© 2004, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering 8-21-7

RECORD OF INSPECTION OF CONCRETE AND MASONRY STRUCTURES (Continued)

A lignm ent ofw aterw ay and evidence ofdebris

Changes apparent since last inspection

2. P iers and A butm ents:

Condition ofbackw all(plum b,clearance ofstructure)

Condition ofbridge seat

Condition ofbearings (level,bedding)

B rick and Stone:

Condition ofbricks or stones

© 2004, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association

8-21-8 AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering

D ivision D ate: __

B ridge N o. _(M P) Inspector _______

W eather ______ Temperature _