NHI 130055 – Safety Inspection of In-Service
Bridges & NHI 130078 – Bridge Inspection and
Evaluation: Verified Questions and Answers |
Instant PDF Study Guide
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of a bridge safety inspection?
A. To determine the bridge's aesthetic quality
B. To establish the bridge's original construction cost
C. To identify conditions that could adversely affect the
bridge's structural integrity and public safety
D. To determine whether the bridge should be painted
Rationale: The fundamental purpose of bridge inspection is to
identify deficiencies, deterioration, or other conditions that may
affect structural performance and public safety. Inspection
findings support decisions concerning maintenance, repair, load
restrictions, rehabilitation, and continued service.
Question 2
,Which inspection type is generally performed at regular
intervals to determine the physical and functional condition of a
bridge?
A. Damage inspection
B. Special inspection
C. Routine inspection
D. Construction inspection
Rationale: A routine inspection is a regularly scheduled
examination intended to identify and document the condition of
bridge components. Other inspection types are typically
initiated by specific circumstances, such as a collision, flood,
severe deterioration, or a need for a more detailed examination.
Question 3
Which condition would most clearly warrant a special
inspection?
A. Normal aging with no observed deterioration
B. A recently completed routine inspection with no significant
findings
C. A suspected structural deficiency requiring a detailed
examination between regularly scheduled inspections
D. Routine updating of bridge inventory information
,Rationale: Special inspections are used when unusual conditions
or specific concerns require examination beyond the normal
inspection cycle. They can be initiated because of suspected
damage, deterioration, unusual loading, environmental events,
or other circumstances that could affect safety.
Question 4
Why is inspector access particularly important during a hands-
on bridge inspection?
A. It eliminates the need for documentation
B. It allows the inspector to determine the bridge's construction
cost
C. It permits close examination of components and defects
that may not be visible from a distance
D. It guarantees that all defects can be repaired immediately
Rationale: Many critical defects, including cracking, section loss,
corrosion, loose fasteners, and localized damage, require close
visual examination and sometimes physical contact. Adequate
access improves the reliability of condition assessments.
Question 5
, Which bridge component is primarily intended to transfer traffic
loads from the superstructure to the substructure while
allowing appropriate movement?
A. Deck drainage system
B. Expansion joint
C. Bearing
D. Approach slab
Rationale: Bearings provide the connection between the
superstructure and substructure and are designed to transfer
forces while accommodating movements such as thermal
expansion, contraction, rotation, and, depending on the bearing
type, longitudinal or transverse displacement.
Question 6
What is the principal function of an expansion joint?
A. To increase concrete strength
B. To prevent all bridge movement
C. To accommodate movement between portions of the bridge
while maintaining a functional riding surface
D. To transfer all live loads directly to the foundation
Rationale: Expansion joints accommodate movements caused
by temperature changes, shrinkage, creep, traffic effects, and
other sources. They must remain functional because restrained
Bridges & NHI 130078 – Bridge Inspection and
Evaluation: Verified Questions and Answers |
Instant PDF Study Guide
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of a bridge safety inspection?
A. To determine the bridge's aesthetic quality
B. To establish the bridge's original construction cost
C. To identify conditions that could adversely affect the
bridge's structural integrity and public safety
D. To determine whether the bridge should be painted
Rationale: The fundamental purpose of bridge inspection is to
identify deficiencies, deterioration, or other conditions that may
affect structural performance and public safety. Inspection
findings support decisions concerning maintenance, repair, load
restrictions, rehabilitation, and continued service.
Question 2
,Which inspection type is generally performed at regular
intervals to determine the physical and functional condition of a
bridge?
A. Damage inspection
B. Special inspection
C. Routine inspection
D. Construction inspection
Rationale: A routine inspection is a regularly scheduled
examination intended to identify and document the condition of
bridge components. Other inspection types are typically
initiated by specific circumstances, such as a collision, flood,
severe deterioration, or a need for a more detailed examination.
Question 3
Which condition would most clearly warrant a special
inspection?
A. Normal aging with no observed deterioration
B. A recently completed routine inspection with no significant
findings
C. A suspected structural deficiency requiring a detailed
examination between regularly scheduled inspections
D. Routine updating of bridge inventory information
,Rationale: Special inspections are used when unusual conditions
or specific concerns require examination beyond the normal
inspection cycle. They can be initiated because of suspected
damage, deterioration, unusual loading, environmental events,
or other circumstances that could affect safety.
Question 4
Why is inspector access particularly important during a hands-
on bridge inspection?
A. It eliminates the need for documentation
B. It allows the inspector to determine the bridge's construction
cost
C. It permits close examination of components and defects
that may not be visible from a distance
D. It guarantees that all defects can be repaired immediately
Rationale: Many critical defects, including cracking, section loss,
corrosion, loose fasteners, and localized damage, require close
visual examination and sometimes physical contact. Adequate
access improves the reliability of condition assessments.
Question 5
, Which bridge component is primarily intended to transfer traffic
loads from the superstructure to the substructure while
allowing appropriate movement?
A. Deck drainage system
B. Expansion joint
C. Bearing
D. Approach slab
Rationale: Bearings provide the connection between the
superstructure and substructure and are designed to transfer
forces while accommodating movements such as thermal
expansion, contraction, rotation, and, depending on the bearing
type, longitudinal or transverse displacement.
Question 6
What is the principal function of an expansion joint?
A. To increase concrete strength
B. To prevent all bridge movement
C. To accommodate movement between portions of the bridge
while maintaining a functional riding surface
D. To transfer all live loads directly to the foundation
Rationale: Expansion joints accommodate movements caused
by temperature changes, shrinkage, creep, traffic effects, and
other sources. They must remain functional because restrained
