Bridge inspector

Bridge inspectors

Description

Bridge inspectors inspect bridge structures for joint breaks, cracks, rust, and other faults. They also carry out or organise the maintenance of the structures. They inspect these structures regularly, looking for signs of structural damage or other problems that could make them unsafe to pass over or drive across.

Bridge inspectors may also be called upon to investigate accidents on bridges or other large structures. This might include investigating the cause of an accident or determining whether any defects in the structure contributed to its occurrence.

The duties of a bridge inspector include, but are not limited to:

  • Inspecting bridges for structural defects such as cracks, corrosion, or signs of wear and tear
  • Reviewing structural drawings and calculations to determine if they meet building codes
  • Conducting load tests on bridges to ensure they can support the weight of vehicles that may use them
  • Inspecting structures such as dams, tunnels, and roadways to assess their condition and recommend repairs or changes to design to ensure safety
  • Maintaining records of all inspections and work performed
  • Inspecting construction materials to ensure that they meet design specifications
  • Estimating repair costs based on findings from inspections
  • Conducting surveys to identify potential hazards or problems with roadways or other structures
  • Performing tests on materials to determine their performance characteristics such as strength, elasticity, or corrosion resistance

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to bridge inspector:

highway structures inspector
bridges and structures inspector
bridge engineer
bridgemaster
structures inspector
inspector of bridges

Working conditions

Bridge inspectors typically work for state or local governments. They spend most of their time outdoors, inspecting bridges and other structures. They also spend time in offices, reviewing reports and writing recommendations.

Bridge inspectors typically work a standard 40-hour week, but they may work longer hours during peak periods of bridge construction or repair. They may also be on call to respond to emergencies, such as collapsed bridges. The work can be physically demanding, and inspectors must be able to climb ladders and work in confined spaces. The work can also be dangerous, and inspectors must take precautions to avoid being injured by falling debris or being hit by vehicles.

Minimum qualifications

Most employers require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field. These programs typically include courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering. Some employers may accept a high school diploma or equivalent in place of a degree.

Many jurisdictions require a bridge inspector candidate to complete a training program before taking an examination. These programs are typically offered through community colleges and may last between six months and one year. They teach students about the various aspects of the job, including surveying, construction, safety and more.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Bridge inspector is a Skill level 3 occupation.

Bridge inspector career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to bridge inspector.

road maintenance technician
construction quality inspector
asphalt laboratory technician
bridge construction supervisor
construction safety manager

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of bridge inspector. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of bridge inspector with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

construction general contractor
installation engineer
property developer
mine ventilation engineer
industrial arts vocational teacher

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of bridge inspector.

  • Construction product regulation: Regulations on construction products quality standards applied throughout the European Union.
  • Mechanical systems: Mechanical systems, including gears, engines, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Their functions and likely defects.
  • Mechanics: Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of bridge inspector.

  • Work ergonomically: Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
  • Estimate repair priority: Estimate the urgency of a certain repair or replacement, based on the severity of the defect, the importance of the damaged or worn element, any other planned repairs and the expected lifespan of the bridge.
  • Check compatibility of materials: Make sure the materials are fit to be used together, and if there are any foreseeable interferences.
  • Advise on bridge replacement: Estimate the need for a bridge to be replaced and report to the responsible owner or institution.
  • Inspect supplied concrete: Check the quantity and quality of delivered concrete. Make sure that the concrete will withstand any expected pressures.
  • Follow health and safety procedures in construction: Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.
  • Identify defects in concrete: Use infrared techniques to discover defects in concrete.
  • Recognise signs of corrosion: Recognise the symptoms of metal showing oxidation reactions with the environment resulting in rusting, copper pitting, stress cracking, and others, and estimate the rate of corrosion.
  • Identify external risks to bridge integrity: Inspect the area of the bridge to identify any possible external risk to its integrity. Make sure body of waters present no dangerous debris. Identify loose rocks or avalanche risks. Estimate whether usage strain on a bridge is within the limits.
  • Use safety equipment in construction: Use elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident does occur.
  • Test concrete: Test concrete hardness so that it is according to specifications and ready to be removed from moulds.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of bridge inspector. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Wood cuts: Different ways of cutting wood, across the grain or parallel with it, and radial or tangential to the core. The behaviour of cuts of wood under different circumstances and the optimal cut for a given purpose. Influence of special attributes of the wood, like knots or defects.
  • Types of wood: Types of wood, such as birch, pine, poplar, mahogany, maple and tulipwood.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of bridge inspector. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Advise land owners of bridge inspection: Coordinate with land owners to decide on the necessity of inspection or repairs on a bridge. Educate the land owner about basic bridge health checks and bridge inspection services.
  • Use welding equipment: Operate welding equipment in a safe manner; use welding techniques such as shielded metal arc welding or flux-cored arc welding.
  • Perform underwater bridge inspection: Wade through a body of water to inspect the piles of a bridge. Put on the appropriate equipment, such as weights, and make sure to have an associate present for safety reasons.
  • Inspect construction sites: Ensure health and safety during the construction project by inspecting the construction site regularly. Identify risks of putting people in danger or of damaging construction equipment.
  • Place temporary road signage: Place temporary traffic signs, lights and barriers to alert road users of activities on the road.
  • Identify wood warp: Identify wood that has changed shape due to stresses, wear or incorrect installation. Recognise the different types of warp, like bow, twist, crook and cup. Identify possible causes and solutions to wood warp.
  • Operate rust proofing spray gun: Operate a semi-automatic or handheld spray gun designed to provide the surface of a workpiece with a permanent, corrosion-protective finishing coat, safely and according to regulations.
  • Apply a protective layer: Apply a layer of protective solutions such as permethrine to protect the product from damage such as corrosion, fire or parasites, using a spray gun or paintbrush.
  • Remove rust from motor vehicles: Remove corrosion from surfaces of motor vehicle bodies.
  • Recognise signs of wood rot: Check whether a wood element shows signs of rot. Aurally inspect the wood by testing what sound it makes on impact. Check for visual signs of rot.
  • Set up temporary construction site infrastructure: Set up a variety of temporary infrastructure used on building sites. Put up fences and signs. Set up any construction trailers and make sure that these are connected to electricity lines and water supply. Establish supplies stores and garbage disposal in a sensible manner.
  • Inspect road signs: Inspect road signs for signs of corrosion, outdated information, nicks and dents, legilibility and reflectance. Decide on the course of action when problems are found.

ISCO group and title

3112 – Civil engineering technicians


References
  1. Bridge inspector – ESCO
  2. Bridge Inspector Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – Climb the Ladder
  3. Featured image: By Jim.henderson – Own work, CC0
Last updated on February 9, 2023