Primer for the Inspection and Strength Evaluation of Suspension Bridge Cables

1.0 INTRODUCTION The intent of this Primer is to supplement NCHRP Report 534, Guidelines for Inspection and Strength Evaluation of Suspension Bridge Parallel Wire Cables (Mayrbaurl and Camo 2004) [1]

, and FHWA Report No. FHWA-PD-96-001, titled Recording and Coding Guide for the Structure Inventory and Appraisal of the Nation’s Bridges [2]. This primer will serve as an initial resource for those involved in the inspection, metallurgical testing, and strength evaluation of suspension bridge cables in addition to providing necessary documentation for recording performed inspections, testing, and strength evaluations. Furthermore, this document is intended to provide field inspectors, technicians, and/or engineers with the necessary forms and information they need to perform an inspection.





1.1 DOCUMENTS The Guidelines for Inspection and Strength Evaluation of Suspension Bridge Parallel Wire Cables, herein referred to as NCHRP Report 534, is an in-depth resource that can be used for assessing cable integrity through inspection, metallurgical testing, and strength evaluation. The Report also provides a method of standardization for the process of evaluating a cable that has been in service for an extended period of time. This Primer will highlight the critical aspects of cable inspection, laboratory testing, strength evaluation, and documentation of the entire process. Much of the information provided in this Primer is taken directly from the Report. However, for a more detailed treatment of the subjects contained in this Primer as well as additional topics, the reader is encouraged to review NCHRP Report 534. The Recording and Coding Guide for the Structure Inventory and Appraisal of the Nation’s Bridges provides detailed guidance in evaluating and coding specific bridge data that comprise the National Bridge Inventory database. This guide was developed for use by the states, federal and other agencies so as to have a complete and thorough inventory of the nation’s bridges.


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