Minnesota Department of

Transportation
Bridge Inspection QC and QA Program
A) Purpose of Quality Control/Quality Assurance Program and Associated Policy
Documents
1) Purpose and benefits
a) Purpose In order to maintain accuracy and consistency of bridge inspections and
bridge inspection reporting and evaluate program effectiveness, uniformity, and
compliance with federal and state rules relating to bridge inspections, it is necessary
to implement appropriate quality control and quality assurance measures.
b) Benefits Accuracy and consistency of data is critical to public safety and
information obtained during inspections determines maintenance needs and the
allocation of resources.
2) Definitions
a) Quality Control (QC) Operational procedures that are necessary to properly
conduct and maintain the bridge inspection program.
b) Quality Assurance (QA) Development, documentation, and implementation of
policies and procedures to ensure that the bridge inspection program is meeting or
exceeding Federal, State, and Department standards.
c) Program Manager (PM) - At the highest level, the individual appointed by the
Department with statewide responsibility for bridge inspection, reporting, and
inventory. Currently this title is held by the Bridge Construction and Maintenance
Engineer, Mn/DOT Office of Bridge.
d) Program Administrator (PA) Delegated by the Program Manager, a certified
Professional Engineer appointed by an agency or jurisdiction to oversee the bridge
inspection program and have QC responsibilities as delegated by the PM.
Typically, the Program Administrator is the County Engineer, or the District Bridge
Engineer.
e) Bridge Inspection Team Leader (TL) Personnel certified by Mn/DOT to
conduct inspections of in-service bridges and culverts on the state, county and local
highway system throughout the state of Minnesota. A Mn/DOT certified Bridge
Inspection Team Leader must be present at the bridge site at all times during a
bridge inspection.
3) Bridge Inspection Manual/Technical Memorandums
a) Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) Bridge Inspection Manual
Version 1.7 April 2008:
www.dot.state.us/bridge/Manuals/Inspection/BridgeInspectionManual.pdf
b) Mn/DOT Technical Memorandum No. 04-08-B-01: Guidelines for Bridge
Inspection Frequency:
www.dot.state.mn.us/techsup/tmemo

c) Mn/DOT Technical Memorandum No. 08-01-B-01: Guidelines for In-Depth

Inspection of Fracture Critical Bridges, Special Inspections for Other Bridges, and
for Underwater Inspections
www.dot.state.mn.us/tecsup/tmemo
d) Mn/DOT Technical Memorandum No. 08-02-B-02:Critical Deficiencies Found
During Bridge Inspections:
www.dot.state.mn.us/techsup/tmemo
B) Quality Control (QC) Procedures
1) QC roles and responsibilities
The National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) requires all states to collect inspection
data and maintain an inventory of all public bridges. Mn/DOT typically inspects all state
owned bridges. Non-State owned bridges are inspected by the bridge owner. In the state of
Minnesota, inspection authority is delegated by the Program Manager to local agencies
under the title of Program Administrator. Responsibilities identified below are defined in
more detail in the following Mn/DOT Technical Memorandums: No. 08-01-B-01:
Guidelines for In-Depth Inspection of Fracture Critical Bridges, Special Inspections for
Other Bridges, and Underwater Inspections (including attachment Quality Assurance
Plan- Mn/DOT Fracture Critical and Special Inspection Program),
No. 08-02-B-02: Critical Deficiencies Found During Bridge Inspections.
a) Program Manager Responsibilities (*Items delegated to Program Administrator)
Review Inspection Plans *
o Equipment
Condition
Calibration and certification requirements
o Inspection Access
Review action plans*
Review Inspection Reports
Determine Program Administrator/Inspector Qualification Requirements
Program Administrator/Inspector Training and Certification
o Annual Refresher training seminars
Critical Findings review and follow-up
Statewide Inventory Data Reviews
o Accuracy of inspection reports
o Late inspections
o Critical Findings smart flag
o New ratings or postings requirements
o NBI Condition State 2 review
b) Program Administrator Responsibilities
Review and sign all routine bridge inspection reports.
Review in-depth inspection reports (fracture critical or underwater reports),
sign and return Acknowledgement Form provided with report to Mn/DOT.
Respond to recommendations made in reports.
Identify and follow up on necessary repair or rehabilitation identified from
the inspection.
Report Critical Findings to Mn/DOT Bridge Inspection Engineer.
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Review Condition Ratings for accuracy and changes from previous year.
Report changes in load ratings and inventory data to the Mn/DOT Bridge
Office
Maintain Inspector Qualifications
Submit annual certification of inspector qualifications (Local Agencies
Only)
Report and/or schedule necessary maintenance
Maintain bridge files
Report Bridge inspection date to Mn/DOT Bridge Office within 90 days for
TH bridges and within 180 days for non-TH bridges.
c) Team Leader Responsibilities
Note: A Mn/DOT certified Bridge Inspection Team Leader must be present at the
bridge site at all times during a bridge inspection.
Assure that inspection equipment and required inspection tools are available
during inspections.
Observe proper safety and traffic control procedures.
Accurately record and report field conditions in accordance with the
Mn/DOT Inspection Manual.
Use photos and sketches to document and quantify element conditions are
deficiencies.
Properly report Smart Flag conditions
Update plans and inventory data based on observations during inspections
Document deterioration of concrete, timber or steel elements for load rating
updates.
Document and report Critical Deficiencies as defined in Technical
Memorandum No. 08-02-B-02, Critical Deficiencies found during bridge
inspections.
2) Inspection Program Qualifications
Agencies, such as Mn/DOT Districts, Counties, Cities or other public or private entities
designated with inspection jurisdiction for one of more bridges must designate a
Program Administrator to oversee the inspection and inventory program.
a) Qualifications of a Program Administrator:
Be registered as a professional engineer (PE) in the state of Minnesota. and
Attend 2 one-day Bridge Inspection refresher seminars every 4 years
(conducted by the Mn/DOT Bridge Office).
b) Qualifications of Team Leader
Be a registered professional engineer in the state of Minnesota, successfully
complete a FHWA approved comprehensive bridge inspection training
course, and pass a filed proficiency test administered by the Mn/DOT
Bridge Office,
or
Have five years of bridge inspection experience, complete a FHWA
approved comprehensive bridge inspection training course, and pass a field
proficiency test administered by the Mn/DOT Bridge Office.
and

Attend 2 one-day Bridge Inspection refresher seminars every 4 years

(conducted by the Mn/DOT Bridge Office).
c) Qualifications of Assistant Bridge Inspector
While the FHWA and Mn/DOT have no minimum requirements for who
can assist in bridge inspections, Mn/DOT does encourage assistant bridge
inspectors to attend a 1-week NHI training course, Engineering Concepts for
Bridge Inspectors.
d) Qualifications of Fracture Critical Bridge Inspector
Fracture Critical Bridge Inspectors must meet the requirements listed above
for Team Leader
and
Have taken the NHI Course, Fracture Critical Inspection Techniques for
Steel Bridges
or
Experience and/or classes related to fracture critical inspections may be
substituted in lieu of class but at the discretion of the Program Manager.
3) Certification Process
Mn/DOTs Bridge Safety Inspection Certification Policy (2008) can be found at:
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/bridge/DocumentsFormsLinks/ByBridgeOffice/MnDOTBridge-Safety-Inspection-Certification-Policy.pdf
a) Certification
1. Bridge Inspection Team Leader A certification card will be sent to
Mn/DOT certified Team Leaders with a four year expiration date.
b) Appointments
1. Every bridge on the Mn/DOT Structure Inventory requires a
Program Administrator.
2. Program Administrator - To designate a Bridge Inspection Program
Administer, an appointment form must be submitted to the Mn/DOT
Bridge Office. The appointment form must be signed by an
appropriate supervising individual employed by the designating
agency.
c) Recertification
1. Bridge Inspection Team Leader Certification as a Team Leader
must be renewed every four years (recertification forms are mailed
out by Mn/DOT prior to expiration date). To maintain certification, a
Team Leader must meet the following two requirements:
Attend a minimum of two MN/DOT refresher seminars
during the four proceeding years (see Section 4.b).
Actively engage in bridge inspections during at least two of
the four proceeding years (must be verified by supervising
engineer).
d) Re-Appointments
1. Program Administrator Program Administrator appointments are
valid for four years (appointment forms are mailed out by Mn/DOT

prior to expiration date). To maintain appointment as a Program

Administrator the following two requirements must be meet:
Be registered as a professional engineer (PE) in the state
of Minnesota.
Attend a minimum of two MN/DOT refresher seminars
during the four proceeding years (see Section 4.b).
e) De-certification and Denial of Appointments
1. Bridge Inspection Team Leader - Mn/DOT certified Team Leaders
can be decertified by the Program Manager for continued poor
performance.
2. Program Administrator - The Program Administrator is an appointed
position. The Program Manger has the authority to deny appointment
or withdraw appointment of the Program Administrator.
3. The Program Manager can decertify a Team Leader or deny
appointment to a Program Administrator for the following, but not
limited to, reasons:
Continued lack of proper follow-up for critical findings,
critical scour, or other items that could adversely affect the
performance of the bridge or the safety of the public.
Failure to correct findings from Quality Assurance Agency
Audits.
Recurring miscoded critical items, such as structural
elements and smart flags.
Lack of follow-up for correcting load posting deficiencies.
Failure to attend refresher seminars at required intervals.
Failure to maintain registration as a Professional Engineer.
Failure to submit inspection data into inventory in a timely
manner.
Failure to follow or comply with any Mn/DOT, State, or
Federal policy, rules or law.
4) Tracking Process of Qualifications
Mn/DOT maintains a database identifying personnel who have bridge safety inspector
certification. Certification Information tracked by the Mn/DOT Bridge Office is as
follows:
Bridge Safety Inspector certification number, name, and address
Agency
Certification Level
Expiration date of certification
Years of experience
Test scores
Attendance of Bridge Safety Classes
Attendance of Inspection Refresher Seminars
5) Training and Refresher Seminars
Mn/DOT offers NHI Bridge Safety Inspection training course each year. These courses
are developed by the National Highway Institute (NHI), and are based upon the Bridge
Inspectors Reference Manual (BIRM). The Safety Inspections of In-Service Bridges

course meet the definition of a comprehensive training program in bridge inspection,

as defined in the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS).
a) NHI Classes
Engineering Concepts of Bridge Inspectors (1 week class)
Safety Inspections of In-Service Bridges (2 week class)
In addition the following courses are offered periodically by Mn/DOT through the NHI:
Fracture Critical Inspection Class Fracture Critical Inspection Techniques
for Steel Bridges (3.5 day class)
Bridge Inspection Refresher Training (3 day class)
Scour and Stream Stability (1 day class)
b) Refresher Training.
Both Team Leaders and Program Administrators must attend Refresher Training 2
times within a 4 year period to maintain certification. The one-day seminar conducted
annually by the MnDOT Bridge Office and offered at several locations throughout the
state is valid for this requirement. Topics covered in the seminar vary according to the
needs identified during the annual agency audits, additions or changes to Pontis
elements, and new areas of emphasis. Other trainings with topics associated with
bridge inspection and bridge maintenance may be submitted and considered to also
meet this requirement.
6) Document needs for specific types of inspections. MnDOT has documented guidelines
and procedures intended to maintain the accuracy and consistency of Fracture Critical,
Special, and Underwater bridge inspections. These procedures are detailed in
Technical Memorandums and the Bridge Inspection Manual.
a) Fracture Critical (FC) and Special Inspections
(1) Definitions
Fracture Critical - A bridge that is not load path redundant and has at least one
fracture critical member (FCM) or member component. FCMs or member
components are steel tension members or steel tension components of members
whose failure would be expected to result in collapse of the bridge.
Special Inspections A special inspection is intended to monitor a particular
known or suspected deficiency.
(2) Guidelines for FC and Special Inspections
The Bridge Office will evaluate all bridges that are not load path redundant to
determine if and where FCMs are present. Fracture critical inspections are
hands-on (within 2 feet) inspections of FCMs conducted using under-bridge
inspection units (snoopers), man-lifts, boats, ladders or other means necessary to
inspect all FCM. Special inspections will be conducted using the same
guidelines as FC inspections.
(3) MnDOT Responsibilities
Fracture critical inspections, on both the Trunk Highway and local system, are
the responsibility of the MnDOT Bridge Office. The Bridge Office will
delegate these inspections if requested by the Districts.

(4) Inspection Procedures and Reporting

Inspections will be conducted following appropriate MnDOT safety guideline
for both the employee and the general public. Detailed narrative reports
including sketches and photographs will be provided to the Bridge Office and
the District Bridge Engineer upon completion of the inspection.
b) Underwater Inspections
(1) Bridges requiring Underwater Inspections
Bridges that have members that cannot be visibly evaluated during periods of
low flow or examined by feel for condition, integrity and, load capacity due to
excessive water depth or turbidity.
(2) Inspection Frequency
Underwater bridge inspections are not to exceed 60 months in frequency.
(3) Contract Administration for Underwater Inspections
Underwater inspection contracts are administered by the MnDOT Bridge Office
on the Trunk Highway system and by the State Aid Office on the local system.
(4) Inspector Qualifications
Underwater inspections must be conducted under the direct supervision of either
a MnDOT certified Team Leader or have NBIS Team Leader qualifications.
The underwater inspector must be an experienced and accomplished diver.
c) Guidelines for Critical Deficiencies found during bridge inspections.
(1) Definitions
Critical Deficiency Any condition discovered during a scheduled bridge
inspection that threatens public safety and, if not promptly corrected, could
result in collapse or partial collapse of a bridge.
(2) Critical Deficiency Process
MnDOT Technical Memorandum No:08-02-B02, Critical Deficiencies found
during bridge inspections outlines and describes the procedures and steps to take
if a critical deficiency is found during a bridge inspections. These guidelines
include the following:
Responsibility of the Bridge Inspector
Responsibility of the Engineer with Reporting Jurisdiction
Responsibility of the MnDOT Bridge Inspection Engineer
d) Guidelines for Inspection Frequency
(1) Guidelines for 24 month inspection interval
MnDOT Request Form
(2) Frequency for all newly constructed bridges
(3) Frequency for FC bridges The MnDOT Bridge Office determines the
frequency of fracture critical inspections. The frequency of inspection is based
upon the criticality and condition of the FC member (Intervals not to exceed 24
months).
7) Procedures for reviewing current inspection reports, bridge files, and load ratings.
a) Inspection reports
(1) State owned bridges
MnDOT Team Leaders review Structure Inventory Report for accuracy
during inspections.
Each inspection report is reviewed and signed by Program Administrator.

Program Administrator utilizes Bridge Maintenance Scheduling and

Completion spreadsheet to track maintenance activities and schedule any
necessary repairs.
Program Administrator will discuss with Inspector items recommended in
inspections report for investigation or repair that were deemed by the
Program Administrator not to require immediate action or will be monitored
in future inspections.
(2) Non-state owned bridges
Agency Team Leader or Program Administrator review Structure Inventory
Reports for accuracy.
Each Inspection report is reviewed and signed by Program Administrator
(3) Fracture Critical Bridges
Fracture Critical inspections, on both the TH and Local System, are the
responsibility of the MnDOT Bridge Office.
7-Day Preliminary Inspection Summary - Submitted by the Inspection Team
Leader to the bridge owner within 7-days of the date of inspection. Purpose
of report is to identify deficiencies that may require immediate action before
In-Depth Report is written and reviewed and to provide NBI and Element
coding for input of routine inspection data within required data entry time
limits. Report is reviewed by Bridge Evaluation Unit for condition
evaluation, clarity, and thoroughness.
Fracture Critical Inspection Draft Reports are completed within 5 months of
the date of the physical inspection.
Report writer addresses comments identified by review process and submits
the Final Report within 14 days of receiving review comments. Final Report
is sent to Bridge owner within 6 months of the date of inspection.
Structural Evaluation The Bridge Evaluation Unit will conduct a structural
evaluation of the bridge based on the In-Depth Inspection Report within
14 days of receiving a draft report. A Structural Evaluation is sent, with the
In-Depth Final Inspection Report, to the bridge owner and the owner must
acknowledge receipt of report and concur or disagree with the evaluation
and recommendations. The In-Depth Final Inspection Report and
Structural Evaluation will be sent out within 30 days of Bridge Evaluation
receiving the draft report.
The purposes of the Structural Evaluation are the following:
a. Verify critical findings have been addressed.
b. Determine if repair or rehabilitation is recommended or needed.
c. Determine if the structure is functioning as designed.
d. Determine if load rating should be re-evaluated.
e. Identify items to schedule for repair.
Fracture Critical Inspections Reports are reviewed for content by the Bridge
Inspection Engineer.
The Bridge Inspection Engineer will discuss with Inspector items
recommended in inspection report for investigation or repair that the
Structural Evaluation process and Bridge Inspection Engineer determined
did not require action or will be monitored in future inspections.

b) Bridge files
(1) The AASHTO Manual for Condition Evaluation of Bridges recommends that
bridge owners should maintain a complete, accurate, and current record of each
bridge under their jurisdiction.
(2) At a minimum, a bridge file should include a chronological record of Inventory
and Appraisal sheets, inspections performed, including Special, Underwater,
and Fracture Critical Reports, bridge load rating and posting records,
photographs, and bridge related correspondence.
(3) As part of agency QA reviews, MnDOT reviews bridge files for the following:
Copy of AASHTO Manual for Condition Evaluation of Bridges
Signed inspections
Inspection Reports from past years
Structure Inventory Reports
Bridge related correspondence
Bridge maintenance and repair records
Bridge load rating summary
Recent photographs (roadway and elevation views)
c) Load Ratings
1. MnDOT rates bridges on TH system.
Bridges are rated within 90 days of opening.
MnDOT or the appointed consultant performs initial load rating during
design. Virtis is the Software Program is used to perform rating if possible.
For non-supported bridge types, the Designer must complete load rating as
described in Section 4 of the MnDOT LRFD Bridge Design Manual.
MnDOT ratings are prepared by Registered Professional Engineers.
When MnDOT contracts out re-ratings, it requires ratings be signed by a
registered professional engineer, and checked by a second engineer.
2. Counties, cities, other agencies rate their own bridges.
As part of the agency audits, agencies are required to submit load ratings for
bridges missing rating dates.
For bridges with superstructure NBI rating of 4 or less, MnDOT reviews
date of last rating and recommends a new rating be considered if a
significant change (increase in dead or live load or as determined by the
engineer) in condition.
For NBI condition 3 or less (superstructure, substructure, or deck) MnDOT
recommends a new rating be made by a specific date.
3. Load Posting
Structural evaluation due to condition change.
Unregulated legal loads
Unrestricted permit loads (such as timber haulers up to 98 kips).

C) Quality Assurance (QA) Procedures

1) QA Roles and Responsibilities
a) FHWA The FHWA conducts an annual review of the bridge inspection program
in the state of Minnesota. The purpose of the review is to evaluate the policies,
procedures, and operating practices to fulfill requirements of the National Bridge
Inspection Standards (NBIS).
b) MnDOT The Bridge Office conducts Annual Audits on Counties/Cities/Districts
to evaluate their inspection program. The audit reviews inspection procedures,
inspector qualifications, inspection files, field inspections, and other relevant
information.
2) Procedures for conducting office and field QA reviews
a) The FWHA submits an Annual Bridge Inspection Standard Review to MnDOT.
The purpose of the review is to determine statewide compliance with the NBIS. The
report includes recommendations for improvements to the program.
b) The MnDOT Bridge Office prepares and submits a report and questionnaire to the
agencies identified for audit with determination of compliance and
recommendations.
c) As part of agency review, MnDOT will review the following items:
Inspection plans
Inventory review
Quality and completeness of inspection reports
Bridge files
Scour monitoring plan
Field review of condition ratings
Bridge posting and rating data
Qualifications of inspectors (The Bridge Safety Inspection Unit maintains a
database identifying personnel meeting requirements for certification)
d) At review meetings, MnDOT districts and agencies are evaluated and given
feedback in the following areas:
Inspector Roster (Inspectors meeting or not meeting qualifications)
Bridge Roster and Inspection Frequency Numbers
Inspection Team/Equipment/Inventory Reports
Critical Findings
Critical Bridge Report
Fracture Critical Bridges
Pinned Assemblies
Underwater Inspections
Load Posting Report and Signage
Scour List Review
Bridge Files
Review of Inspection Reports
Review frequency parameters
e) Review Frequency
All MnDOT Districts and local agencies are evaluated at least once every 5
years

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f) Field Reviews
Typically MnDOT performs 8-12 field reviews of local agency programs
and bridges annually from the inventory of local agencies or districts audited
that year.
g) MnDOT reviews Structure Inventory Reports and Pontis Reports to determine
bridges for field reviews. The following items are taken into consideration when
choosing bridges to review:
(1) Whether bridge is or is not posted
(2) Bridge deficiency status
(3) Bridge type (e.g. Steel girder, timber slab, precast channel girder)
(4) Whether the bridge has critical findings and the status of any follow-up action.
(5) Bridges with unusual changes in condition ratings (e.g. more than 1 appraisal
rating change from previous inspection).
(6) Bridge that requires special inspections (underwater, FC, other, special).
(7) Location of bridge.

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