Presented by: Great Lakes Engineering Group

1 2016 michigan Bridge ConferencePresented by: Great Lakes Engineering Group2016 michigan Bridge ConferenceMichigan Department of TransportationMDOT Project ManagerRichard Kathrens, Lakes Engineering Group LLCP roject Manager/Qualified Team LeaderAmy Trahey, Engineer/Qualified Team LeaderEric Rickert, Collings, Currie, michigan Bridge ConferencePurpose of QA/QC ProjectIncrease consistency and accuracy of inspectionsHeighten awareness of National Bridge inspection Standards (NBIS) requirementsProvide a system of checks and balances on bridge inspectionsEnsure that written documentation exists in an acceptable structure2016 michigan Bridge ConferenceTimeline2004.

2 Changes to NBIS, new requirements for QA/QC2007: QA/QC reviews begin for all agencies in Michigan2015: Reviews ongoing, most bridge owners have participated in a QA or QC review2016: Heads up Superior Region2016 michigan Bridge ConferenceQA vs. QCQuality Control (QC)1 Procedures that are intended to maintain the quality of a bridge inspection and load rating at or above a specified level. Quality Assurance (QA)1 The use of sampling and other measures to ensure the adequacy of quality control procedures in order to verify or measure the quality level of the entire bridge inspection and load rating Vol. 69, No. 239, Part 650, Subpart C National Bridge inspection Standards2016 michigan Bridge ConferenceEach review consists of:Initial meeting with bridge owner and inspectorDiscussion of current quality control measuresFile review of a sample of bridgesField review of a sample of bridgesClose out meeting, recommendationsTotal Number of Bridges in InventoryFile ReviewField ReviewAll Inventory Sizes10% of Inventory5%, maximum of 5 Total Number of Bridges in InventoryFile ReviewField ReviewAll Inventory Sizes10% of Inventory5% of InventoryQuality Assurance ReviewQuality Control Review2016 michigan Bridge ConferenceQA Review performed when.

3 Quality Control is already being performedAll required components of the program includedMajor components of the program includedQC Review performed when:Agency is not performing adequate QCSome key program components neededMajor program components missing2016 michigan Bridge Conference2015 North Region50 agencies reviewed (25 local, 24 county, 1 region)50% of agencies received a QA review in 20152016 michigan Bridge ConferenceQuality Control and Personnel Qualifications2016 michigan Bridge ConferenceQuality Control Process2016 michigan Bridge ConferenceBridge File Components2016 michigan Bridge ConferenceBridge File Components2016 michigan Bridge ConferenceInspection Consistency with Established Criteria2016 michigan Bridge ConferenceUpward TrendsInspection timelinessUnderwater inspectionsLoad analysis on file with assumption and summary formsBridge file componentsInspection report qualityNot-So-Upward TrendsEffective QCFile/field review of inspection reportsSeparate files for each structure2016 michigan

4 Bridge ConferenceTimeliness, underwater inspection , load analysis2016 michigan Bridge ConferenceBridge file components2016 michigan Bridge ConferenceInspection report quality2016 michigan Bridge ConferenceEffective QC, file/field review, separate files2016 michigan Bridge ConferenceFile Review (Owner) Quality control planInspector credentialsDocumentation of file and field QC (see next slide)Separate file for each structureCurrent inspection reportLoad analysis with assumption and summary formsScour assessmentPlans, correspondence, maintenance records, photosField Review (Inspector)Ratings in alignment with MDOT NBI Rating GuidelinesComments consistent with ratingsLevel of comments increase as ratings decreaseInspection frequency modified appropriatelyReport Critical Findings with RFA sRequest Detailed inspection , Load Ratings, Underwater Inspections as needed*Refer to michigan structure inspection manual (MiSIM) Chapter 2 Quality Assurance and Quality Control 2016 michigan Bridge ConferenceCreate method to track quality control activitiesEnsure revisions are made based on QC checksProvide to bridge owner for files2016 michigan Bridge ConferenceRefer to michigan structure inspection manual (MiSIM)

5 Chapter 2 Quality Assurance and Quality Control OwnerHave inspector s quality control plan and credentials on file. Need credentials for everyone associated with inspection . Document all QC activity!Maintain separate file for each bridge that contains all relevant dataPerform random QA checks to ensure files are accurate and completeInspectorCreate method to track quality control activities and provide documentation for ownerPerform 5% file and field reviews annually for each inspectorComplete continuing education to maintain QTL status (24 hours every 5 years)2016 michigan Bridge Conference??