Inspection of 30 State Fracture Critical Member Bridges

Arora was first selected to inspect the “Fracture Critical Members” for 30 State bridges in 2005.  This work consisted of the “Hands-on” inspection of welds and connections for these members.  Non-destructive testing was conducted on the welds, including Magnetic Particle and Dye Penetrant.  Pin and Hanger assemblies were also inspected Hands-on; this included Ultrasonic Testing of the pins to determine if any internal flaws might be present.

Many of the bridges contained Welded Steel box Cross-Girders.  Access to these box girders required the use of Confined Space Entry procedures and training.  Air Monitoring was conducted by certified subcontractors to determine if any hazardous gases or vapors were present, and to ensure the presence of adequate oxygen within the confined space.

To access many of these bridges hands-on, Arora field personnel used UB-30 and UB-60 underbridge access vehicles, Hi-Rail bucket trucks and standard bucket trucks.  Coordination was required over Railroads consisting of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, NJ Transit, Conrail and Norfolk Southern.  Each of these agencies required Right of Entry permits, safety training and flagmen.  For NJ Transit and the light rail, de-energizing of the catenary lines was required.

In 2007, in response to the I-35 Minnesota Bridge collapse, the NJDOT modified Arora’s contract to add an additional emergency inspection cycle of 29 Welded Steel Box Girders.  Due to the urgent nature of this special inspection, Arora was directed to bring on three additional subconsultants to its team so that the bridge FCM members could be inspected and reported on within a highly accelerated schedule.

Both of these cycles of FCM inspection generated a number of Priority Repairs that NJDOT was able to make to ensure the continued structural integrity of these critical members.