The Bridge Maintenance Training Reference Manual was developed to serve as part of a Federal Highway Administration training course. The objectives of the training are to 1) provide instructions in bridge maintenance and repair procedures, 2) provide an overview of general management techniques useful to a bridge maintenance supervisor or technician, 3) improve work-site safety, and 4) acquaint bridge maintenance personnel with the purpose and function of bridge management systems. The present course is based on Chapters I (Introduction), IV (Bridge Maintenance Concepts), and V (Bridge Maintenance Management) of the manual, and provides an introduction to and discussion of general concepts of bridge maintenance, and also how to manage bridge maintenance.

Topics: Definition of bridge maintenance Objectives of bridge maintenance Importance of location of bridge maintenance group within a DOT organization Levels of bridge maintenance Common preventive maintenance tasks Importance of preventive maintenance Asset management vs. maintenance management Long-range planning/scheduling Short-term scheduling procedures Job execution Manpower, equipment, and materials Report requirements Reporting procedures Contracts: lump sum, unit price, cost reimbursement, and negotiated Cost comparison – contracting vs. in-house Quality control at the worksite Technical site review Traffic control site review Tools and equipment use site review Rigging and climbing site review Budget and schedule monitoring Methods of quality insurance. 

Intended Audience: primarily for civil, construction, and structural engineers, and would be of particular interest to consulting engineers or to engineers serving in government organizations concerned with the maintenance of bridges. 

Publication Source: US DOT (Federal Highway Administration)