Citation

Herbst J, Ruiz R, Lorick H. APWA Reporter 2007; 74(9): 42-46.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, American Public Works Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article describes how bridges require regular preventive maintenance to stay in ideal working condition and discusses how Alameda County in California and Pinellas County in Florida use a premeditated approach to ensure bridge safety. Bridge inspections must be carried out at least twice a year for all bridges with a span greater than 20 feet. Preventive maintenance lengthens the lifespan of the bridge, and includes crack filling and sealing, pothole filling, overlays, checking joints, and painting. Both counties use computerized maintenance management software, that they configure themselves. These programs maximize the efficiency of labor, and lead to better budgeting of funds.