UFC 4-150-07
19 June 2001
5-5
INSPECTION OF CONCRETE STRUCTURES
5-5.1
Scoping the Problem. Concrete damage appears in the following
forms:
Corroded rebar
Alkali-silica reaction
Freeze/thaw deterioration
Abrasion wear
Chemical deterioration from saltwater
Overloading deterioration
Shrinkage
These forms of damage are described in detail in Chapter 3. As with
timber structures, concrete damage is found by walking the pier deck, inspecting
below the pier deck in a small boat or barge, and underwater inspections.
The primary method of inspecting concrete is visual observation and
sounding with a hammer. Only after problems are detected should other
inspection methods be used. These other methods may include chipping away
loose concrete to reveal the steel, coring, or Schmidt hammer.
5-5.2
Surface Inspections. Use Figure 5-12 "Concrete Structures and
Attachments (Above Water) Checklist" to do a thorough inspection of all concrete
structures and their attachments above water. Include annual load testing of the
pier decking if heavy equipment or vehicles are to be driven onto the pier.
Sampling equipment and inspection data to be compiled are given in Table 5-5.
Areas where the inspector should be particularly watchful for signs of
deterioration, include:
Inside corners and areas where radical changes occur in size of
deck sections, curbs, and bollards.
Construction joints.
Poorly designed scuppers, drips, and curb slots, and other areas
where inadequate drainage exists.
Joints between the deck and pile cap, expansion joints where
insufficient gap is allowed, and rigid joints between precast piles
and cast-in-place pile caps.
5-23
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