Bridge Inspection Services

Volkert, Inc.’s bridge inspection teams offer more than the “routine” inspection.  Volkert provides full service using innovative solutions, even when unusual situations occur, whether underwater or hundreds of feet above traffic.

By mandate of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) all bridges that are 20 feet or longer must be inspected every two years to maintain safe and functional structures for the traveling public.  Bridge Owners are required to maintain records on the condition of the bridges as assessed during the inspection. 

Volkert provides a full range of bridge inspection, scour analysis, and load rating services. Our highly trained and experienced staff includes bridge inspection project managers, structural and hydraulic engineers, certified bridge inspectors, certified underwater inspectors, computer programmers, and support staff.  Much of Volkert’s success in bridge inspection can be attributed to quality.  From the planning to the inspection to the preparation of the final report, Volkert’s proven Quality Control and Quality Assurance program closely supervises each step. Volkert has participated in numerous cycles of bridge inspection and scour programs throughout the country.  Volkert has provided inspection and load rating services on all types of structures, including high-rise interstate bridges, truss structures, railroad structures, bascule bridges, concrete culverts, timber bridges, and tunnels.

During natural disasters such as hurricanes Ivan and Katrina, Volkert’s staff has responded quickly to ascertain damage and design repairs to key bridges in our country’s infrastructure.  Our tested Emergency Response Procedures ensure that our inspector can begin inspections as soon as a storm passes or when conditions are safe enough to proceed.  During tropical storm events, our teams begin preparations days before landfall and are in constant contact with the office using satellite phones while providing full service inspections

Bridge inspection quality and efficiency can be improved dramatically with the use of user-friendly bridge inspection software programs.  Volkert’s innovative approach to providing bridge inspection services includes the ability to customize a software program to meet our clients' needs.  Our easy-to-use software, used in conjunction with hand-held hardware, and laptop computers allows the use of database storage of current and historical data, allows field personnel to append historical data with current information, minimizes human errors by using computer-aided decision making, and increases manpower efficiency.

Volkert's Bridge Inspection Services include:

• Structural inspection, including underwater inspection
• Bridge damage assessment
• Bridge load rating
• Fracture-critical member study, inspection, and report
• Bridge inspection software programming