As a subconsultant, SI Engineering, P.C. (SIE) provided bridge inspection services for the Biennial and Special Inspections of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge – Mainline and Ramps. Responsibilities included the 100% hands-on inspection of the fracture critical elements of the upper level including the orthotropic deck, floorbeam and stiffening trusses, sockets / suspender ropes, vertical posts, and towers, each of which was accessed by aerial lifts and structural climbing. The lower level inspection included the concrete deck, lower cord of the floorbeam truss, and associated framing such as stringers and subfloorbeams. Work also included humidity and temperature readings at each enclosure in both anchorages to gauge the functioning of the dehumidification system. Further responsibilities included the inspection of fracture critical members, welds in tension, section loss calculations for deteriorated steel members, load rating calculations, and repair detail designs. The inspection followed the latest NYSDOT BIM, which required documentation and photographs of conditions which were rated condition rating of CS-3 through CS-5, including any increase ratings from the previous inspection. The field note documentation included sketches, updating of the TBTA database as per AASHTO element level, and NYSDOT and TBTA requirements. SIE also assisted with the NYSDOT biennial report, BDIS update, and TBTA narrative reports with miscellaneous reports including the paint, wearing surface, and red and yellow zone reports.
