What is an emergency inspection, and when is it typically triggered?

• A. A Routine Inspection Scheduled Annually.
• B. An Inspection Triggered By A Major Structural Failure.
• C. An Inspection Conducted Only After A Bridge Has Failed.
• D. An Unscheduled Inspection Prompted By Events Such As Storms, Floods, Or Earthquakes.

Answer: (D)

An emergency inspection is a rapid, unscheduled check of a bridge prompted by events that could affect safety. It’s triggered by incidents like storms, floods, or earthquakes (and the resulting debris, scour, or damage) and is conducted as soon as possible to determine whether the bridge is safe to use, whether it needs temporary closure or load restrictions, and what repairs are required. This differs from routine inspections, which are planned and scheduled in advance, and from post-failure investigations, which occur after a collapse or major failure.