HomeMy WebLinkAbout3557; Carlsbad Blvd Las Encinas Creek & Bridge; Carlsbad Blvd Las Encinas Creek & Bridge; 2009-03-18Bridge Inspection Report
For
City of Carlsbad
Picture taken on 3/17/2009
March 18, 2009
Mr. John Cahill
City ofCarlsbad
Department of Public Works
Municipal Projects Manager
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carisbad, CA 92008
SUBJECT: VISUAL INSPECTION (2"'* of 4)
Carlsbad Boulevard Bridge over Las Encinas Creek
Bridge No. 57C-0214
City of Carlsbad, California
Mr. Cahill:
In accordance with our Agreement, Nolte performed the second visual inspection of the subject
bridge. The actual inspection took place on March 17, 2009. Our observations and comments
follow.
Figure 1
This report and all subsequent reports to follow will highlight the condition of the stmcture and
any major changes that may have occurred since our last inspection. Any safety issues and/or
concems will be identified, and recommendations provided for corrective measures.
Current Condition of Structure:
Abutment Wingwalls- West Side
In the previous report, it was noted that the abutment wingwalls have lost a large amount of
concrete due to spalling which has exposed corroding reinforcement. There looks to be little
difference since the last inspection regarding corrosion to the wingwalls.
Northwest Abutment During
Inspection on 1/6/09
Northwest Abutment During
Inspection on 3/17/09
Concrete Railing - West Side
Being closest to the ocean side, this railing showed the most deterioration due to exposure to
corrosive environment. Since our last inspection, further spalling of the barrier concrete has
occurred.
Fallen Piece
West Barrier During
Inspection on 1/6/09
West Barrier During
Inspection on 3/17/09
Concrete Railing - East Side
As previously pointed out, the Eastem Barrier is in relatively better condition when compared to
the barrier along the Westem edge of the Bridge. During our last inspection (January 2009), we
found that this railing had sustained some noticeable damage along the top of the rail and at a
few of the vertical posts. Some of this damage appeared to be the result of vandalism as some
reinforcement had been pulled and distorted from its original position in the rail. It was noticed
that the exposed, distorted reinforcement was removed per our previous recommendations.
Distorted Rebar removed
East Barrier During
Inspection on 1/6/09
East Barrier During
Inspection on 3/17/09
Distorted Rebar removed
East Barrier During
Inspection on 1/6/09
East Barrier During
Inspection on 3/17/09
Girders
The girders are identified in numerical order (1 thm 12) from West to East for clarity. During
our 2005 inspection, all of the girders were examined very closely. Due to the large amount of
water present undemeath the bridge during this inspection and the previous one, close
examination of girders 5 thm 12 was not possible. The notes from the inspected girders are
listed below:
Girder* 1 ~ During our last inspection we noted a large 5-foot long section, 6.5' from the
south abutment face, where the concrete had spalled off The spalled off section
of concrete has increased in length by about a foot since the last inspection.
Girder 1 During Inspection on 1/6/09
Girder 1 During Inspection on 3/17/09
Girder # 2 ~ The bottom cover of this girder is almost completely gone, exposing the
reinforcement 7' from the south abutment face all the way to the north abutment.
An additional 6" of concrete cover has fallen off since our last inspection. The
concrete cover on the east face still appears to be in very good condition since our
last inspection.
I
Girder 2 During
Inspection on 1/6/09
Girder 2 During
Inspection on 3/17/09
Concrete cover on
east face of girder
Girder 2 During
Inspection on 3/17/09
Girder # 3 ~ Exposed, corroding reinforcement, and evidence of concrete patchwork are still
present at this girder. The bottom concrete cover continues to deteriorate and will
most likely spall off in time.
Girder 3 During
Inspection on 1/6/09
Girder 3 During
Inspection on 3/17/09
Girder # 4 ~ The west face cover of the girder has spalled off in several locations exposing
more of the severely corroded reinforcing bars. The most severe is a 9.5' long
spall near the south abutment face. The west face of the girder continues to spall.
It was also observed that parts of the east face cover concrete look to be ready to
fall from the girder at any time.
Girder 4 During
Inspection on 1/6/09
Girder 4 During
Inspection on 3/17/09
Girder 4 During
Inspection on 3/17/09
Incipient spall
Girders #5-11 - all visible faces of the girders still appear to be in fairly good condition.
Girder # 12 ~ the East face of girder 12 still appears to be in relatively good condition.
Girder 12 and East Barrier During
Inspection on 1/6/09
Girder 12 and East Barrier During
Inspection on 3/17/09
Deck Surface
The new Asphalt Concrete surfacing that had been installed a few months ago is still in very
good condition. Unfortunately the concrete bridge deck could not be inspected for stmctural
damage.
Bridge Deck During
Inspection on 1/6/09
Bridge Deck During
Inspection on 3/17/09
Summary
The corrosion of the reinforcing bars on this bridge continues to progress. The west side of the
bridge is still the part of the stmcture that is of primary concem. Although the eastem barrier has
sustained some damage/corrosion, the eastem portion of the bridge appears to be in fairly good
condition when compared to the west side.
Girders 1 through 4 from the west side are in the worst condition, and continue to degrade. Most
of the concrete cover on these 4 girders has spalled off. Additionally, during the previous
inspection, the concrete sounded hollow in many locations along these girders when sounding
tests were performed. This is evidence that the concrete has lost its integrity in several locations,
which leads us to believe that the concrete cover will continue to spall off as time goes by.
During future inspections, we will continue to document additional degradation of the bridge to
ensure that the stmctural integrity of the bridge is not compromised.
Should you have any questions conceming this letter, please feel free to contact me at (858) 385-
2128.
Sincerely,
Nolte Associates, Inc.
Jyack Abcarius, P.E.
ngineering Manager