Bridge Inspection Certification Exam

Bridge Inspection Certification Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

Q1. What is the primary objective of a routine bridge inspection?

• To determine future traffic needs
• To update design plans
• Evaluate the structural and functional condition
• Identify construction errors
• Evaluate the structural and functional condition

Rationale: Routine inspections focus on current condition and safety, not

design or traffic planning.Q2. Which federal regulation governs bridge inspection standards in the

U.S.? 1 / 4

A. AASHTO R17

B. ASCE 7

C. ISO 9001

D. FHWA NBIS

D. FHWA NBIS

Rationale: The National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) regulate all

U.S. bridge inspection requirements.Q3. The smallest unit of a bridge that can be assigned a condition rating is

the:

• Structure
• Component
• Element
• Material
• Element

Rationale: Elements represent the smallest rateable items under element-

level inspection systems.Q4. Which type of inspection is performed at intervals not exceeding 24 months?

• Damage inspection
• Fracture critical inspection
• Routine inspection
• Underwater inspection 2 / 4

• Routine inspection

Rationale: NBIS requires routine inspections every 24 months.

Q5. A fracture-critical member is defined as one whose failure would result

in:

• Minor repairs
• Financial burden
• Total or partial bridge collapse
• Dynamic instability only
• Total or partial bridge collapse

Rationale: FCMs lack redundancy; failure can lead to collapse.

Q6. Chloride intrusion primarily affects which bridge component?

• Bearings
• Steel trusses
• Concrete decks
• Expansion joints
• Concrete decks

Rationale: Chlorides penetrate concrete and accelerate reinforcement

corrosion.Q7. What inspection tool measures the thickness of steel components nondestructively?

• Crack comparator
• Rebound hammer 3 / 4

• Ultrasonic tester
• Moisture meter
• Ultrasonic tester

Rationale: Ultrasonic devices measure steel thickness and detect internal

flaws.

Q8. A common sign of advanced rebar corrosion in concrete is:

• Spalling
• Delamination
• Map cracking
• Bleeding
• Spalling

Rationale: Corrosion products expand, causing concrete to break off (spall).

Q9. Which condition rating represents “serious condition” under NBIS?

• 3
• 6
• 9
• 0
• 3

Rationale: Rating 3 indicates serious deterioration requiring attention.

Q10. A bridge scour inspection focuses primarily on:

• Deck cracking
• Foundation stability
• / 4