Bridge Inspection

Lin Associates has been inspecting and assessing the safety of in-service bridges throughout Massachusetts and surrounding states for over 30 years.  Our engineers are experienced in visual and tactile inspection of pedestrian, roadway, highway, and railroad bridges owned by MassDOT, MBTA or Non-NBI Structures owned by local and private clients.

For bridge inspections, including Routine and Fracture Critical Member inspections of bridge structures of varying size, type and complexity, our inspectors employ multiple means of access and perform inspections in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation.  Adhering to established FHWA and State guidelines and stringent QA/QC procedures, Lin inspection reports identify areas of distress as well as provide bridge owners with the data and recommendations critical to planning both routine bridge maintenance and immediate repairs, while facilitating any long-term planning for rehabilitation or replacement.

Bridge Rating

Lin Associates also performs load capacity ratings of both new and existing bridges. These ratings are based on the allowable stress rating (ASR), load factor rating (LFR) or Load and Resistance Factor Rating (LRFR) methods depending on the needs of our clients.

We use the data gathered from existing bridge inspection reports in combination with our own field verification to prepare load rating analysis reports that compare standard truck/railroad loads and safe live load capacity of bridge structures in their current condition, considering deterioration and damage in accordance with the provisions of the latest AASHTO Manual and Specifications, MassDOT LRFD Bridge Manual, AREMA, and MBTA Guidelines.