Inspection techniques of a bridge expert based in Karlsruhe
Germany's Bridge Inspection Expert Detects Animal Life in Pfinztal Bridge
In the picturesque town of Remchingen, located in the Enz district, a routine bridge inspection took an unexpected turn. Martin Loeffel, a seasoned bridge inspector from Karlsruhe, discovered traces of small animals in the pipes of the Pfinztal Bridge, a structure that went into operation less than a decade ago.
With over 20 years of experience, Loeffel is no stranger to the region's bridges. Utilising minimal equipment, including a crack measuring card, feeler gauge, and chalk for marking cracks, he meticulously inspects each structure for safety.
The Pfinztal Bridge, like many others in Germany, must undergo inspections every three years, with small and large inspections alternating. This rigorous schedule is a cornerstone of Germany's infrastructure safety policy, as outlined by the DIN 1076, a German industrial standard that governs the inspection, maintenance, and monitoring of bridges.
The DIN 1076, often referred to as the "Bible of the structural engineering inspector," specifies the inspection requirements for bridges in Germany. It establishes detailed guidelines for periodic bridge inspections, enables risk-based scheduling, and aims to detect structural issues early, thereby improving the safety and longevity of bridges.
During a recent inspection under the Pfinztal Bridge, Loeffel listened to the sound of the concrete to detect any defects. A hollow sound can indicate a defect such as a void, spall, or the beginning of a spall. However, on this occasion, Loeffel's primary concern was not structural integrity but the presence of various animal species, such as martens, dormice, pigeons, or bats, found in the bridge boxes.
While the bridge's relatively young age means it is too new to exhibit significant defects, it is not immune to other threats. Salt penetrates into bridges through water or car spray in winter and causes strong corrosion, especially damaging the steel of the bridge. This corrosion is a significant cause of damage to bridges, particularly highway bridges like the Pfinztal Bridge.
Despite the discovery of animal life, the short tour under the Pfinztal Bridge revealed no suspicious spots. However, this finding is not surprising given the bridge's young age. The Baden-Württemberg State Road Authority reports a high need for bridge renovation, with a large number of bridges requiring modernization.
In conclusion, the DIN 1076 plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and structural integrity of Germany's bridges. Its rigorous inspection regime, which includes both routine and risk-based inspections, helps maintain the country's critical transport infrastructure in top condition. Meanwhile, Loeffel continues his work, ensuring the safety of bridges while also serving as an unintentional wildlife protector.
[1] DIN 1076, "Inspection, Maintenance, and Monitoring of Bridges," German Institute for Standardization (DIN), 2012. [4] Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, "Bridge Inspection Manual," Germany, 2015.
In the realm of technology, Martin Loeffel's work as a bridge inspector is aided by minimal gadgets designed for precision, such as crack measuring cards and feeler gauges. As smart-home-devices increasingly dominate daily life, one might imagine these tools could be replaced by a high-tech solution in the future.
Considering the rigorous DIN 1076 standards that govern bridge inspections, the integration of advanced technology could improve efficiency and precision, potentially altering the landscape of bridge maintenance and inspection.
