Long-Term Bridge Performance (LTBP) Program Protocols, Version 1

Chapter 4. LTBP Program Protocol Content

PROTOCOL SECTIONS

Each of the LTBP Program protocols is organized into the following sections to provide information related to the data collection method being described:

Data Collected: Includes the bridge characteristic, condition, or defect about which data are to be collected, if applicable.

Onsite Equipment and Personnel Requirements: Lists equipment to be used in the data collection. The requirements also include references to safety and personnel qualification requirements.

Methodology: Describes how tests are to be conducted for the purposes of the LTBP Program, with references to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and/or the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications, as appropriate. The methodology also gives a detailed description of how to take measurements of defects.

Data Collection Table: Guides what data and how the data have to be reported, with a key defining fields and colors. See Row Color Key for further details.

Criteria for Data Validation: Provides methods for determining if the data being collected are valid; this can vary based on the type of data being collected and the method of data collection.

Commentary/Background: Includes the following, as appropriate:

• A brief discussion of the purpose of the protocol.
• A brief description of the process leading to the condition being evaluated.
• The principle behind the data collection.
• Supplementary notes explaining the data collection process.
• Definitions of some terms or processes.
• Other general notes.

References: Refers to certain overarching protocols to keep data collection consistent and may also include references to external sources, such as AASHTO, ASTM, or FHWA standards.

Unless it is necessary for LTBP Program research purposes, the protocols for visual, hands-on evaluation of bridge elements are consistent with the bridge inspection guidance in the latest version of FHWA’s Bridge Inspector Reference Manual (BIRM) dated 2012. Unless otherwise defined in the text of the protocols, the bridge terminology used in the LTBP Program protocols for visual inspection is consistent with the definitions in the glossary to BIRM 2012.

TYPICAL LTBP PROGRAM PROTOCOL DATA COLLECTION TABLE

Each LTBP Program protocol contains a table describing the manner in which data are to be collected. Table 1 illustrates the format of the LTBP Program data collection tables. Table 2 defines the types of information contained in each column and the colors of each row.

Table 1. Sample LTBP Program Protocol Data Collection Table.

Table 2. LTBP Program Protocol Data Collection Table Key.

In table 1, the green items serve to identify the bridge being evaluated, the protocol being followed, the person(s) conducting the tests and collecting the data, and the date of the evaluation (or data collection). The items shaded in blue provide information on the element of the bridge where the test is being performed and/or the distinct defect being measured and recorded. The items shaded in yellow are the data items being collected for each element/defect listed. During a typical assessment, on a bridge with multiples of the same element (such as a bridge with six girders), data items in yellow will be recorded in sequence and then the sequence repeated for each individual element or distinct defect until all elements have been evaluated under the relevant protocol. The orange row provides space for any relevant comments the researchers deem necessary to support the data being collected.

DATA IMPORT

While each research team investigating LTBP Program bridges may use different tools to collect the data (such as collecting the data manually or via computer), all teams must provide data for import to the LTBP Program Bridge Portal in an identical format.