The Bridge Analysis Workflow

When preparing permit documentation that involves bridges, RoadScope provides a structured workflow for cross-referencing your field measurements with NBI records.

Step 1: Auto-Population

When you create a route, NBI bridges are automatically added as POIs. Review the auto-populated bridges against your field survey — confirm that all physical bridges on the route are represented.

Step 2: Field Measurement Reconciliation

For each NBI bridge POI, compare the NBI clearance value against your field measurement:

• **Match** — Your measurement confirms the NBI value. Note this explicitly in the POI.
• **Field lower** — Your measurement is more restrictive. Use your field value for load analysis — it is the current condition.
• **NBI lower** — The NBI value is more restrictive. Investigate — the bridge may have been raised, or the NBI record may be outdated.

Step 3: Load Analysis

With field measurements reconciled, run the load analysis against your load envelope. RoadScope flags any bridge where the clearance or weight rating may be insufficient for the proposed move.

Step 4: Documentation

The Full Report includes a bridge summary table with NBI record number, field measurement, reconciliation status, and any notes. This is the format most permit offices require.

Weight Rating Documentation

For heavy loads that approach weight limits, document the NBI Operating and Inventory ratings alongside any engineering letters or special permits obtained for the route.