SOLUTION

WJE engineers performed a visual inspection of each light and signal pole, which included a hands-on inspection of any pole-to-base plate welds, hand hole welds, break-away devices, anchor hardware, and the exposed portion of the foundation. The upper portion of each light pole and the lighting head assembly were visually inspected using binoculars. All signal pole mast arm connections were accessed using rope access techniques and/or a ladder and were visually inspected within arms-length. These access techniques served the travelling public by almost eliminating the need for traffic control. All cracks observed in steel structures were confirmed using magnetic particle inspection equipment. Accessible loose hardware was tightened.

In order to increase inspection and reporting efficiency, WJE developed tablet-based computer software to permit direct entry of all inventory and inspection data for each subject structure. The software was used to populate a database, which was backed-up in the cloud to prevent data loss in the case of equipment failure. This system allowed for simple transmission of inspection data to the client and eliminated the need for office staff to enter data from field notes. In addition, the project manager was able to use the software to track progress and inspection information on a dedicated website in real time.