Which of the following is true about Routine Inspection?

• A. It is an unscheduled evaluation.
• B. It determines physical and functional condition on a regulatory schedule.
• C. It only checks cosmetic aspects.
• D. It is performed only after accidents.

Answer: (B)

Routine inspection is a planned, regulatorily scheduled assessment of a bridge to determine its physical condition and how it functions. Inspectors look at structural elements and components to identify maintenance needs, safety issues, and decisions about load capacity and repairs. Because it’s carried out on a regulatory schedule—often every two years—it isn’t an ad hoc or after-the-fact process. It goes beyond cosmetics and focuses on essential structural and functional aspects, not just appearance. It’s also distinct from inspections done only after accidents, which are special or incident inspections. So, describing routine inspection as being conducted on a regulatory schedule and evaluating physical and functional condition captures its purpose and process.