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Bridge Load Rating Report Template

Document the load-carrying capacity of a bridge with this load rating report template. Record rating results for different vehicle types, safe load capacity, and posting recommendations.

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Bridge Load Rating Report

No.BLR-2026-0002

1. General Information

Inspection date7/14/2026 AddressI-94 over Kalamazoo River, Mile Marker 85, Kalamazoo, MI
Basis for inspectionPost-inspection load rating update

2. Object of Inspection

Object nameI-94 Kalamazoo River Bridge Technical conditionnot filled in

3. Load Rating Results

HS20 Inventory Rating1.2 HS20 Operating Rating1.5
HL-93 Inventory Rating1.15 HL-93 Operating Rating1.45

4. Additional Information

Identification was carried outBridge ID: 123456
There are remarksLoad rating completed. Bridge can carry legal loads without posting.

5. Inspection Participants

No.Full namePosition / statusComment
1Dr. Alan FosterStructural EngineerPerformed analysis
2Laura BennettReviewerPeer review

Signatures

______________________________
Dr. Alan Foster, Structural Engineer
______________________________
Dr. Alan Foster
______________________________
Laura Bennett

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Purpose and Procedure for Drafting the Document

What is a Bridge Load Rating Report?

A bridge load rating report determines the safe load-carrying capacity of a bridge. It includes calculated ratings for various vehicle types, identifies governing components, and provides recommendations for load posting if necessary.

Why Use This Template?

This template provides a standardized format for presenting load rating results, ensuring clarity and consistency. It helps structural engineers document their analysis and support posting decisions.

Key Features

The template includes sections for bridge identification, load rating results (with repeatable entries for vehicle types), conclusions (safe load capacity, posting requirements), and signatures. It supports both inventory and operating ratings.

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory agencies often require load rating reports for bridges to ensure public safety. This template helps meet those requirements.

Post-Inspection Assessment

After a bridge inspection reveals deterioration, a load rating may be needed to reassess the safe load capacity. This report documents the updated rating.

Design Verification

For new bridges or major rehabilitations, a load rating report verifies that the design meets required load standards.

Permit Decisions

When issuing permits for overweight vehicles, a load rating report provides the necessary data to determine if the bridge can safely accommodate the load.

Asset Management

Load rating reports are essential for bridge asset management, helping prioritize strengthening or replacement projects.

Insurance and Liability

Insurance companies may request load rating reports to assess risk and determine coverage for bridge-related liabilities.

  1. 1

    Collect Data

    Gather bridge plans, inspection reports, and material properties needed for the load rating analysis.

  2. 2

    Perform Structural Analysis

    Use structural analysis software or manual calculations to determine load ratings for each vehicle type, considering inventory and operating levels.

  3. 3

    Record Results

    Enter the rating results into the report, including vehicle type, rating type (inventory/operating), rating value, and governing component.

  4. 4

    Determine Safe Load Capacity

    Based on the ratings, determine the overall safe load capacity of the bridge and whether posting is required. If posting is needed, specify the posting limit.

  5. 5

    Review and Sign

    Review the completed report for accuracy, obtain signatures from the structural engineer and reviewer, and distribute as needed.

Photo Report Generator

While load rating reports typically do not require photos, the photo report generator can be used to document bridge conditions that inform the rating analysis.

Create Photo Report

Mobile Photo Documentation App

Use the mobile app to capture photos of bridge components that may affect load rating, such as deteriorated sections or modifications.

Mobile App

Document Sections

Click a section to jump to it in the sample document.

General Information

Record analysis date, bridge location, and basis for load rating.

Object of Inspection

Identify the bridge and its safe load capacity.

Load Rating Results

Enter load rating results for each vehicle type, including rating type and value.

Additional Information

Provide safe load capacity, posting requirements, and recommendations.

Inspection Participants

List the structural engineer and reviewer involved.

Signatures

Capture digital signatures of the engineer and reviewer.

Document Fields and Columns

General Information

Inspection date
Date of the load rating analysis.
Address
Geographic location of the bridge.
Basis for inspection
Reason or trigger for the load rating.

Object of Inspection

Object name
Bridge name or identifier.
Technical condition
Safe load capacity of the bridge.

Inspection Participants

No.
Sequential number for each participant.
Full name
Full name of the participant.
Position / status
Role or title of the participant.
Comment
Additional notes about the participant's involvement.

Frequently Asked Questions about Photo Reports and Photo Tables

What is the difference between inventory and operating ratings?

Inventory rating represents the load level that can safely use the bridge for an indefinite period, while operating rating represents the maximum permissible load for occasional use. Operating ratings are typically higher than inventory ratings.

Who can perform a load rating analysis?

Load rating analysis should be performed by a qualified structural engineer with experience in bridge engineering. The engineer must sign the report.

What vehicle types are typically rated?

Common vehicle types include standard trucks (e.g., HS20, HL-93), specialized vehicles, and permit loads. The report allows you to specify any vehicle type.

What does 'governing component' mean?

The governing component is the bridge element that limits the load rating, meaning it is the first component to reach its capacity under the applied load.

When is load posting required?

Load posting is required when the operating rating is below the legal load limit for the jurisdiction. The report will indicate if posting is needed and the recommended posting limit.

Can this report be used for pedestrian bridges?

While designed for vehicular bridges, the template can be adapted for pedestrian bridges by adjusting the vehicle types and load criteria.

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