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Use the mobile app to capture photos of bridge components that may affect load rating, such as deteriorated sections or modifications.
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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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The full inspection cycle — in one service
Take photos of the object in the mobile app, complete the inspection report from the template, and download the finished photo report as Word or PDF.
Inspection report
Complete the document from this template: sections, fields, photo documentation, and signatures.
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.
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Document Preview
Review the structure, sections, and fields before proceeding to fill out the document.
Bridge Load Rating Report
No.BLR-2026-0002
1. General Information
General information about the inspection, including date, location, and purpose, is provided below.
| Inspection date | 7/14/2026 | Address | I-94 over Kalamazoo River, Mile Marker 85, Kalamazoo, MI |
| Basis for inspection | Post-inspection load rating update |
The inspection was carried out without any restrictions or limitations.
2. Object of Inspection
The bridge object is identified by its official designation and location.
| Object name | I-94 Kalamazoo River Bridge | Technical condition | not filled in |
The bridge was accessible and available for inspection.
3. Load Rating Results
Main geometric and structural parameters were determined based on design documentation and field measurements.
| HS20 Inventory Rating | 1.2 | HS20 Operating Rating | 1.5 |
| HL-93 Inventory Rating | 1.15 | HL-93 Operating Rating | 1.45 |
The measured parameters are within the expected ranges for this bridge type.
4. Additional Information
Provide safe load capacity, posting requirements, and recommendations.
| Identification was carried out | Bridge ID: 123456 |
| There are remarks | Load rating completed. Bridge can carry legal loads without posting. |
5. Inspection Participants
List the structural engineer and reviewer involved.
| No. | Full name | Position / status | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Alan Foster | Structural Engineer | Performed analysis |
| 2 | Laura Bennett | Reviewer | Peer review |
Signatures
Capture digital signatures of the engineer and reviewer.
______________________________
Dr. Alan Foster, Structural Engineer
______________________________
Dr. Alan Foster
______________________________
Laura Bennett
Report
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
Collect Data
Gather bridge plans, inspection reports, and material properties needed for the load rating analysis.
- 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
Record Results
Enter the rating results into the report, including vehicle type, rating type (inventory/operating), rating value, and governing component.
- 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
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 ReportMobile 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 AppDocument Sections
Click a section to jump to it in the sample document.
General Information
General information about the inspection, including date, location, and purpose, is provided below.
Object of Inspection
The bridge object is identified by its official designation and location.
Load Rating Results
Main geometric and structural parameters were determined based on design documentation and field measurements.
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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