Bridge inspection
Regular structural inspections safeguard stability, traffic safety and durability. We inspect bridges and engineering structures and document their condition as a basis for maintenance and repair.
Structural inspection to DIN 1076
DIN 1076 governs the monitoring and inspection of engineering structures along roads and paths. It covers stability, traffic safety and durability. Its scope includes bridges with a clear span of more than two metres, as well as tunnels, retaining structures, noise barriers and sign gantries. A revised edition of the standard has been available since January 2026.
The types of inspection
- Major inspection (H): every six years. All components are inspected within arm's reach, including those that are hard to access, using inspection equipment, scaffolding or access platforms where necessary.
- Simple inspection (E): three years after each major inspection, as an intensive extended visual inspection, as far as reasonable without inspection equipment.
- Visual check (B): a condition overview between the formal inspections.
- Ongoing observation: as part of route patrols plus twice a year.
- Special inspection (S): triggered by particular events such as flooding, vehicle impact or exceptional loading.
Two inspections already fall within the construction phase: the first major inspection takes place before the works are accepted, the second before the limitation period for defect claims expires. Timber bridges without adequate structural timber protection require annual major inspections.
Assessment and documentation
Recording and assessment follow the RI-EBW-PRÜF guideline. Every defect and every item of damage is assessed separately for stability, traffic safety and durability, and the structure's condition rating follows from this. The result is therefore not only a snapshot but comparable over the years, and it becomes the basis for maintenance planning and budget allocation.
What follows the inspection
The inspection report is not an end in itself. From the findings we derive what needs immediate action, what belongs in medium term budget planning, and what only needs continued observation for now. Where load capacity needs closer assessment, a recalculation follows. Because assessment to RI-EBW-PRÜF is standardised, the results can be compared with earlier inspections. The progression of a defect can therefore be tracked over years, and the funding required for maintenance becomes foreseeable across several budget years.
Why a structural engineer inspects
DIN 1076 requires a competent engineer who can assess the structural and constructional condition of the structure. That is precisely the difference between recording a crack and judging what it means for the load-bearing system. Because we design and recalculate bridges ourselves, we assess findings against the structural system and can say straight away what needs to be done.
Questions we are often asked
How often must a structure be inspected?
A major inspection takes place every six years, with a simple inspection three years after each. Visual checks and ongoing observation fall in between. Independently of this, a special inspection may become necessary at any time, for example after flooding or a vehicle impact.
Who is responsible for structural inspection?
Responsibility rests with the body holding construction liability, or the owner of the structure, which for municipal bridges means the municipality, town or district. It follows from the duty to maintain public safety. Omitted inspections can carry liability consequences.
Which structures fall under DIN 1076?
Engineering structures along roads and paths: bridges with a clear span exceeding two metres, plus tunnels, trough and retaining structures, noise barriers and sign gantries. Smaller structures count as other structures and are treated separately.
What happens after the inspection?
You receive an inspection report recording and assessing all defects and damage to RI-EBW-PRÜF, together with the condition rating. From this we derive what needs immediate action, what should be scheduled in the medium term, and what only needs continued observation for now. Because assessment follows RI-EBW-PRÜF consistently, the results can be compared with earlier inspections and fed straight into maintenance planning.
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