Traffic Signal Mast Arm Inspections

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American Public Works AssociationFlorida Chapter

Annual Meeting & Trade Show Jacksonville, Florida

April 26, 2013

Reference Sources

• FHWA/FHWA/NHI Course No. 130087• AASHTO (2010 interim)

– Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals

• FDOT Bridge and Other Structure Inspection and Reporting Procedures

• FDOT Bridge Inspectors Field Guide

Today’s Presenters

• Rick Maslyn, CBI – Ayres Associates• Brian Schroeder, PE, CBI – Ayres Associates• Charlie Wetzel, PE, PTOE – Seminole

County

This Session Addresses:

• What a TSMA is• Why we should inspect TSMAs• Who should inspect TSMAs• Inspection procedures• Reporting procedures• Owner/maintainer responsibilities

TSMA Structural Components

• Foundation, including anchor bolts/rods

• Mast/vertical member• Arm/horizontal

member

TSMA Structural Components

• Moment Connection

Anchor Bolt and Moment Connection Number Scheme

Foundation – Plan View Moment Connection – Front View

FDOT Intersection Layout Scheme

• Intersection layout – plan view

FDOT Intersection Numbering Scheme

• Example: 77M001– “77” = FDOT BMS County No.– “M” = Mast Arm Structure– “001” = unique three-digit number within

county

AASHTO Loads

• Dead load• Wind loads• Ice load (not

applicable in Florida)

AASHTO Forces

• Tension• Compression• Shear• Moment (bending)• Torsion

TSMA Inspection Program

FDOT TSMA Inspection Program

• Started 2008 • By FDOT Structures Maintenance Office• Structural inspection

– not electrical or signal

• Only State-owned TSMAs• Maintenance responsibility

– coastal vs. inland

• Reports in FDOT PONTIS

FDOT TSMA Inspection Program

• Public safety • Protect asset/investment• Inspection findings could lead to design

improvements

Local Government Inspection Program

• No formal program• Varies widely by agency• Seminole County here today to share

information

FDOT Inspector Credentials

• Certified by the Department

• Same certification as bridge inspectors

• National Bridge Inspection Standards

Inspection Types

• Initial (construction acceptance)• Routine (scheduled event)• Interim (monitor suspect condition)• Damage/emergency

Inspections

• Visual• Physical• Advanced (NDT)

Common Deficiencies

• Foundation below grade• Foundation cracks and spalls• Loose anchor bolts/leveling nuts• Excessive anchor bolt stand-off • Missing vermin/critter guards at base• Grout pads and weep holes at base

Common Deficiencies

• Paint failure/corrosion on mast and arm• Impact damage (dents) on mast• Gaps at moment connections• Open hand holes on mast and arm

Common Deficiencies

Common Deficiencies

Common Deficiencies

Less Common Defects

• Structural cracks in mast and arm• Debonded/sheared anchor bolts• Misdirected sprinklers• Secondary projects that affect structure

such as drainage swales, sidewalks, and road widening

Less Common Deficiencies

Less Common Deficiencies

NBI Superstructure Rating

NBI Substructure Rating

PONTIS Elements Lists

• Foundation = Ele 480• Vertical Member _Painted = Ele 481• Vertical Member _Galvanized = Ele 482• Horizontal Member _Painted = Ele 484• Horizontal Member _Galvanized = Ele 485

PONTIS Condition States

• Foundation = Choice of CS1 through CS4• Unpainted Member = Choice of CS1

through CS4• Painted Member = Choice of CS1 through

CS5

Preventative/Periodic Maintenance Responsibility

Preventative/Periodic Maintenance Responsibility

FDOT Repair Priorities

• Priority 1 (Emergency) = within 60 days *• Priority 2 (Urgent) = within 180 days *• Priority 3 (Routine) = within 365 days *

* Repair work to be completed

Local Agency (Seminole County)

• Overall TSMA management plan• Manage program (field work)• Manage program (office work)

Local Agency (Seminole County)

• Repair decision-making process• Other public agency interaction• Funding source(s)

This Session Addressed:

• What a TSMA is• Why we should inspect TSMAs• Who should inspect TSMAs• Inspection procedures• Reporting procedures• Owner/maintainer responsibilities

QUESTIONS? Seminole County

Charlie Wetzel, PE, PTOE

County Traffic Engineer

cwetzel@seminolecountyfl.gov

407.665.5686

Ayres Associates

Rick Maslyn, CBI

Structural Inspection Supervisor

MaslynR@AyresAssociates.com

813.318.1577