The Guide Manual for Bridge Element Inspection builds on the element-level condition assessment methods developed in the AASHTO Guide for Commonly Recognized Structural Elements, which it replaces. Improvements have been made to fully capture the condition of the elements by reconfiguring the element language to utilize multiple distress paths within the defined condition states. The multi-path distress language provides the means to fully incorporate all possible defects within the overall condition assessment of the element. The overall condition of an element can be utilized in this aggregate form, or broken down into specific defects present as desired by the agency for Bridge Management System (BMS) use. The Bridge Element Inspection Manual provides a comprehensive set of bridge elements that is designed to be flexible in nature to satisfy the needs of all agencies. The complete set of elements capture the components necessary for an agency to manage all aspects of the bridge inventory utilizing the full capability of a BMS -- Publisher's website.

This manual presents uniform guidelines and procedures for the inspection, evaluation and maintenance of the nation's existing movable bridge inventory. The manual provides information pertaining to the unique structural, mechanical, hydraulic and electrical components and operational characteristics of a movable highway bridge. The manual was developed for bridge engineers, inspectors and maintainers charged with operational and maintenance responsibility for these complex structures. Commentary adjacent to the text on the same page provides suggestions on implementing the guidelines and procedures of this manual and directs the reader to additional sources of information. The contents are organized in four primary parts: General, Inspection, Evaluation, and Maintenance. The appendices contain supplementary information, and are followed by a reference list, glossary, and index.