In the field of building inspection of buildings and bridges, we can handle tasks that are beneficial for you. Because similar to the technical inspection for cars, the legally binding standards DIN 1076 and RÜV, as well as the recommendations of VDI 6200 determine which measures must be carried out for inspection.
These are categorised into requirements for road safety, durability and stability and clearly explain your obligations as owner or operator.
Bridge constructions must be inspected. Those inspections, based on a guideline from 1930, are regulated in DIN 1076. Therefore the following must take place:
- A yearly on-site visual inspection
- Every three years a “simple test” or a main examination in alternation
- Further investigations might be necessary after extraordinary events such as floods, earthquakes, a collision of a truck or similar, unusual influences.
Such events demand public authorities such as the federal government, the municipalities or other authorities. Only a systematic and regular inspection ensures that the safety level remains high and that consequential damage or even a compound failure can be ruled out.
A structural test is carried out from below the structure with the aid of lifting platforms or so-called under-bridge inspections units. Such devices can be stationary on the structure (so-called access systems) or can be brought to the structure as motorised devices. Access can also be provided by single ladders or ladders and steps mounted directly on the bridge.
However, DIN 1076 does not only apply to bridges – traffic sign bridges, trough structures, tunnels with a length of 80 m or more and supporting structures like retaining walls or gabion walls must also be tested if their visible height is 1.5 m or more.
However, the VDI 6200 is particularly interesting for private clients as well as for municipalities. This document from the Association of German Engineers is unfortunately still relatively unknown, but makes recommendations for the structural inspection of buildings. The guideline is a result from the tragic collapse of the Bad Reichenhall ice rink and was developed in cooperation with the Conference of Construction Ministers (ARGEBAU). It determines which buildings are to be inspected at which intervals and by whom. This also applies to buildings owned by private owners.
According to VDI 6200, buildings are divided into so-called damage impact classes. They assess the danger posed by a structural failure. This means that the requirements for a sports stadium must be higher than those for a single-family home. A span of 12.0 m or more is relevant in practice, since buildings are classified as “CC2” at this distance between the supports and therefore require detailed testing at specified intervals.
Please contact us if you have any further questions!
As a guideline, VDI 6200 does not have the same status as a standard – but would you be willing to explain to the judge why you have violated a generally accepted rule of technology? According to §3 MBO, “buildings must be maintained in such a way that public safety and order, in particular life, health and the natural foundations of life, are not endangered”. Therefore we can only recommend:
Do not move in a legal vacuum, have your buildings inspected!
At a Glance – Our Services
- Building inspection of bridges, retaining walls, tunnels and noise barriers in accordance with DIN 1076 by trained and VFIB-certified engineers
- Building inspection and testing of building structures in accordance with VDI 6200
- If needed: Project-related damage analyses and renovation planning, with an eye to profitability at all times
- Inspection planning for cities and municipalities. As a result of limited personnel capacities in the administrations, we offer you the complete coordination of simple inspections as well as main and special inspections.
- Preparation of structure books
- Preparation of maintenance concepts, please refer to our subpage Maintenance Planning