As part of a joint venture, KCI was contracted by the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) to perform underwater inspections for more than 165 bridges statewide.
KCI’s commercially certified engineer-divers completed 100% Level I and 10% Level II inspections to evaluate structural conditions below the waterline, obtained channel soundings to assess scour potential, and updated Structure Inventory and Appraisal (SIA) and National Bridge Element (NBE) data in accordance with MDOT SHA and Federal Highway Administration criteria. Our team oversaw coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure on-site safety for all members of the project team while diving. Following the inspections, comprehensive reports were developed using the client’s SAM bridge inspection software that included summaries of the inspection findings, photographs, field notes, SIA and element level data, stream soundings, and repair recommendations.
The inspections provided critical data to support rehabilitation and repair design efforts. KCI continues to deliver on-call underwater investigative services, including post-storm inspections, scour and undermining evaluations, and culvert assessments, helping MDOT SHA protect public safety and extend the service life of Maryland’s bridge infrastructure.
