FIRST TENTATIVE DRAFT
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR
BRIDGE FIELD PARTIES
OF THE
INTERSTATE COMMERCE
COMMISSION
DIVISION OF VALUATION
WASHINGTON
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
1914
FIRST TENTATIVE DRAFT
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR
BRIDGE FIELD PARTIES
/
OF THE
INTERSTATE COMMERCE
COMMISSION
DIVISION OF VALUATION
WASHINGTON
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
1914
INTRODUCTORY LETTER.
To railway carriers:
This circular contains, in a tentative form, instructions for the
guidance of bridge field parties of the Interstate Commerce Commis¬
sion engaged in the preparation of an inventory of the fixed physical
property of railway carriers.
Instructions for other field parties inventorying the property of
carriers, not covered by these instructions, will be issued separately.
In some instances these instructions may be modified, where the
records of the carriers already contain in satisfactory form, so that
it can be checked, the information which the field party is instructed
to obtain. The aim will be to avoid, at all points, duplication of
work.
Suggestions and criticisms are invited from all interested parties,
and may be presented either through the medium of committees or
individually. All such communications should be filed with the
Commission not later than October 1, 1914.
C. A. Prouty,
Director.
JULY 1, 1914.
a
SYNOPSIS.
I. General Information.
1. Intent.
2. Valuation act.
3. Classification of investment in road equipment.
4. Instructions of other departments.
5. Inventory forms.
II. Organization.
6. Senior structural engineer.
7. Bridge field parties.
8. Special field investigators.
III. Duties of Personnel.
9. Duty of senior structural engineer.
10. Duty of structural field engineer.
11. Duty of junior structural engineer and tapeman.
12. Duty of specialists.
IV. General Instructions.
13. Property to be inventoried.
14. Data required.
15. General data.
16. Condition of property.
17. Abandoned property.
V. Special Instructions for Road and Equipment Accounts.
18.
Account
5.
Tunnels and subways.
19.
Account
6.
Bridges, trestles, and culverts.
20.
Account
6.
Timber trestles.
21.
Account
6.
Culverts.
22.
Account
6.
Masonry.
23.
Account
6.
Draw protection and fenders.
24.
Account
7.
Elevated structures.
25.
Account
15.
Crossings and signs.
26.
Account
16.
Station and office buildings.
27.
Account
16.
Track scales.
28.
Account
17.
Roadway buildings.
29.
Account
18.
Water stations.
30.
Account
19.
Fuel stations.
31.
Account
20.
Shops and engine houses.
32.
Account
20.
Turntables.
33.
Account
23.
Wharves and docks.
34.
Account
24.
Coal and ore wharves.
35.
Account
27.
Signals and inter lockers.
36.
Account
28.
Power dams, canals, and pile lines,
37.
Account
35.
M i seel la neous structu res.
I
[FIRST TENTATIVE DRAFT.]
BRIDGE DEPARTMENT.
INSTRUCTIONS TO FIELD PARTIES.
I. GENERAL INFORMATION.
3. Intent.
These instructions are intended to describe the field work to be done by the
bridge department of the Division of Valuation of the Interstate Commerce
Commission under the Valuation Act of March 1, 1913, and to set forth spe¬
cifically the information to be ascertained and recorded.
2. Valuation Act.
A copy of the act will be furnished field parties for reference and instruction.
3. Classification of Investment in Road and Equipment.
A copy of classification of accounts will be furnished field parties as an aid
to the classification of physical property of carriers, and to which the inventory
shall conform as nearly as practicable.
4. Instructions to other Departments.
Copies of instructions to field parties of other departments will be furnished
the field parties of the bridge department for information as to what work is
to be done by other departments in order to avoid any unnecessary duplication
of field inspections and inventories.
5. Inventory Forms.
A set of inventory forms for assembling data will be furnished field parties
as information indicating ultimate form and extent of information required
for valuation.
II. ORGANIZATION.
G. Senior Structural Engineer.
The senior structural engineer in each district shall be responsible, through
the district engineer to the member of the engineering board in charge, for
the work of the bridge department.
7. Bridge Field Parties.
The field inspections and inventories which shall be made by the bridge depart¬
ment will be performed by a bridge field party, which generally shall con¬
sist of:
One structural field engineer.
One junior structural engineer.
One tapeman.
This party may be increased in special instances when the conditions re¬
quire it.
7
8
INSTRUCTIONS FOR BRIDGE FIELD PARTIES.
8. Special Field Investigators.
The services of specialists may be utilized from time to time to assist in the
investigation of complicated structures involving large values.
III. DUTIES OF PERSONNEL.
9. Duty of Senior Structural Engineer.
Before the field parties begin work, the senior structural engineer shall make,
when practicable or desirable, a general inspection of the property to be in¬
ventoried, and prepare a program for the work of the field parties.
He shall secure through the proper channels from the carrier, such plans,
specifications, and other records of such structures as is the duty of the field
party to inventory, and shall ascertain the completeness of this data for the
purposes in hand. He shall furnish the structural field engineer a list and the
necessary plans and specifications of those structures for which complete
engineering records exist, and the structures for which only partial or no
records are available. He shall at all times direct the field work, and shall
utilize to the fullest extent the information of record with the carriers and
keep the field parties fully informed as to what work is necessary in the field in
order that field measurements and inspections may be reduced to a minimum.
10. Duties of Structural Field Engineer.
The structural field engineer shall direct the work of the field party in accord¬
ance with the instructions herein contained. Fie shall be responsible for the
maintenance and subsistence of the party, and exercise the customary precau¬
tions to preserve the health and safety of its members. He shall report to the
senior structural engineer.
The structural field engineer shall carry two notebooks. In the first book he
shall keep all notes showing the construction and measurements and the neces¬
sary sketches of all structures inspected by his party; in the second book he shall
record a statement as to the physical condition of all such structures. The
structural field engineer shall also in cases where a representative of the car¬
rier accompanies the field party, cooperate with such representative to the ex¬
tent of deciding, if possible, such questions as classification of masonary; prob¬
able character and amount of concealed construction, such as penetration of
piling, depth of foundations; character and amount of riprap; age of structure;
percentage of ownership of property owned jointly with others where no record
is available; and other matters relating to the construction of each structure
inspected by this party and quantity and classification of materials entering
therein affecting its value, or about which there may be controversy.
Where the structural field engineer can not agree with the representative of
the carrier as to above matters, he shall make a statement of each case to the
senior structural engineer, stating in detail the opinions of each party. Such
statement shall be recorded in the second book noted above.
11. Duty of Junior Structural Engineer and Tapeman.
The junior structural engineer and tapeman shall perform such duties as may
be assigned them by the structural field engineer.
12. Duty of Specialists.
When necessary to employ specialists for field service the duties of such
engineers will be outlined by special instructions from the member of engineer¬
ing board in charge.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR BRIDGE FIELD PARTIES.
9
IV. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS.
13. Property to be Inventoried.
The bridge parties will, in general, inspect and inventory the property classi¬
fied under the following road and equipment accounts of the Interstate Com¬
merce Commission :
No. 5. Tunnels and subways.
No. 6. Bridges, trestles, and culverts.
No. 7. Elevated structures.
No. 23. Wharves and docks.
No. 24. Coal and ore wharves.
No. 2S. Power dams, canals, and pipe lines.
They may also inspect and inventory, in part, property classified under the
following accounts:
No. 15. Crossings and signs.
No. 16. Station and office buildings.
No. 17. Roadway buildings.
No. 18. Water stations.
No. 19. Fuel stations.
No. 20. Shops and engine houses.
No. 21. Grain elevators.
No. 22. Storage warehouses.
No. 27. Signals and interlockers.
No. 29. Power-plant buildings.
No. 30. Power-substation buildings.
No. 33. Power-line poles and fixtures.
No. 35. Miscellaneous structures.
Specific instructions shall be given bridge field parties where parts of the
property under the last-mentioned accounts shall be inventoried.
14. Data Required.
The data called for in the following instructions are required for structures
of which no complete plans and specifications can be secured.
Where plans and specifications can be secured the work of the field parties
shall be simplified as much as practicable and will generally be only in that
detail necessary to identify the structure with the plans and specifications and
to establish their correctness.
15. General Data.
The following information shall be obtained and notes for all structures in¬
ventoried by the bridge field parties:
(a) Number and name of structure where so designated.
(&) Location by station and plus.
(c) Kind of structure, e. g., bridge, trestle, culvert, etc.
(d) Name of manufacturer or builder.
(e) Date when built, rebuilt, or reinforced.
(/) Such information as caii be obtained from reliable authorities as to the
history and special conditions under which the structure was built
and has been maintained.
(g) Full notes as to the probable character and extent of the structure not
visible or measurable, and such features as the probable penetration
of piles, depth and character of foundation, character and amount
of underground or underwater protection, etc.
(h) Such other information and data with respect to each structure in¬
spected as may have a bearing on its cost.
10
INSTRUCTIONS FOR BRIDGE FIELD PARTIES.
16. Condition of Property.
The structural field engineer shall make notes of present condition of the prop¬
erty, such as repairs necessary to structures, renewals which should be made,
the extent of wear, age of structures and materials, standard of maintenance,
etc., and shall from this data, and all other reliable evidence he may be able
to gather in the field, state what part or percentage of the useful life of the
property, in its present service, yet remains.
17. Abandoned Property.
The character and extent of abandoned structures shall be noted as far as
may be practicable from field evidences.
Where the abandoned property is in such present condition as to approxi¬
mately represent the property at date of abandonment the same detail measure¬
ments may be made as required for the property now in use. Special instruc¬
tions will be given by the senior structural engineer in such cases.
V. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ROAD AND EQUIPMENT ACCOUNTS.
18. Account 5.—Tunnels and Subways.
Special instruction will be issued for structures to be inventoried under
this account by the bridge parties. The information to be obtained shall be
in general accord with instructions under account 6.
19. Account 6.—Bridges, Trestles, Culverts.
The bridge field party shall inventory all bridges, trestles, and culverts, ex¬
cept those 16 feet and less in span length, which latter shall generally be in¬
ventoried by the road-and-track parties.
Bridge ties, although counted by the road-and-track parties, shall also be in¬
ventoried by the bridge party.
For bridges where detail plans are not available the following information
shall be ascertained and noted, in addition to the general information noted
above:
(а) Kind of bridge, whether steel, iron, timber, or combination.
(б) Full length, or length between back walls.
(c) Number of spans.
(d) Full length of each span.
(e) Length of each span, center to center of end bearings.
(/) Number and length of panels.
(g) Depth of trusses or girders; for pin-connected trusses, the distance be¬
tween pin centers; for riveted trusses, the distance be¬
tween constructive centers; for plate girders, the distance from out-
to-out-of-flange angles; when the chords are not parallel show the
depth at each point where there is a break in the line of either chord.
(h) Number of trusses and distance apart, center to center.
(i) Number of stringers under each track and spacing of same on centers,
and kind of floor.
(j) Make-up of stringers; depth out-to-out-of-flange angles; size and thick¬
ness of flange angles; width, thickness, and length of flange plates,
if any width and thickness of web plates, and size and pitch of
flange rivets at ends and center of stringers; sketch of end connec¬
tion and bracing, if used.
(k) Make-up of cross girders or floor beams, including depth out to out
of flange angles; size and thickness of flange angles; width, thick¬
ness, and length of flange plates, if any. Width and thickness of
web plate, size and pitch of flange rivets at ends and at center of
cross girder, and sketch of end connections.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR BRIDGE FIELD PARTIES.
11
(I) The make-up of the main girders of all plate girder bridges, including
the depth out to out of flange angles, size, and thickness of flange
angles; width, thickness, and length of all flange plates where
used; width and thickness of web plate. Size and spacing of
stiffners. Size of flange rivets. Make-up of bracing system.
(m) The make-up of each member of the main trusses of truss bridges,
the size of rivets, diameter of pins; make-up of the top and bot-
tim lateral systems; dimensions of eyebars and method of manu-
facture and end bearings.
(n) The distance from base of rail to the ground line and at sufficient
intervals to sketch a ravine section; also the distance from base
of rail to the bottom of the metal work (clearance) to high-water
line and to the water line at ordinary stage; at bridges over tidal
streams, the distance to high and low tide.
(0) The character of the bed of the stream or ground over which the
bridge is located.. Whether or not piles would be required for
false work, and if so, the number and probable penetration,
(p) The size and length of guard timbers.
(q) For swing bridges notes shall be made giving the diameter and size
of rack and track, size and number of wheels, size and diameter
of drum, loading girders, details of machinery, details of power,
details of signals, and the protection, size, and details of operator's
house.
In case of bridges movable in a vertical plane special instructions will be
given.
20. Account 6. Timber Trestles.
Notes describing timber trestles shall show the following information :
(а) Length out to out at end caps.
(б) Number and average length of panels.
(c) Kind of timber used and whether treated or untreated.
(d) Distance from base of rail to top of cap, and to bottom of sill or top
of footing piles at sufficient intervals to give average heights of
frame bents.
(e) Distance from base of rail to high and normal water line where there
is definite evidence of same, and to the grouud surface at suffi¬
cient intervals to give average heights of pile bents.
(/) The character of ground the piles are driven into or upon which sills
rest.
(g) Number of piles per bent and probable average length when used,
whether treated or untreated, and if treated, kind of treatment.
(h) Bill of all dimension timbers, including ties separately. Show
whether timber is treated or untreated, and if treated, the kind of
treatment.
(1) Size and number of stringers per chord.
(/) Size and length of timber guard rails. State whether guard rails are
dapped or whether spacing blocks are used between ties.
(k) If trestles have ballast or solid floor, construction of floor should be
shown in detail, and full statement of material included.
(I) Estimate bill of iron required. Also galvanized iron or other pro¬
tection where used.
12
INSTRUCTIONS FOR BRIDGE FIELD PARTIES.
In estimating tlie condition of timber trestles notes shall be made separately
on the following parts of the structure:
Pile foundations.
Timber bents and braces, including sills.
Posts and caps.
Stringers.
Timber guard rails and ties.
Sketches of typical longitudinal and transverse sections should be made to
indicate clearly the type of construction, where no plans can be secured from
the carriers.
21. Account 6.—Culverts.
Notes of all culverts which the bridge party shall inventory shall show the
following information:
(a) Span length in the clear.
(&) Length of culvert along axis.
(c) Clear height of culvert.
(d) Type of structure, whether timber, stone, concrete, or other material.
When timber culverts are used, give number and size of stringers, number
and length of piles, and all dimensions of timber in bulkheads, braces, etc.
When masonary culverts are used note the kind of all material and class of
masonry.
(e) Character of foundation bed.
(/) Probable amount of excavation both wet and dry, and whether common
excavation, loose or solid rock.
(g) Amount of riprap when used.
(h) Type and dimensions of end walls.
Reference shall be made to standard or special plans for culverts when these
are furnished, and the extent to which the structure actually conforms to the
plans shall be noted.
22. Account 6.—Masonry.
The field notes shall show the following information:
(a) Type of structure, e. g., abutment, arch, box culvert, pedestals, pier,
retaining wall, etc.
(I)) Classification of masonry as follows:
1. Bridge and retaining wall:
Definition.—Masonry designed to carry the end of a bridge span
or to retain earth or both.
2. Arch:
Definition.—That portion of masonry in the arch ring.
3. Culvert:
Definition.—Flat-top masonry structure designed to sustain the
fill above and to permit free passage of water.
4. Dry:
Definition.—Masonry in which stones are built up without the
use of mortar.
5. Riprap:
Definition.—Rough stone of various sizes placed compactly to
prevent scour by water.
(c) Material.—Stone, concrete, brick.
(d) Description.—Stone; dimension; ashlar coursed or broken coursed;
rubble uncoursed; dry. Concrete: Reinforced, plain or rubble.
Brick: Pressed or No. 1 hard burned.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR BRIDGE FIELD PARTIES.
22. Account 6.—Masonry—Continued.
(e) Quantity of each class of masonry or the measurements sufficient to
estimate same.
(/) Character of foundation bed, earth, rock, stone, concrete, timber, or
piles.
(g) Probable amount of excavation both wet and dry, and whether common
excavation, loose or solid rock.
(h) If the foundation is of piles, the probable number and average length.
(i) If the foundation is of timber, kind of timber and information, for
computing the board measure.
(;) So far as can be secured from reliable authority, the conditions under
which the structure was built; if cofferdams were used, the kind,
approximate size, and depth.
(fc) The distance from base of rail to—
Top of masonry.
Bridge seat.
Bottom of masonry.
Top of piles.
High water line.
Normal water line.
Bed of stream or ground level.
1. Where portions of the structure are inaccessible, such as foundations, notes
shall be made giving probable dimensions based upon the best obtainable in¬
formation. TVhen notes are made from information furnished by others, it
should be so stated and the authority named. Notes should give reasons for
all conclusions stated.
23. Account 6. Draw Protection and Fenders.
When swing or other movable bridges or piers or abutments for fixed bridges
are provided with protection or ice breakers, notes shall be made giving the
following information:
(a) Depth of water at ordinary and high water stages.
(&) Height of protection above ordinary water level.
(c) Description of the protection, stating the class of material entering into
the construction.
(d) When piles are used state kind of timber, whether treated or un^
treated, and if treated, kind of treatment. State the number of
piles and their probable length.
(e) When timber is used, state kind of timber, whether treated or un¬
treated, and if treated, kind of treatment.
Give necessary information for computing the total number of
feet board measure of each class of timber in the structure.
(/) When riprap or other masonry is used, note the class and amount.
(g) In case any other materials are used the notes shall contain sufficient
information to enable the computation of all quantities.
24. Account 7. Elevated Structures.
The bridge party shall inventory all structures chargeable to this account
in accordance with the detailed instructions under account No. 6.
14
INSTRUCTIONS FOR BRIDGE FIELD PARTIES.
25. Account 15. Crossings and Signs.
Tlie bridge party shall inventory overhead crossings consisting of the following
items:
Bridge substructure.
Bridge superstructure.
Decking, including roadways.
Drainage systems.
Piers, including foundations.
Retaining and wing walls, including foundations.
Notes shall be made regarding the decking for highway overhead bridges.
The amount and kind of paving shall be noted, also the base for paving, and a
full description of the sidewalks, if any. When timber is used note the kind
and whether treated, painted, or plain.
The notes in general for all bridge and allied structures under this account
shall be in accordance with detailed instructions under account No. 6.
The notes shall also show such reliable information as can be secured relat¬
ing to the ownership, apportionment of construction cost, and maintenance
of railroad or public crossings between the carrier under investigation and
other carriers and public, municipal corporatons, or priviate parties. Reference
shall be made to contracts covering such structures and any other information
obtainable shall be included in the notes, with a statement as to its source.
26. Account 16. Station and Office Buildings.
Unless otherwise instructed the bridge party shall inventory—
Breakwaters for the protection of buildings.
Coal bins when constructed of structural material.
Coal trestles (not at fuel stations).
Freight cranes.
Station footbridges (not at highway crossings).
Station subways (not at highway crossings).
Track scales.
For breakwaters the notes shall show the kind, number, and length of piles,
whether treated or untreated.
If timber or concrete, the kind and amount of timber, treated or untreated,
and the kind and amount of masonry, all in accordance with the instructions
under account 6.
27. Account 16. Track Scales.
The notes for track scales, where no plans are available, shall include such
sketches as are necessary of foundations and pits, giving all practicable
dimensions and classification of masonry. The notes shall show the character,
kind, and size of material in the frame, the name of the scale maker, the
number of sections, length and capacity of the scales, and shall state whether
the beam is registering or not.
The notes shall state in detail the method of construction of the dead rail,
if any, together with the dimensions of the rail stands, or if a device other
than dead rails be provided for taking the load off the knife, this device shall
be fully described.
28. Account 17. Roadway Buildings.
The bridge party shall inventory breakwaters for the protection of buildings
under Ibis classification in accordance with instructions for account 16, and
shall inventory such other structures under this account as may be covered by
special instructions.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR BRIDGE FIELD PARTIES.
15
29. Account 18. Water Stations.
Special instructions shall be given where the bridge party is assigned all
or part of any water station to inventory.
30. Account 19. Fuel Stations.
Special instructions shall be given where the bridge party is assigned all
or part of any fuel station to inventory.
31. Account 20. Shops and Engine Houses.
Special instructions shall be given where the bridge party is assigned parts
of this account other than outlined below.
32. Account 20. Turntables.
The notes covering turntables shall show the type and kind, whether deck
or through, and whether steel, iron, cast iron, or timber; show the length of
the table, the diameter and depth of the pit; show a full description of the
center bearing, stating whether disk or roller, and whether center is dust
proof or oil filled; show a full description of end trucks, giving number and
size of wheels per truck and type of journal bearing; show size of rail for
truck wheels, diameter of track circle and method of supporting the rail.
State the kind of power used in operating the table, whether hand or me¬
chanical, and if the latter, describe the machinery in full, showing maker's
name, kind and source of power used, age, etc. The notes shall show a full
description of the pit, indicating the amount of excavation, type of floor, if
any, kind, dimensions, and condition of the masonry in the center bearing
and circle wall. Show fully the drainage system and all other details of
the pit.
The notes covering the table shall also show the kind of decking, section,
weight, and length of rails, the number, kind, and size of ties and a full
description of any other material in the structure.
33. Account 23. Wharves and Docks.
Unless otherwise instructed the bridge party shall inventory all items belong¬
ing to this account, including wharves, docks, dry docks, slips, footbridges, and
other landings for vessels, including the cost of dredging, piles, pile protection,
cribs, cofferdams, walls, bridge pontoons, bulkheads, caissons, ferry bridges
and machinery, racks, jetties, jetty inclines, transfer bridges and machinery
and all other necessary devices and apparatus for the operation and protection
of docks and wharves. Buildings on wharves will be inventoried by building
parties.
Notes shall be made showing probable amount of dredging, classification of
material removed and all obtainable information as to the method by which it
was done.
The notes shall show the kind, length, and probable penetration of piles, in¬
cluding sheet piling. Where concrete or reinforced concrete piles are used the
notes shall show the type and describe the method of reinforcement and driving.
Where piles are timber the notes shall show kind of timber, probable length
and penetration, and whether treated or untreated, and if treated, the kind of
treatment. The notes shall show a full description of the decking as instructed
for timber structures under accounts Nos. 6 and lfr
34. Account 24. Coal and Ore Wharves.
/
The bridge party shall investigate all items of this account in accordance
with instructions under account 23 and special instructions which will be given
in each case.
16 INSTRUCTIONS FOR BRIDGE FIELD PARTIES.
35. Account 27. Signals and Interlockers.. n
Tlie bridge party shall inventory signal bridges and foundations for the same
in accordance with instructions under account No. 6.
36. Account 28. Power Dams, Canals, and Pipe Lines.
Unless otherwise instructed the bridge party shall inventory all items of this
account. They shall note location, general dimensions, class of material, and
condition of each item, giving such information as is necessary to determine
their value. The notes shall show information as called for under accounts
Nos. 6, 16, and IS.
37. Account 35. Miscellaneous Structures.
Special instructions will be given for any work to be done under this account.
ADDITIONAL COPIES
OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE PROCURED FROM
THE SUPERINTENDENT OF DOCUMENTS
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON, D. C.
AT
5 CENTS PER COPY
V