Inspection of Sign Structures
Inspection of Sign Structures
(OP)
I am in the process of beginning to perform a field evaluation of a 40 year old, 3 pipe column, sign structure that is approximately 50 feet in height. I have a preliminary procedure in performing this work, however, I was wondering if anyone has any links to references associated with field evaluations of these types of structures?






RE: Inspection of Sign Structures
1. You state department of transportation (they have to inspect their signs and probably have a protocol for doing so). Check other states if yours doesn't have one.
2. A sign has similar structure and exposure to electrical transmission structures and towers. Check sources for both of these and you should hit something.
RE: Inspection of Sign Structures
thread507-278628: Design Life of a Steel Structure
There were some good checklist items brought up in this thread including:
paint conditions
member thickness-section loss
fatigue cracks
bolt conditions
weld conditions-weld cracking
local corrosion
buckling
RE: Inspection of Sign Structures
RE: Inspection of Sign Structures
One common feature to light poles, communications poles and signage is an access port near the base. This is usually for pulling electrical wires that stub up thru the foundation.
Do not ignore this opening, or assume that the reinforcing around the opening is sufficient. This location is a potential problem zone for fatigue cracking near the base of the port.
RE: Inspection of Sign Structures
A few questions that I would look for:
- was the structure designed properly in the first place
- was the structure built properly
- has the structure degraded.
- is the degradation in a critical position
- is there possibly any hidden degradation
- do modern codes require more stringent criteria(i.e seismic resistance) that the client should be made aware of?
- any other side issues i.e. loose panels, safe access e.t.c.