AusSpan inspects a structure and evaluates its suitability for a designated load capacity. The Company then contacts the appropriate experienced consulting engineer to give a final analysis and make such recommendations as are deemed appropriate.

This procedure involves the inspection of structures by AusSpan, and preparing a condition assessment of the load capability. A completed form, including our load limit recommendation, is faxed to the client, which is forwarded to the State road authority for approval.  Since AusSpan is recognised as an expert in this area, in most instances, faxes from AusSpan are accepted as being correct and reliable, based upon their experience and reputation.

AusSpan uses VicRoads Inspection Standards and Policies and all inspectors are VicRoads certified.
The scope of work and services provided by AusSpan is extensive, some of which includes:

• Systematic visual inspection of clients’ infrastructures, including core sampling of timber beams and piles;
• Recording component defects and making critical recommendations, including referencing non-compliance with appropriate standards such as AS 5100;
• Reporting findings including cost estimates and materials required;
• Collecting and maintaining bridge management data;
• Providing technical information to assist with the ongoing management of the bridge or infrastructure asset.

AusSpan’s programs and dedication to detailed analysis of every structure under its care provide many benefits for its clients. These include:

• Minimising public complaints;
• Minimising field and administration time spent in relation to bridge management by way of systemisation;
• Alerting management to existing and potential defects in order of priority, so that they can be addressed in a pro-active manner;
• Providing forward-works programs that allow clients to segregate works into priorities to suit annual budgets and current and future economic constraints;
• Updating field information to produce accurate accounting reports for AAS27, Grants Commission submissions, and in-house management requirements;
• Reducing the risk of costly expenditure by providing alternative renewal and repair options based on the latest technologies available;
• Accessing an extensive Australia-wide network of experience;
• Providing updates for renewal and repair costs benchmarked via analysis of the market place tender box, by comparing similar structures’ average rates;
• Recording the location of all bridges and other structures by GPS to make location and identification simple via GIS compatible technology. This enables integration with existing client asset management and GIS systems;
• Certifying assets as safe for the designated public use within a changing economic environment to minimise the risk of litigation;
• Providing municipal Councils and other asset management authorities with a professional approach to bridge maintenance and asset management via a system that is widely acknowledged as one of the best in Australia.

AusSpan achieves this high level of infrastructure management competence with specialised software, developed for the Company to a stringent set of protocols. The program includes a series of integrated modules that cover inventory, inspection, analysis, reporting, and a system that ‘talks’ to the various systems in use by AusSpan’s clients. AusSpan’s asset management software is compatible with the majority of Local Government umbrella systems.
A typical set of records for a managed structure includes:

• A record of all inspections undertaken on the structures;
• Photographic images of the structures;
• Reports on structure works, as selected by bridge staff
• Through the analysis module, reports on the condition and optimum rehabilitation programs for the structures, based on current and optimum budgets.

An extensive database or Information Management System stores digital images of all structures, such as drawings, records, and photographs. All authorised and relevant staff have access availability on their desktop, or laptop if they are working in the field, to this extensive library of information.
In short, AusSpan’s maintenance and inspection staff are dedicated to providing their clients with the necessary resources to keep structures safe and operational for their intended use. AusSpan has the experience and capability to undertake Level 2 inspections on all structures and has specialist skills in the inspection and assessment of timber bridges.

Under relevant accounting standards, there is a growing need for all Council infrastructures to be recorded for asset sustainability. Community infrastructure such as footbridges, viewing platforms, basketball rings, flag poles and semaphore masts are just as liable for meeting these standards as major infrastructure items under the control of municipal authorities. Even open spaces, such as reserves, waterways, malls, stadiums, sporting facilities, swimming pools and parks require constant attention to ensure public safety.

AusSpan offers a range of inspection and certification options for marine structures such as wharfs and floating pontoons. AusSpan regularly undertakes wharf and jetty inspections and offers assessment and refurbishment options for municipal Councils and water authorities. AusSpan has particular experience and a well-deserved reputation for its knowledgeable inspection of timber marine structures. Such structures are subject to harsh conditions and environments, including exposure to tidal conditions, high winds, corrosion, and frequent movement that leads to extreme wear and tear on all components.