1. Traffic Signal
Mast Arm
Inspections
American Public Works Association
Florida Chapter
Annual Meeting & Trade Show
Jacksonville, Florida
April 26, 2013

2. Reference Sources
• FHWA/FHWA/NHI Course No. 130087
• AASHTO (2010 interim)
– Standard Specifications for Structural
Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and
Traffic Signals
• FDOT Bridge and Other Structure
Inspection and Reporting Procedures
• FDOT Bridge Inspectors Field Guide

3. Today’s Presenters
• Rick Maslyn, CBI – Ayres Associates
• Brian Schroeder, PE, CBI – Ayres Associates
• Charlie Wetzel, PE, PTOE – Seminole
County

4. This Session Addresses:
• What a TSMA is
• Why we should inspect TSMAs
• Who should inspect TSMAs
• Inspection procedures
• Reporting procedures
• Owner/maintainer responsibilities

5. TSMA Structural Components
• Foundation, including
anchor bolts/rods
• Mast/vertical member
• Arm/horizontal
member

6. TSMA Structural Components
• Moment Connection

7. Anchor Bolt and Moment
Connection Number Scheme
Foundation – Plan View Moment Connection – Front View

8. FDOT Intersection Layout Scheme
• Intersection layout –
plan view

9. FDOT Intersection Numbering
Scheme
• Example: 77M001
– “77” = FDOT BMS County No.
– “M” = Mast Arm Structure
– “001” = unique three-digit number within
county

10. AASHTO Loads
• Dead load
• Wind loads
• Ice load (not
applicable in
Florida)

11. AASHTO Forces
• Tension
• Compression
• Shear
• Moment (bending)
• Torsion

12. TSMA Inspection Program

13. FDOT TSMA Inspection Program
• Started 2008
• By FDOT Structures Maintenance Office
• Structural inspection
– not electrical or signal
• Only State-owned TSMAs
• Maintenance responsibility
– coastal vs. inland
• Reports in FDOT PONTIS

14. FDOT TSMA Inspection Program
• Public safety
• Protect asset/investment
• Inspection findings could lead to design
improvements

15. Local Government Inspection
Program
• No formal program
• Varies widely by agency
• Seminole County here today to share
information

16. FDOT Inspector Credentials
• Certified by the
Department
• Same certification
as bridge inspectors
• National Bridge
Inspection
Standards

17. Inspection Types
• Initial (construction acceptance)
• Routine (scheduled event)
• Interim (monitor suspect condition)
• Damage/emergency

18. Inspections
• Visual
• Physical
• Advanced (NDT)

19. Common Deficiencies
• Foundation below grade
• Foundation cracks and spalls
• Loose anchor bolts/leveling nuts
• Excessive anchor bolt stand-off
• Missing vermin/critter guards at base
• Grout pads and weep holes at base

20. Common Deficiencies
• Paint failure/corrosion on mast and arm
• Impact damage (dents) on mast
• Gaps at moment connections
• Open hand holes on mast and arm

21. Common Deficiencies

22. Common Deficiencies

23. Common Deficiencies

24. Less Common Defects
• Structural cracks in mast and arm
• Debonded/sheared anchor bolts
• Misdirected sprinklers
• Secondary projects that affect structure
such as drainage swales, sidewalks, and
road widening

25. Less Common Deficiencies

26. Less Common Deficiencies

27. NBI Superstructure Rating

28. NBI Substructure Rating

29. PONTIS Elements Lists
• Foundation = Ele 480
• Vertical Member _Painted = Ele 481
• Vertical Member _Galvanized = Ele 482
• Horizontal Member _Painted = Ele 484
• Horizontal Member _Galvanized = Ele 485

30. PONTIS Condition States
• Foundation = Choice of CS1 through CS4
• Unpainted Member = Choice of CS1
through CS4
• Painted Member = Choice of CS1 through
CS5

31. Preventative/Periodic
Maintenance Responsibility

32. Preventative/Periodic
Maintenance Responsibility

33. FDOT Repair Priorities
• Priority 1 (Emergency) = within 60 days *
• Priority 2 (Urgent) = within 180 days *
• Priority 3 (Routine) = within 365 days *
* Repair work to be completed

34. Local Agency (Seminole County)
• Overall TSMA management plan
• Manage program (field work)
• Manage program (office work)

35. Local Agency (Seminole County)
• Repair decision-making process
• Other public agency interaction
• Funding source(s)

36. This Session Addressed:
• What a TSMA is
• Why we should inspect TSMAs
• Who should inspect TSMAs
• Inspection procedures
• Reporting procedures
• Owner/maintainer responsibilities

37. QUESTIONS? Seminole County
Charlie Wetzel, PE, PTOE
County Traffic Engineer
cwetzel@seminolecountyfl.gov
407.665.5686
Ayres Associates
Rick Maslyn, CBI
Structural Inspection Supervisor
MaslynR@AyresAssociates.com
813.318.1577