UFC 4-150-08
01 April 2001
CHAPTER 4.
INSPECTION FUNDAMENTALS
4-1
LEVELS OF INSPECTION.
4-1.1
Level 1 - Walk through Inspection. This inspection is a walk through
inspection to assess damage following a storm event and to confirm any changed
conditions. Gross deficiencies can be identified during this inspection. This level of
inspection cannot provide sufficient data to assess the capabilities of a mooring system.
4-1.2
Level 2 - Visual Inspection. This inspection will involve visual
observation of the condition of exposed components of the mooring hardware and
supporting structure. The hardware should be visually inspected for cracks or other
anomalies. Hardware geometry should also be inspected to determine if displacement
has occurred. Bolts, if exposed, can be inspected to determine their relative tightness.
The general condition of the supporting base structure should be inspected for
anomalies such as cracking and/or displacement. Under this level of inspection the
position of the hardware should be determined. The relative position in relation to the
three principal axis coordinates (x,y,z) should be established to the nearest foot. The
Level 2 visual inspection is required to establish baseline conditions.
4-1.3
Level 3- Detailed Inspection. This inspection is performed in addition to
the inspection tasks performed under the Level 1 and Level 2 inspections. A detailed
inspection will involve the observation of exposed components of the supporting
structure such as the underside of the pier deck and piles.
In addition, a detailed inspection may involve partly destructive techniques related to
dismantling and load testing mooring hardware. Removal of sealing material and
fasteners for inspection and load testing will be accomplished as directed by the Scope
of Work under this level of inspection. Individual fasteners may be load tested in tension
by using a jacking apparatus. The entire hardware piece may be load tested using
various methods. The method employed for load testing of hardware will be dependent
upon the type of hardware piece and site conditions. Guidelines for load testing
hardware and fasteners can be found in Appendix B of this document.
4-1.4
Fender System. A Level 1 visual inspection of the fender system should
be conducted concurrently with all levels of mooring hardware inspection. Refer to
NAVFAC MO-104.1 for fender system inspection. The type of fender system will be
noted and the general configuration will be established as it relates to the mooring
hardware. Size and location of fender system components will be noted to determine
the placement of ships.
4-2
FREQUENCY OF INSPECTION. Under most circumstances all mooring
hardware should receive a Level 1 Inspection annually, Level 2 Inspection every 5
years. The type of structure and the class of service will also dictate the inspection
frequency and level of inspection. For timber structures that are susceptible to impact
and severe environmental conditions the frequency of Level 2 inspections should be set
at every 3 years. For structures that are high priority, the berthing officer will determine
the level of inspection. In instances where extreme storm events have resulted in the
potential overloading of mooring hardware, a Level 1 inspection should be conducted to
determine post storm conditions. Level 3 Inspections involving load testing should be
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