Project Overview
As part of MBTA’s initiative to maintain its infrastructure in a state of good repair and ensure regulatory compliance, Reliance Engineers is supporting the development and implementation of a comprehensive Earth Retaining Structures (ERS) Inspection and Load Rating Program. The MBTA currently maintains approximately 214 walls, spanning a total of 14 miles, which serve critical roles across bridges, embankments, and standalone infrastructure.
Scope of Services:
Reliance’s role encompasses full-spectrum technical services required to initiate and sustain the program, including:
- Review of Existing Data: Evaluation of prior inspection reports, structural drawings, and condition documentation.
- Field Inspection Execution: Performing hands-on, routine, and special inspections, supplemented by digital tools and imagery as needed, tailored to case-specific conditions.
- Interagency Coordination: Scheduling and logistics planning with MBTA operations, Commuter Rail, and other stakeholders to minimize service disruptions.
- Load Rating Analysis: Development of structural load ratings to assess stability and safety under operational demands.
- Asset Management Integration: Inputting inspection findings and structural data into MBTA’s Trapeze system to support Transit Asset Management (TAM) reporting under FTA Rule 49 CFR Part 625.
- Repair Design: Providing limited structural repair design where deficiencies are identified, including standard repair details and guidance.
- Documentation & Reporting: Preparation of detailed inspection and rating reports with condition assessments, recommendations, and documentation of baseline conditions.
- Program Development: Supporting the MBTA in developing and refining ERS-specific inspection protocols, rating methodologies, and repair standards.
Impact:
This ongoing program helps the MBTA proactively maintain the safety and functionality of its retaining wall inventory, ensure compliance with federal reporting and asset management standards, and reduce the risk of service disruptions due to infrastructure failure. Reliance’s involvement reflects its broader commitment to providing data-driven, safety-focused, and regulation-compliant solutions for public transit infrastructure.