TM 5-5420-203-14
NOTES: * If the leading edge of the main angle is damaged by a gouge or nick, do not try to smooth
o
the rough places out by filing the area against the grain of the metal, e.g., filing 90 to the flange of the
angle. This will only cause stress risers which will result in a cracked or broken main angle when placed
under the load of tanks.
** A crack of any length or width which exists in a primary structural member, e.g., hinge,
main angle, connector, splice bar, splice doubler angle, splice plate, web girder plate, quadrant, launching
diaphragm, or the cable and cylinder beams, is considered a serious condition which warrants the
immediate "deadlining" of the end item (bridge) until the item is repaired or replaced. Until then the
bridge should be carried an NMC.
*** Cracks of a less serious nature are those found in secondary members, namely the
angular and plate members of cross-bracing located both underneath the treadways and the transverse and
lateral braces located between the treadways. If small cracks (1-2 inches long) are found in a secondary
member, such as cross bracing, they are considered minor but should be monitored for further
propagation. A bridge with minor cracks in secondary members should only be "deadlined" if any of the
following conditions apply: 1) Cracks propagate through the two adjoining rivets holes in either the top
or bottom of the two vertical angle members of the cross bracing; 2) Cracks propagate eight inches in
either of the two vertical angle members starting from either the top or bottom of the angle; or 3)
Cracks propagate completely through either of the two pieces of angle that make up the cross bracing
Change 2 2-8.7
