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provided in the Recording and Coding Guide for the Structure Inventory and Appraisal of the Nation's Bridges (Coding Guide). While the importance of the NBIS inspection program cannot be overemphasized, the SI&A data sheets are oriented toward bridges rather than culverts; thus, they do not allow an inspector to collect either detailed condition data or maintenance data. Additionally, the NBIS program does not specifically address structures where the total opening length is less than 20 feet. However, some type of formal inventory and inspection is needed for culverts that are not bridge length. In many cases, the failure of a culvert or other structure with openings less than 20 ft long can present a life-threatening hazard. Although the primary purpose of this manual is to provide inspection guidelines for culverts included in the NBIS program, the guidelines should also be generally applicable to culverts with openings which are less than 20 feet long. Ideally, all culverts should be inventoried and periodically inspected. Some limitations may be necessary because a considerable effort is required to establish a current and complete culvert inventory. Small culverts may not warrant the same rigorous level of inspection as large culverts. Each agency should define its culvert inspection program in terms of inspection frequency, size, and type of culverts to be inventoried and inspected, and the information to be collected. Of course, culverts larger than 20 ft must be inspected every two years under the NBIS program. If possible all culverts should be inventoried and inspected to establish a structural adequacy and to evaluate the potential for roadway overtopping or flooding. The types and amount of condition information to be collected should be based on the purpose for which the information will be used. For example, if small pipes are not repaired but are replaced after failures occur, then the periodic collection of detailed condition data may not be warranted. Documentation of failures as well as the causes of failures, may be all the condition data that is needed. However, the inventory should be updated whenever a replacement is accomplished. Section 2. REPORTING 4-2.1 Reporting Requirements. The requirements of a good field reporting system include the following: a. inventory data. b. a structure file for each structure to be inspected. c. a procedure for planning and scheduling inspections. d. a system for recording the inspection results. e. a system for updating the structure files. 47