Nondestructive Evaluation Tools to Improve the Inspection, Fabrication and Repair of Bridges


Book Description

"The goal of this research project in Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) is to improve the safety and reliability of bridge through the exploration of three innovative technologies: (1) ultrasonic measurement of in-situ stress levels in gusset plates, (2) evaluation of ultrasonic testing (UT) and phased array testing, and (3) development of vehicle-mounted infrared thermography for bridge condition assessment" (page ii).







Inspection and Monitoring Techniques for Bridges and Civil Structures


Book Description

The safety, maintenance and repair of bridges and buildings depend on effective inspection and monitoring techniques. These methods need to be able to identify problems often hidden within structures before they become serious. This important collection reviews key techniques and their applications to bridges, buildings and other civil structures. The first group of chapters reviews ways of testing corrosion in concrete components. Given their continuing importance and vulnerability to decay, the next series of chapters describes ways of testing wood components within civil structures. A final group of chapters looks at visual and acoustic techniques and their use to assess bridges in particular. Inspection and monitoring techniques for bridges and civil structures is an invaluable reference for civil engineers involved in safety inspection, maintenance and repair of bridges and civil structures. Reviews key inspection and monitoring techniques and their applications to bridges, building and other civil structures Edited by a leading authority in the field







Nondestructive Evaluation of Steel Bridges


Book Description

Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods can be used to assess in-service steel bridges for problematic conditions caused by factors such as design, manufacturing, fabrication, and the service effects of traffic and corrosion. This report discusses typical NDE test methods used on bridges, including penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, eddy current testing, ultrasonic testing (including phased array testing), radiography, and acoustic emission testing. NDE operations such as flaw location, characterization, and sizing are covered as well. Results of a national survey of departments of transportation’s (DOTs) use of NDE are presented. A simple procedure for using NDE to address DOT bridge concerns is proposed along with a risk-based inspection approach to scheduling/scoping bridge inspections.










Inspection and Management of Bridges with Fracture-critical Details


Book Description

TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Synthesis 354: Inspection and Management of Bridges with Fracture-Critical Details explores the inspection and maintenance of bridges with fracture-critical members (FCMs), as defined in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) Bridge Design Specifications. The report identifies gaps in literature related to the subject; determines practices and problems with how bridge owners define, identify, document, inspect, and manage bridges with fracture-critical details; and identifies specific research needs. Among the areas examined in the report are inspection frequencies and procedures; methods for calculating remaining fatigue life; qualification, availability, and training of inspectors; cost of inspection programs; instances where inspection programs prevented failures; retrofit techniques; fabrication methods and inspections; and experience with fracture-critical members fractures and problems details.