Nondestructive Evaluation Technologies for Bridge Inspection

The goal of this research program in Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) is to improve the safety and reliability of bridges. The results of this research will enhance the safety of the transportation infrastructure by providing better tools for the safety condition assessment of bridges during fabrication, inspection and repair. The research will also enhance the state of good repair by developing technologies for detecting deterioration in its embryonic stages, when maintenance and preservation strategies can be implemented to ensure the state of good repair. The benefit is better, safer and longer lasting steel and concrete bridges and related structures. Three promising areas will be the focus of this research: 1) Vehicle-mounted Infrared Thermography for Bridge Condition Assessment Develop a flexible, portable platform for infrared thermography that enables the technology to be vehicle-mounted for scanning bridge decks, bridge soffits and tunnels at close to normal traffic speeds. 2) Develop Phase Array Ultrasonic Testing for Steel Fabrication Improve the quality control process for steel fabrication to improve the reliability, safety and quality of welded constructions. 3) Ultrasonic Measurement of In-Situ Stress Levels in Gusset Plates Measure the actual the actual in-situ stress levels in the gusset plates to ensure structural safety. This experimental research will explore that application of these technologies for practical applications for bridge condition assessment. The research will also make a strong contribution to the education and training of students in the important arena of inspection and condition assessment of the civil infrastructure, where current curriculum is lacking. These technologies can make significant improvements in the ability of engineers and inspectors to assess the condition of bridges to improve highway safety and ensure the state of good repair.

• Record URL:
  http://matc.unl.edu/research/research_projects.php?researchID=404

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $144384.00
• Contract Numbers:

  DTRT12-G-UTC07

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Research and Innovative Technology Administration

  University Transportation Centers Program
  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Performing Organizations:

  University of Missouri, Columbia

  Columbia, MO  United States  65211
• Principal Investigators:

  Nemmers, Charles

  Washer, Glenn

• Start Date: 20120601
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 20131231
• Source Data: RiP Project 33541

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Condition surveys; Deterioration; Infrared detectors; Infrastructure; Inspection; Nondestructive tests; Traffic safety
• Uncontrolled Terms: Infrared thermography
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Data and Information Technology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01483238
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Mid-America Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: DTRT12-G-UTC07
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Jun 6 2013 1:01AM