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

The goal of this research project in Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) is to improve the safety and reliability of bridges 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. The first task investigated a methodology for nondestructive assessment of total stress levels in gusset plates to support safety analysis. This methodology utilizes the acoustoelastic effect to evaluate total stress levels by assessing the acoustic birefringence in the plate. The report describes exploratory testing to evaluate the utility of the approach as a potential tool for the field evaluation of gusset plate adequacy. The second task sought to identify the limitations associated with UT technologies and compare the results to the more recently developed phased array ultrasonic technologies. Various tests were developed to illustrate the limitations of both technologies. Currently, tests are being performed using UT and will be performed using phased array at a later date. In the third task, a flexible, portable platform for infrared thermography that enables the technology to be vehicle-mounted for scanning bridge decks, bridge soffits and tunnels at normal or close to normal traffic speeds was developed although it has not yet been field tested.

• Record URL:
  http://matc.unl.edu/assets/documents/matcfinal/Washer_NondestructiveEvaluationTechnologiesforBridgeInspection.pdf
• 
• Summary URL:
  http://matc.unl.edu/research/research_projects.php?researchID=404
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  Mid-America Transportation Center

  University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  2200 Vine Street, PO Box 830851
  Lincoln, NE  United States  68583-0851

  Research and Innovative Technology Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Washer, Glenn
  • Brooks, Steven
  • Looten, Daniel W
• Publication Date: 2014-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: 46p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Condition surveys; Gusset plates; Nondestructive tests; Phased arrays; Strain measurement; Structural health monitoring; Technological innovations; Thermographs; Ultrasonic tests
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I61: Equipment and Maintenance Methods;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01544606
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 25-1121-0003-181, MATC-MU: 181
• Files: UTC, TRIS, RITA, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Nov 24 2014 3:28PM