Detection of Multiple Flaws in Concrete Bridge Decks Using Ultrasonic Wave Propagation

There are several shortcomings in the current set of bridge deck structural health monitoring tools. They lack the ability to detect the onset of deterioration of bridge decks. There is no single nondestructive testing method which is able to identify corrosion, delamination, and cracks in all three material scenarios of steel, concrete, and the steel-concrete interface. In addition, there is no energy measurement-based standardized ultrasonic testing method. The objectives of the current research were: to identify and monitor the rebar in reinforced concrete bridge decks for the onset of corrosion; use the same equipment and set-up to identify and monitor the onset of cracking in concrete; to identify existing, and monitor the onset of, multiple types of early-stage flaws; and to evaluate this testing method as a diagnostic tool for comprehensive interior deterioration of concrete bridge decks. A pilot bridge implementation study for the Nebraska Department of Transportation was conducted. The results showed that the proposed ultrasonic testing method is useful in detecting the onset of delamination and corrosion, individual cracks in concrete, and flaws in complex slabs with bidirectional reinforcement. Currently, the method shows more promise as a structural health monitoring tool than as a diagnostic tool. Improved sensor-rebar attachment methods are needed in order to use the method as a diagnostic tool.

• Record URL:
  • https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ndor/207
• Record URL:
  • https://dot.nebraska.gov/media/4jyhukwz/uno-m066-finalreport-erdogmus.pdf
• 
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/61988
• Corporate Authors:

  Nebraska Department of Transportation

  1500 Nebraska 2
  Lincoln, NE  United States  68502
• Authors:
  • Erdogmus, Ece
  • Garcia, Eric
  • Schuller, Michael
  • Harvey, Donald
  • Stithem, Kelsey
  • Houck, Monica
• Publication Date: 2017-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 27p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Diagnostic tests; Flaw detection; Inspection equipment; Pilot studies; Reinforced concrete bridges; Structural health monitoring; Ultrasonic tests
• Identifier Terms: Nebraska Department of Transportation
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01695831
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: M066
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 21 2019 9:56AM