Detection of Simulated Voids in Grouted Ducts using Groundpenetrating Radar

This paper describes how ground-penetrating radar (GPR) was employed for locating simulated voids (expanded polystyrene) inside grouted high density polyethylene (HDPE) ducts in reinforced concrete slab specimens. The concrete slab specimens were constructed to simulate typical walls (webs) of concrete box girder bridges. Simulated voids with thicknesses of 1.5 in. to 4 in. and lengths (parallel to the tendon direction) ranging from 2 in. to 6 in. were located adjacent to steel prestressing strands in 4 in. diameter grouted HDPE ducts. The simulated voids were placed at depths of 2 in. to 6 in. beneath the surface of the concrete slab specimens. All of the simulated voids were successfully detected using commercial GPR equipment with a 1.5 GHz antenna. The use of GPR to reliably locate voids in grouted ducts will be particularly beneficial for condition assessment of prestressed concrete bridges in the future.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Concrete Bridge Council

  Portland Cement Association, 5420 Old Orchard Road
  Skokie, IL  United States  60077-1083
• Authors:
  • Conner, Jon M
  • Pollock, David G
  • Khaleghi, Bijan
• Conference:
  • HPC: Build Fast, Build to Last. The 2006 Concrete Bridge Conference
  • Location: Reno NV, United States
  • Date: 2006-5-7 to 2006-5-10
• Publication Date: 2006

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: CD-ROM
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 20p
• Monograph Title: HPC: Build Fast, Build to Last

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air voids; Box girder bridges; Concrete bridges; Ground penetrating radar; Prestressed concrete; Reinforced concrete; Reinforced concrete bridges; Slabs; Tendons
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Materials; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I32: Concrete;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01036275
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 27 2006 8:14AM