HOW SAFE ARE OUR BRIDGES?

This article describes newly developed technology that focuses on a novel method to inspect suspension bridges. Vertical suspender cables are one of the most critical components for the stability of a suspension bridge. The cables that support the bridge are constantly exposed to load, vibration, and changing weather conditions, so deterioration is inevitable; wear, corrosion, and breakage occur on the internal wires of the cable and are not visible to the naked eye. The technology described here utilizes magnetic detection whereby a test instrument is installed at the bottom of a cable and is pulled up along its length. As the instrument travels upward, segments of the cable are magnetized and any damage, corrosion, or broken wires will cause a distortion of the magnetic field, which is then detected by a series of sensors. The instrument is highly sensitive, able to locate a metal loss as small as 0.2% of the entire cable.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1519687
• Corporate Authors:

  N/A

  P.O. Box 558
  Park Ridge, IL  United States  60068
• Publication Date: 2000-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 16
• Serial:
  • Better Roads
  • Volume: 70
  • Issue Number: 7
  • Publisher: James Informational Media, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0006-0208
  • Serial URL: http://www.betterroads.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge cables; Highway safety; Highway transportation; Magnetic detectors; Maintenance of specific facilities; Structural deterioration and defects; Suspended structures; Suspension bridges; Suspension cables; Tests specific to a material, structure or device
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00796065
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 24 2000 12:00AM