Detection of Common Defects in Concrete Bridge Decks Using Nondestructive Evaluation Techniques
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 12, Issue 2
Abstract
The transportation infrastructure in the United States is deteriorating and will require significant improvements. Consequently, innovations in the area of transportation infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation are keys to the health and wellness of this valuable national asset. A major component of maintenance and rehabilitation is the ability to accurately assess the condition of the transportation infrastructure. This can be accomplished in part by using nondestructive evaluation techniques. Several nondestructive techniques have been used on concrete bridge decks and have proven to be efficient and effective. This paper aims at studying the different nondestructive evaluation techniques used in the assessment of concrete bridge deck conditions. An experimental investigation to evaluate the ability of infrared thermography, impact echo, and ground penetrating radar to detect common flaws in concrete bridge decks is developed and discussed. Results from this study showed the ability of these methods to detect defects with varying precision. Capabilities of the methods were verified and comparisons among the methods were made.
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Acknowledgments
Partial support of this work was provided by National Science Foundation Grant No. MRI-0215356. The support of NSF is greatly appreciated. The writers also acknowledge Western Michigan University for its support and contributions to the Information Technology and Image Analysis Center. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or Western Michigan University.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 12 • Issue 2 • March 2007
Pages: 215 - 225
Copyright
© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: May 6, 2005
Accepted: Jan 3, 2006
Published online: Mar 1, 2007
Published in print: Mar 2007
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