Systematic Assessment of Nondestructive Evaluation Techniques for Post-Tensioning and Stay Cable Systems
Publication: Journal of Infrastructure Systems
Volume 25, Issue 2
Abstract
Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) can provide invaluable information about the condition of tendons in post-tensioned and cable-stayed bridges, which can facilitate preventative actions to mitigate further deterioration. To date, the use of nondestructive testing methods for routine maintenance of bridges has been relatively low, partly due to limitations of available technologies but mainly owing to a lack of know-how regarding existing NDE techniques and guidelines. This study aims to develop guidelines to assist bridge owners and engineers in selecting the most appropriate NDE method or combination of methods for assessing the condition of in-service post-tensioning and stay cable systems. An extensive experimental study is conducted on a full-scale post-tensioned girder specimen and four large-scale stay cable specimens to evaluate the performance of various NDE methods in detecting location and severity of numerous strand and grout defects. Decision metrics are developed considering multiple criteria such as precision, accuracy, ease of use, inspection requirements, and cost. The decision metrics are intended to facilitate selecting the most appropriate NDE method for assessing a particular defect condition. Overall scores for the tested NDE methods in identifying various defect conditions in different parts of the post-tensioning and stay cable systems are calculated using a weighted sum model. These scores are used to develop a list of ranked NDE methods for evaluating a particular defect condition within a specific location and for a specific duct material.
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Acknowledgments
This project was sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, and was conducted through The National Cooperative Highway Research Program (Grant No. NCHRP 14-28). The project team would like to thank the senior program officer, Dr. Waseem Dekelbab, and all NCHRP panel members for their input during the various phases of the project. The authors are grateful to the industry partners who performed nondestructive evaluation of the mock-up specimens, which was instrumental for the successful completion of the project. The authors would also like to thank Mr. William R. “Randy” Cox (ASBI) for his support of grouting certification training; Mr. John Turner and Dr. Mike Mota (CRSI), Mr. Pete Diggs and Mr. Bryan McMurray (Gerdau Long Steel North America), Dr. Zuming Xia and Mr. John Crigler (VSL), Mr. Ray Bauer (Commercial Metals Company), Mr. Mark Huff (BASF), and Mr. Steve Koch (Sumiden Wire Products) for their in-kind contributions of material for the construction of the mock-up specimen.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Infrastructure Systems
Volume 25 • Issue 2 • June 2019
Copyright
©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 20, 2018
Accepted: Dec 5, 2018
Published online: Mar 29, 2019
Published in print: Jun 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Aug 29, 2019
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