Bridge structures are among the most important infrastructure. There are about 600,000 bridges in the US and about 75,000 in Canada. Bridges play a vital role in transportation industry, as they facilitate the transports of goods, as well as people. The construction of bridges has a long history, and goes back to centuries ago.
Bridge structures in North America have an average age of 40 years; they are rapidly nearing the end of their initial service life. the repair and maintenance of these bridges are very important.
The collapse of Ponte Morandi in Genoa, Italy (read more) and Florida International University pedestrian bridge (read more) have raised concerns about the safety and reliability of existing and new bridge structures. common Defects in bridge structures can affect the overall safety of the bridge structures. Different deterioration mechanisms can lead to major defects. Exiting infrastructure in Read more about Common Defects in Bridge Structures[…]
In this article, we will briefly review how to Estimate Strength of Concrete Using NDT Methods. Compressive strength of concrete is by far the most important property of concrete. It represents the mechanical properties of concrete; for example, the 28 days compressive strength of concrete cylinders is the key parameter in most design codes (ACI 318-14, CSA Read more about How To Estimate Strength of Concrete Using NDT Methods?[…]
A corroded structure (whether it is a bridge, or a jetty, or a simple ramp) could be scary for many people. Imagine yourself driving along the Gardner Express (Downtown Toronto), or the highway 40 (Montreal), and all of a sudden, a piece of concrete falls onto your car, breaking the windshield. Feels scary? Indeed! A Read more about Corrosion Monitoring of Reinforced Concrete Structures[…]
Exposed Concrete Decks suffer from various deterioration mechanisms; i.e. freezing and thawing, corrosion. The most significant consequence is the delamination of concrete, which could eventually trigger other damage mechanism, such as corrosion. The maintenance of deck slabs is quite challenging mainly because it normally involves large areas; In many cases, closing the deck to traffic Read more about 4 Methods of Condition Survey for Bridge Decks[…]
Acoustic Emission is referred to the radiation of acoustic waves in solids as a result of damage or any irreversible change in its internal structure. Acoustic emission monitoring is well-known for its application in structural health monitoring of civil infrastructure. Structural Health Monitoring Health monitoring is a process of implementing inspection, evaluation, reaction, re-inspection and re-evaluation in Read more about Acoustic Emission Monitoring for Civil Infrastructure[…]
This article is a brief review over different aspects regarding the bridge structure inspection procedure specified in the Ontario Bridge Inspection Manual (OSIM). The inspection manual has been used for bridge inspections in Ontario since 1985 with major upgrades to the document in the year 2000. According to the bridge inspection manual (section 1.2.1), “the main goal of the structural Read more about Remarks on Ontrio Structure Inspection Manual[…]
Ontario Structure Inspection Manual The Ontario Structure Inspection Manual has been used for bridge inspections in Ontario since 1985. The manual underwent significant modifications in the year 2000 (OSIM, 2008). This FAQ provides general definitions and terminology used in the OSIM 2008.
Damaged Bridges are a major concern in the maintenance and operation of transportation infrastructure. Bridge structures in North America were mainly developed in the 1960’s and 1970’s and are rapidly approaching the end of their initial service life. Major mega cities in North America spend millions of dollars each year to keep these structures safe and Read more about How to Test Damaged Bridges?[…]
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) was primarily developed and used in geophysics and geology for subsurface scanning and imaging. Since then, the method has been successfully adapted in many other disciplines including civil engineering. The multipurpose nature of GPR and its broad range of applications, make it distinct from existing NDT methods. Got good fortune in civil Read more about GPR – Subsurface Scanning and Imaging[…]
Have you ever imagined what would happen if highway bridges could speak?: “That I broke an arm? That I have a steel tendon ruptured? …” Well, they are not too far anymore. Last week, I had the chance to participate in a presentation by Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) in the GTA, and Read more about Intelligent Bridge Monitoring[…]