In-Place Methods to Estimate Concrete Strength Using Rebound Hammer

Estimate Concrete Strength Using Rebound Hammer

In-Place Test methods to estimate concrete strength has been extremely popular among engineers and inspectors involved in the field of structure inspection, evaluation and condition assessment. Various non-destructive methods have been developed by different researchers over the past few decades to assess in-place strength of concrete. The rebound hammer, developed by Ernst Schmidt, provides an inexpensive and quick method for nondestructive testing and evaluation of the hardness of concrete. In… Read More »Estimate Concrete Strength Using Rebound Hammer

Why We Need Structural Health Monitoring?

Why We Need Structural Health Monitoring? Owners and maintenance managers of capital-intensive assets are looking for cost-effective and reliable inspection and monitoring solutions to ensure safety and reliability of these structures. Modern design codes are now looking in a much longer service life. For example, The Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (S6-14, 2014) considers a service life of 75 years for newly constructed bridges. One good example in this case… Read More »Why We Need Structural Health Monitoring?

the future of bridge inspection

The Future of Bridge Inspection

The Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (S6-14, 2014) considers a service life of 75 years for newly constructed bridge. What does this mean in engineering terms? It means that the bridges of the future should have satisfactory performance, both durability and structural, during the proposed life-cycle. This can be quite challenging when we look closely; the environment and environmental loading (i.e. snow, freeze and thaw cycles, corrosion, earthquakes, etc.) can… Read More »The Future of Bridge Inspection

How To Test Concrete Using Impact-Echo Method

How to Test Concrete Using Impact-Echo Method?

In this article, we will briefly present and discuss Impact-Echo (IE) method for testing concrete structures. The concept behind the technique will be reviewed. We will also study the applications and limitation of the IE method and How to Test Concrete Using Impact-Echo Method.  The test method was adapted as a standard test procedure by the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM C1383) (1), “Standard Test Method for Measuring the P-Wave… Read More »How to Test Concrete Using Impact-Echo Method?

Concrete Imaging and Scanning Feature Photo

4 NDT Methods for Concrete Imaging and Scanning

Concrete imaging and scanning has been an interesting topic for many materials and structural engineers, inspectors, as well as the owners. It helps identify and quantify sub-surface defects more efficiently, and comprehend the extent of damages. Different non-destructive testing methods have been developed for concrete imaging and scanning. In this article, we will review some of the most famous NDT methods for concrete imaging and scanning. Concrete Scanning can be… Read More »4 NDT Methods for Concrete Imaging and Scanning

Non-Destructive Evaluation Bridge Abutments

How to Evaluate Bridge Abutments?

In a bridge structure, abutment refers to the substructure unit which supports the end of the structure (bridge span) and retains the approach fill (see Ontario Structure Inspection Manual). Abutments are commonly made of mass concrete, reinforced concrete, or wood. Usually, abutments consist of a number of components: + Foundation + Abutment wall + Ballast wall + Wing walls + Bearing seats. (Image on the right: Adapted from OSIM, 2008) Abutments can… Read More »How to Evaluate Bridge Abutments?

Common Defects in Bridge Structures

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 developed countries are nearing the end of their initial service life design. According to the… Read More »Common Defects in Bridge Structures

Quality Control of Concrete Piles

Quality control of concrete piles is a challenging task. Engineers, and contractors rely on experience and well-established procedures and test standards to verify the strength, and consistency of pile materials. Non-destructive testing help reveal potential defects that might have happened during pile casting (in the case of cast-in-place piles), or transportation and installation (in the case of precast piles). Construction and installation of concrete piles might lead to defects in… Read More »Quality Control of Concrete Piles

Nondestructive testing of concrete tanks (1)

Non-Destructive Testing of Concrete Tanks

Inspection and Non-destructive Testing of Concrete Tanks at regular intervals will ensure the safety and reliability of these assets. Application of NDT methods for inspection and monitoring will help detect and quantify potential defects and deterioration mechanisms at early stage. Test results will help the owners in prioritizing repair and maintenance needs, and prevent excessive damages which can have great financial and environmental impacts. In this article, we will briefly review… Read More »Non-Destructive Testing of Concrete Tanks