Non-Destructive Testing for Detailed Bridge Condition Survey

Non-Destructive Testing for Detailed Bridge Condition Survey

The following article is a quick review of the most cost-effective and easy to implement non-destructive testing for detailed bridge condition survey. We were recently involved in a detailed bridge deck condition survey in Perth, Ontario. The main objective was to inspect and evaluate the existing condition of the bridge deck, identify surface and subsurface defects, and evaluate the corrosion activity. As one might expect, the scope of project leaves… Read More »Non-Destructive Testing for Detailed Bridge Condition Survey

Non-Destructive Testing for Structural Condition Assessment

Non-Destructive Testing for Structural Condition Assessment

Structural Condition Assessment usually refers to the process of collecting observations and data about the existing condition of the structure through systematic and scientific methods. According to the Professional Engineers Ontario Guideline for “Structural Condition Assessment of Existing Buildings and Designated Structures” (PEO, Nov 2016), structural condition assessment are within the practice of professional engineering. This primarily fall in two categories: Preliminary assessment Detailed condition assessment Depending on the objectives… Read More »Non-Destructive Testing for Structural Condition Assessment

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

NDT Methods for Concrete Imaging and Scanning

Share on linkedin Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on telegram Share on whatsapp Share on email Concrete Imaging and Scanning are used to assess the location and extent of sub-surface defects. Different non-destructive test methods have been developed and used over the past few decades. The following article briefly describes some of these methods, and their application in the structure inspection and structural condition assessment.  What is Concrete… Read More »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