Nondestructive Evaluation of MoDOT Bridge Decks - Pilot Study

Data required to assess the structural condition of bridge decks can be collected using various methods such as visual examination, surface sounding, removal and evaluation of samples, and noninvasive imaging. Nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques, in particular, enable rapid and comprehensive data collection. The optimal utilization of appropriate NDT technologies can result in more accurate bridge deck assessments and significantly reduced costs. The overarching goal of this pilot study is to demonstrate proof of concept that advanced nondestructive testing/evaluation (NDT/NDE) techniques can be rapidly, effectively, and economically implemented as part of the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) bridge deck surveys to improve the overall quality and cost of bridge deck evaluation. The accuracy and appropriateness of selected existing and emerging technologies will be evaluated using field data acquired from the entire suite of bridge decks investigated in this study. Technologies investigated will include two types of ground penetrating radar (GPR) and a portable seismic property analyzer (PSPA). Results of this pilot study will be used to evaluate the feasibility of a large scale, long-term program (multi-year, routine basis) that incorporates NDE techniques into MoDOT bridge deck surveys for the purpose of reducing cost on assessment and maintenance of bridge decks. The results will enable better, more cost-effective decisions of when to repair, strengthen, or replace the deteriorated bridge deck. The proposed research will also serve to educate and train multi-disciplinary students and future engineers in these technologies.

• Record URL:
  http://transportation.mst.edu/research/r311/

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $48089.00
• Contract Numbers:

  DTRT06-G-0014

  00040085

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Missouri Department of Transportation

  1617 Missouri Boulevard
  P.O. Box 270
  Jefferson City, MO  United States  65102
• Principal Investigators:

  Sneed, Lesley

• Start Date: 20120830
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 20140515
• Source Data: RiP Project 33598

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge decks; Cost effectiveness; Data collection; Deterioration; Ground penetrating radar; Nondestructive tests; Pilot studies; Structural health monitoring
• Geographic Terms: Missouri
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01517410
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Center for Infrastructure Engineering Studies
• Contract Numbers: DTRT06-G-0014, 00040085
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Mar 7 2014 1:01AM