00394972

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http://onlinepubs.trb.org...s/trr/1984/962/962-011.pdf

https://scholar.google.co...hite&publication_year=1984

A nondestructive inspection procedure that uses the ultrasonic technique to determine the material properties of timber piles above and below water is described, and the equipment developed is presented. The technique is suitable primarily for piles such as those on the Denton Bridge (that collapsed in Maryland in 1976) and others that are immersed in fresh water for long periods of time and sustain damage to the wood microstructure, which can reduce pile capacity by actually changing material parameters, such as strength and density, without a loss of cross-sectional area. This type of destructive action cannot be detected by any existing inspection technique. Laboratory testing of a large number of new and old piles from four different bridges in the state of Maryland were used to establish relationships between the pulse velocity from the ultrasonic testing and the crushing strength of the timber piles. Variables that affect the relationships, such as type of wood, degree of decay, moisture content, and treatment of the wood, were also studied. The relationships developed were verified by determining the pulse velocity of in-place piling in a fifth bridge, then removing the piles, cutting them into sections, and axial load testing the sections to determine the strength of the piles. It has been concluded from the favorable comparison of the calculated and the experimentally determined strength that the technique and equipment developed could be confidently used in timber pile inspection. The quantitative determination of the remaining strength of timber piles in service will lead to appropriate judgments as to the ability of the piles to further support the loads imposed on them.

Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Structures Maintenance. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

01419847

pp 69-77

1984

Transportation Research Record

0309037182

Print

Figures (12) ; Photos (2) ; References (22) ; Tables (2)

Biodeterioration; Field tests; Inspection; Measurement; Measuring instruments; Moisture content; Nondestructive tests; Pulses; Strength of materials; Support piles; Timber; Ultrasonic tests; Velocity; Wood preservatives

Pulse velocity

Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls

TRIS, TRB

Jan 31 1986 12:00AM

• APPLICATION: DEEP GROOVING--A METHOD FOR IMPREGNATING CONCRETE BRIDGE DECKS (ABRIDGMENT)
• BRIDGE HEATING USING GROUND-SOURCE HEAT PIPES
• CATHODIC PROTECTION OF BRIDGE SUBSTRUCTURES: BURLINGTON BAY SKYWAY TEST SITE, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PHASES
• CATHODIC PROTECTION OF BRIDGE SUBSTRUCTURES: BURLINGTON BAY SKYWAY TEST SITE, INITIAL PERFORMANCE OF SYSTEMS 1 TO 4
• CATHODIC PROTECTION OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BY USING METALLIZED COATINGS AND CONDUCTIVE PAINTS
• CORROSION OF GALVANIZED STEEL FLOOR SLAB REINFORCEMENT
• DEVELOPMENT: DEEP GROOVING--A METHOD FOR IMPREGNATING CONCRETE BRIDGE DECKS (ABRIDGMENT)
• FIELD EVALUATION OF OIL- AND GAS-PRODUCED BRINES AS HIGHWAY DEICING AGENTS (ABRIDGMENT)
• FIELD PERFORMANCE OF EXPERIMENTAL BRIDGE DECK MEMBRANE SYSTEMS IN VERMONT
• KANSAS' EXPERIENCE WITH INTERLAYER MEMBRANES ON SALT-CONTAMINATED BRIDGE DECKS (ABRIDGMENT)
• LEVEL-OF-SERVICE SYSTEM FOR BRIDGE EVALUATION
• MANAGEMENT OF BRIDGE MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND REHABILITATION--A CITY PERSPECTIVE
• PRODUCTION AND TESTING OF CALCIUM MAGNESIUM ACETATE IN MAINE