01473472

Component

The common practice of patching decayed or damaged bridge decks introduces unique challenges to non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques when the deck is extensively patched. NDT techniques are useful to gain knowledge of damaged bridge decks, but it is important to know their limitations to correctly assess the condition and remaining life of the structure. Three bridge decks in the New England area were subjected to a suit of testing which included ground penetrating radar, half cell potential, chain drag/hammer sounding, visual inspection and core sampling. Two of the three decks had large patched areas. The data from each of the tests, specifically ground penetrating radar and half-cell potentials, allow for the comparison and the identification of the limitations of each individual test. Using the gained knowledge of the shortcomings of individual tests, it allows the data interpreter to identify ways to compensate for the unique difficulties caused by patched bridge decks. With a better understanding of the data collected from NDTs, higher precision quality control/quality assurance can be performed, which can lead to increased savings and higher durability of the bridge decks.

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AFF40 Field Testing and Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) of Transportation Structures.

01470560

13-3242

English

14p

2013

Transportation Research Board 92nd Annual Meeting

Digital/other

Figures; Photos; References; Tables

Bridge decks; Deterioration; Ground penetrating radar; Maintenance; Nondestructive tests; Patching; Quality control; Reinforced concrete

New England

Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls; I61: Equipment and Maintenance Methods

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2013 Paper #13-3242

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Feb 5 2013 12:39PM