Accuracy of NDE in bridge assessment

J. Martin, M.S.A. Hardy, Asif Sohail Usmani, M.C. Forde

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

NDE has a key role in helping to evaluate input parameters to bridge management systems. As the world's bridge stock increases in age, there is considerable interest in maintaining and extending the life of existing bridges, and hence the interest in bridge management systems. A range of NDE methods have been identified and the accuracy of the time domain techniques has been related to signal wavelength. Using the widely accepted criterion of a minimum resolution related to wavelength, the techniques of ultrasonics and impact echo have been analysed in detail. The latter has been investigated with respect to post-tensioned concrete bridge beams. It was concluded that the minimum resolution achievable in a dispersive medium such as concrete was a half wavelength, ?/2. It was also shown that the concept of using a null hypothesis with impact echo stating that: 'if no defect is identified, none exists' - is fundamentally flawed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)979-984
Number of pages6
JournalEngineering Structures
Volume20
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 1998
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bridges
  • Concrete
  • Impact echo
  • NDE
  • Radar
  • Ultrasonics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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