Evaluation of impulse response & ground-penetrating radar as a means of non-destructive testing of concrete bridge decks
Date
2013
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Nationwide, a significant percentage of decks of reinforced and prestressed
concrete bridges are exposed, not only to a growing traffic volume, but also to an
increasingly aggressive environment. These conditions can lead to shallow
delamination within the deck. Once large portions of the deck are delaminated, the
function of the deck as integral part of the structure may become questionable. So far,
transportation agencies have used simple visual inspection methods, which are often
subjective and qualitative, to locate deteriorated areas for repair. These methods give
only a rough estimate of the location of the actual deterioration and give no
information about the depth of the delamination. In this thesis the effectiveness of two
methods of non-destructive testing and their ability to predict the depth and extent of
shallow delaminations in concrete bridge decks are discussed. Current practice of
Impulse Response and Ground-Penetrating Radar testing is reviewed, performed
(either in the field or in the lab), and evaluated. Modifications to these practices are
suggested to customize each method specifically to delamination testing. If used
properly, these new test procedures may help bridge owners to more accurately
estimate delaminations and their depths which will help to better predict rehabilitation
costs.