KEYWORDS: Bridges, Inspection, Nondestructive evaluation, General packet radio service, Fourier transforms, Composites, Robotics, Signal attenuation, Data mining, Analytical research
The information presented in this report provides a detailed assessment of the condition of the Arlington Memorial Bridge (AMB) deck. The field-data collection was obtained by both the RABIT™ Bridge Inspection Tool and a number of semi-automated non-destructive evaluation (NDE) tools. The deployment of the semi-automated NDE tools was performed to inspect the AMB deck condition and also to validate data obtained by the RABIT™ Bridge Inspection Tool. Data mining and analysis were accomplished through enhanced data interpretation and visualization capabilities using advanced data integration, fusion, and 2D rendering. One of the major challenges that the research team had to overcome in assessing the condition of the AMB deck was the presence of an asphalt overlay on the entire bridge deck.
This paper discusses research to develop ultrasonic methods for materials characterization of an innovative new material known as Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC). Also known as Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), this relatively new material has been proposed for the construction of civil structures. UHPC mix designs typically include no aggregates larger than sand, and include steel fibers 0.2 mm in diameter and 12 mm in length. These steel fibers increase the strength and toughness of the UHPC significantly relative to more traditional concretes. Compressive strengths of 200 to 800 MPa have been achieved with UHPC, compared with maximum compressive strength of 50 to 100 MPa for more traditional concrete materials. Young’s modulus of 50 to 60 GPa are common for UHPC. However, the curing methods employed have a significant influence on the strength and modulus of UHPC. This paper reports on the development of ultrasonic methods for monitoring the elastic properties of UHPC under a series of curing scenarios. Ultrasonic velocity measurements are used to estimate the bulk elastic modulus of UHPC and results are compared with traditional, destructive methods. Measurements of shear moduli and Poisson's ratio based on ultrasonic velocity are also reported. The potential for the development of quality control techniques for the future implementation of UHPC is discussed.
An effort is currently underway to create an Engineering Research Consortium Initiative (ERCI) focused on engineering and management of the highway transportation infrastructure. The goal of the ERCI will be to provide administrative and logistical support for a coordinated, problem-focused research program on the highway transportation infrastructure system. The cornerstone of the initiative will be field test-sites. Example sites might include major long span bridges, sample populations of operating bridges, decommissioned bridges, a regional network of highways and bridges, various types of pavement and geotechnical structures, or a major transportation hub serving a metropolitan area. Sites would be instrumented to collect a broad range of engineering (structural, geotechnical, hydraulic), human (traffic) and natural (climatological, seismological) response data. The field sites would be networked to provide real-time access to test facilities across the country; a secure central repository would be established for collecting data from the sites. The data and information gathered from these sites would be used by engineers and scientists to study the complex interactions and cause-and-effect relations of the various engineered, human and natural components of the highway hyper-system. A major research thrust of the ERCI will be security of the highway infrastructure system, with particular emphasis on bridges. The National Science Foundation and the Federal Highway Administration are expected to provide funding for the program through a joint agency initiative. Two workshops were recently held with experts from around the world to discuss the plans for the ERCI. The paper provides more details on the ERCI and the status of the effort to date.
Conference Committee Involvement (5)
Nondestructive Characterization for Composite Materials, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Infrastructure, and Homeland Security VII
10 March 2013 | San Diego, California, United States
Nondestructive Characterization for Composite Materials, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Infrastructure, and Homeland Security VI
12 March 2012 | San Diego, California, United States
Nondestructive Characterization for Composite Materials, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Infrastructure, and Homeland Security V
7 March 2011 | San Diego, California, United States
Nondestructive Characterization for Composite Materials, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Infrastructure, and Homeland Security IV
8 March 2010 | San Diego, California, United States
Nondestructive Characterization for Composite Materials, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Infrastructure, and Homeland Security III
9 March 2009 | San Diego, California, United States
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