Structural Materials Technology (SMT): NDE/NDT for Highways and Bridges

Status

Sequential Number

Matching Research Agency

Missouri Department of Transportation and University of Missouri-Columbia Civil Engineering

Principal Investigator

Student Involvement

Students will attend the conference and present research findings, attend informative technical sessions, and are exposed to a variety of NDE technologies through the large vendor exposition planned.

Project Objective

The objective of the project is to organize a conference for bridge owners, researchers and industrial representatives on the topic of NDE for highways and bridges. To support that objective, funds contributed by sponsors will be administered under this project to support conferences expenses for students and State DOT personnel.

Project Abstract

The aging infrastructure in the United States presents a significant challenge to owners that need to effectively maintain the operational level and safety of highways and bridges. Meanwhile, these owners are embracing new materials, new design concepts and innovative construction practices that are expected to improve the durability of the infrastructure for the future. Effective condition assessment of both the aging infrastructure and new materials and processes is critical to the future success of owners in meeting the needs of the traveling public. Nondestructive evaluation technologies have an increasingly important role to play in this mission. Continuous exchange of information between researchers, practitioners, and infrastructure owners on the application of NDE technologies for infrastructure condition assessment is necessary to develop these technologies and optimize their usage. The Seventh bi-annual Structural Materials Technology NDT Conference will support this goal by providing a forum for the active exchange of ideas between bridge owners and researchers. The goal of this conference is to inform engineers and researchers of the NDT/NDE technologies and techniques available for use in the condition assessment of highway infrastructure. The conference call for papers is attached.

Anticipated Benefits

The conference provides a unique forum for interaction with bridge owners and inspectors, provide a platform for technology transfer, and will promote national and international partnerships for future research efforts. The conference also provides a educational opportunity for students to gain knowledge regarding the application of NDE technologies to civil structures.

Modal Orientation

Bridge NDE

Milestones

Relationship to other Research/Projects

The conference will provide a forum for discussion of research finding and interaction with other researchers.

Technology Transfer Activities

The conference will produce a published proceeding available for all attendees and library etc.

Transportation Research Board Keywords