Research Activities: 2003

GPR Investigation of Bridge Deck, Willow Springs, Missouri

 

Status

Complete

View Report:

PDF
 

Sequential Number

R118
 

Matching Research Agency

West Plains Bridge & Grading, LLC.
 

Principal Investigator

Neil Anderson
Professor
University of Missouri-Rolla
Department of Geology and Geophysics
125 McNutt Hall
Rolla, Missouri, 65401
p(573) 341-4852
f(573) 341-6935
nanders@umkc.edu
 

Student Involvement

Graduate and undergraduate students will be involved in the project.
 

Project Objective

The objective is to use the GPR tool to assess the integrity of a section of the deck of Bridge A6329, Willow Springs.
 

Project Abstract

The presence of surface "honeycombs" suggests that a segment of the concrete deck of Bridge A6329, Willow Springs, Missouri, was not properly vibrated. UMR will acquire seventy-five ground penetrating radar (GPR) profiles across the suspect area of the bridge (and other sites for comparison purposes) to determine if concrete in the "suspect" area contains unacceptable concentrations of air-filled voids (entrapped bubbles).

 

Anticipated Benefits

If the interpretation of the GPR data suggests the bridge deck contains a significant concentration of entrapped air-filled voids, MoDOT will instruct the contractor to replace the suspect section of bridge deck (at considerable expense and time). If the interpretation of the GPR data suggests the bridge deck does not contain a significant concentration of bubbles, repair may not be necessary.

 

Modal Orientation

Non-destructive and non-invasive imaging
 

Milestones

Project Start Date:November 1, 2003
Project End Date:December 30, 2004
 

Relationship to other Research/Projects

UMR faculty members are engaged in a number of externally-funded projects that involve the non-destructive imaging of engineered structures and non-invasive site characterization.
 

Technology Transfer Activities

Expertise with respect to acquisition, processing, interpretation and application of geophysical technologies will be shared via publications and presentations.
 

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Non-destructive imaging, non-invasive imaging, technology transfer, education