Nondestructive Evaluation of MoDOT Bridge Decks – Pilot Study

2 graduate students (from Department of Geological Engineering), 1 undergraduate student (from Department of Civil Engineering)

The objective of this study identified by the Matching Research Agency (MoDOT) is to demonstrate the utility of the GPR tool in evaluating the condition of MoDOT bridge decks and confirm that it can be implemented as part of a long-term program that enables faster, better, and more cost-effective bridge deck assessments.  Additional research objectives that will be investigated by the researchers as part of this study are to explore, compare, and contrast existing and emerging noninvasive imaging technologies in terms of accuracy and information provided in evaluating the existing condition of bridge decks. At least two additional technologies (namely a GPR of different type and a portable seismic property analyzer) will be included as part of the deck investigations for this research. A comprehensive comparison will be accomplished including evaluation of data acquired from the entire suite of bridge decks investigated in this study. 

Data required to assess the structural condition of bridge decks can be collected using various methods such as visual examination, surface sounding, removal and evaluation of samples, and noninvasive imaging. Nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques, in particular, enable rapid and comprehensive data collection. The optimal utilization of appropriate NDT technologies can result in more accurate bridge deck assessments and significantly reduced costs. The overarching goal of this pilot study is demonstrate proof of concept that advanced nondestructive testing/evaluation (NDT/NDE) techniques can be rapidly, effectively, and economically implemented as part of MoDOT bridge deck surveys to improve the overall quality and cost of bridge deck evaluation. The accuracy and appropriateness of selected existing and emerging technologies will be evaluated using field data acquired from the entire suite of bridge decks investigated in this study. Technologies investigated will include two types of ground penetrating radar (GPR) and a portable seismic property analyzer (PSPA). Results of this pilot study will be used to evaluate the feasibility of a large scale, long-term program (multi-year, routine basis) that incorporates NDE techniques into MoDOT bridge deck surveys for the purpose of reducing cost on assessment and maintenance of bridge decks. The results will enable better, more cost-effective decisions of when to repair, strengthen, or replace the deteriorated bridge deck. The proposed research will also serve to educate and train multi-disciplinary students and future engineers in these technologies.

Relationship to other Research/Projects

N/A

Transportation-Related Keywords

Technology Transfer Activities

Results of this study will be disseminated through a presentation and poster at the CIES/NUTC conference at Missouri S&T and at least one technical peer-reviewed journal article.

Project Deliverables

Anticipated Benefits

The results of each deck evaluation will enable better, more cost-effective decisions of when to repair, strengthen, or replace the deteriorated bridge deck.  Using the data set acquired, innovative processing techniques and statistical analyses can be explored by the researchers to advance the state of the art in bridge deck evaluation. The proposed research will also serve to educate and train multi-disciplinary students and future engineers in these technologies.

Milestones