- CAIT Main
- Infrastructure Areas
- Program Sites
- EEP - Environment and Energy Program
- FMP - Freight and Maritime Program
- ICMP - Infrastructure Condition Monitoring Program
- IMG - Information Management Group
- LPS - Laboratory for Port Security
- LTBP - Long-Term Bridge Performance Program
- NJ LTAP - NJ Local Technical Assistance Program
- PRP - Pavement Resource Program
- PSSP - Pipeline Safety and Security Program
- SAM - Structures and Advanced Materials
- SSML - Soil and Sediment Management Laboratory
- TSRC - Transportation Safety Resource Center
- TTG - Technology Transfer Group
- Training
- Events
- Research
- Education
ICMP Gets SHRP2 Contract to Research NDE of Bridge Decks
An important research contract to audit NDE technologies and evaluate their capabilities and limitations was awarded to CAIT’s Infrastructure Condition Monitoring Program (ICMP) In March. The $750,000 grant is from the National Academies, National Academy of Sciences, Strategic Highway Research Program II (SHRP2).
The biggest problems bridge engineers face are associated with bridge deck deterioration. With the ever-increasing need to stretch funds available to fix our aging infrastructure, it is more important than ever that highway agencies be able to accurately evaluate bridge deck condition. Knowing the extent of deterioration up front helps identify what reparative actions should be taken, optimize effective timing of preventative maintenance, prioritize repair and rehabilitation, and understand the extent of the undertaking before work starts.
Unlike “dig and delve” testing, NDE doesn’t compromise the integrity of a structure since the examined material or structure is left intact. It is less costly, less disruptive, faster, and more accurate than traditional infrastructure testing methods like chain drag, chloride content, or even half-cell potential measurements. And, because NDE doesn’t require extended lane closures, it can alleviate inconvenience to drivers as well.
Finding the Right Tool for the Right Job
With a broad range of bridge deck types (e.g., slab or girder, with or without asphalt or concrete overlays) and different deterioration issues (delamination arising from chloride-induced rebar corrosion, cracking from overloading, etc.), it is important that we know which tools and treatments are right for each specific case.
Although NDE seems to be the answer and is used by some in the field today, it has not been widely accepted or adapted by many highway agencies. And like all technology, rapidly evolving NDE tools require constant education and assessment.
By detecting deterioration early on, NDE gives authorities the opportunity to intervene with timely corrective actions, making maintenance and management of our transportation network more effective and more economical. The hope is that finding the best ways to accurately assess and monitor the health of vital infrastructure will help us extend its life.
SHRP2 Scope of Work
Under the contract, ICMP will:
- Conduct an international search to identify viable NDE technologies and techniques for various bridge decks and deterioration types.
- Rank the most promising of those they find based on speed, accuracy, precision, and ease of use.
- Propose validation test beds for independent evaluation.
- Assemble for approval a panel of experts to review and prioritize the most promising NDE methods under investigation.
- Conduct validation tests for each of the recommended technologies for each deterioration condition.
- Recommend the most appropriate NDE technologies, equipment specifications, and inspection procedures to yield optimal results.
(May 2009)