Quantitative Acoustic Emission Monitoring of Fatigue Cracks in Fracture Critical Steel Bridges


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CAIT project no.: CAIT-UTC-007

Fiscal Year: 2012/2013

Status: Final

Rutgers-CAIT Author(s): Thomas Schumacher, Ph.D, University of Delaware, Patrick Szary, Ph.D.

External Author(s): Steven Lovejoy

Sponsor(s): Oregon Department of Transportation, FHWA - RITA

Summary:

The objective of this research is to evaluate quantitative AE methods for monitoring of fatigue crack detection, propagation, and retrofitting in steel bridges. Anticipated outcomes include recommendations on sensor locations, effective analysis methods to be used, and how to interpret the obtained data to ensure informed decisions can be made by bridge owners. Laboratory testing and data analysis will develop the methods to the point where they are ready to be tested in a realistic full-scale scenario or in the field.