United States Department of Transportation
i
Field Evaluation of Wireless Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement with Steel Bridge Members
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2023-10-01
[PDF-3.48 MB]
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Edition:Final Report April 2022 – October 2023
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Abstract:This report presents the field validation of wireless ultrasonic thickness measurement systems on in-service steel bridges. The objective of this implementation is to demonstrate the feasibility of long-term corrosion monitoring. The developed system utilizes Martlet wireless ultrasonic sensing devices with two specially designed daughterboards: the high-rate ultrasonic board and the pulser board. To ensure accurate measurements, the project first derives the calibration function of the Martlet ultrasonic device. Subsequently, thickness measurements are carried out on various steel members and compared with readings obtained from a commercially available handheld thickness gauge. For preliminary validation, the system is deployed on an in-service highway bridge near the city of LaGrange, GA. Following the successful operation of the installed system, this project implements the system on the target bridge located in Douglas County, GA. Visual inspection of the bridge confirms corrosion on structural members across the bridge. A solar panel and a support structure are first installed to provide continuous power for the battery and gateway computer. Four wireless ultrasonic sensing units are installed on three pile tops and the bottom flange of a beam at the Douglas County bridge. Ultrasonic data are collected at scheduled intervals and automatically uploaded to the cloud, enabling remote monitoring of the thickness values over time. This research validates the feasibility of a continuous steel thickness-monitoring solution without the need for physical presence at the bridge location.
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