Quantification of Field Performance and Nondestructive Testing of Timber Bridges in Colorado
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2024-12-31
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Abstract:This report presents two major aspects related to evaluating timber bridges with nondestructive testing: i) laboratory experiments and ii) field applications. The first part of the report discusses the degradation processes and resulting outcomes of structural timber, Douglas Fir, that is broadly used for bridge construction. In accordance with the standard protocol of ASTM D1037, specimens are conditioned and their physical and mechanical properties are measured using nondestructive test methods: moisture metering, stress wave timing, and microdrilling. The second part of the report deals with the condition evaluation of timber bridges with the aim of synthesizing ratings from visual inspections (qualitative) and nondestructive testing (quantitative). Ten benchmark bridges, visually rated as Poor and Fair according to the scale of the Federal Highway Administration, are selected and their responses are examined by moisture metering, stress wave analysis, and microdrilling techniques for determining deterioration levels. A machine learning algorithm is trained and employed for comparative analysis, demonstrating that the integration of the two inspection approaches is achievable to improve the rating procedure for aged timber bridges. To implement Load and Resistance Factor Rating (LRFR), condition factors are calibrated and practice recommendations are suggested.
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