A Synthesis Study to Identify and Make Recommendations on the Appropriate Nondestructive Testing Tools for Bridge Beam Ends, Piers, and Abutments

Panjehpour, Pan; Baah, Prince; Sang, Sui Nawl; Kliewer, Emmy; Arnold, Karsten

doi:10.5703/1288284318607

i

A Synthesis Study to Identify and Make Recommendations on the Appropriate Nondestructive Testing Tools for Bridge Beam Ends, Piers, and Abutments

2025-12-30
By Panjehpour, Pan ; Baah, Prince ; Sang, Sui Nawl ; ...

File Language:

English

Details

Creators:

Panjehpour, Pan ; Baah, Prince ; Sang, Sui Nawl ; Kliewer, Emmy ; Arnold, Karsten
Corporate Creators:

Purdue University. Joint Transportation Research Program
Corporate Contributors:

Indiana Department of Transportation ; United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration
Subject/TRT Terms:

Acoustic Emission (AE) Beam Bridges Bridge Performance Bridge Piers Components Data Collection Electrical Resistivity Evaluation Ground Penetrating Radar Half-cell Potential (HCP) Impact-echo (IE) Infrared Detectors Infrared Thermography (IRT) Inspection Nondestructive Tests Pier Cap Planning Prestressed Concrete Rebound Reinforced Concrete Risk Assessment Ultrasonic Pulse Echo (UPE) Ultrasonic Tests
Publication/ Report Number:

FHWA/IN/JTRP-2025/42
DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284318607
Resource Type:

Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:

United States ; Indiana
Edition:

Final Report
Corporate Publisher:

Purdue University. Joint Transportation Research Program
Abstract:

The aim of this research was to identify suitable NDT methods for bridge components by evaluating their advantages, disadvantages, and limitations. The research objectives are: (1) to identify suitable NDT tools and techniques for condition evaluation of bridge beam-ends, abutments, and piers based on their advantages and disadvantages, (2) to identify gaps in NDT tools and techniques for assessing the condition of concrete bridge members (excluding decks), and (3) to recommend NDT methods for further investigation. The scope of this research was limited to reinforced and prestressed concrete bridge piers, pier caps, beam-ends, and abutments, excluding decks. The research produced four guideline tables to assist INDOT in selecting appropriate NDT methods for piers, pier caps, beam-ends, and abutments, along with a consolidated summary table. Applying these resources early in the inspection planning phase allows INDOT to streamline NDT method selection, minimize unnecessary fieldwork, improve inspection quality, and enhance the reliability of collected data. Whether used by INDOT personnel or supervised consultants, this implementation ensures higher-quality evaluations, better maintenance decisions, and ultimately improved bridge safety and longevity.
Format:

PDF
Funding:

SPR-4925
Collection(s):

US Transportation Collection
Main Document Checksum:

urn:sha-512:2d1f6062d4dd997139d986ff5afddd4136cfb5e898600f4341e2fbd97ad1fe3a827a48af8623ef2418e6feefead9d615b2286d4bf3a95764b929866b89463f71
Download URL:

https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/91225/dot_91225_DS1.pdf
File Type:

[PDF - 9.68 MB ]

File Language:

English

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