An experimental study on the non-destructive evaluation of corroded bridge steel.

Abstract

Many older steel bridges have been affected by the deteriorating effects of corrosion. As bridges age and the material loss caused by both pitting and uniform corrosion becomes more severe, the structural capacity of the various members becomes questionable. An experimental investigation was undertaken to non-destructively quantify the effects that the uniform and pitting corrosion have upon the steel's load carrying and hysteretic energy dissipating capabilities. Various non-destructive evaluation technologies were reviewed in an attempt to determine which methods would be best suited for the purpose of creating accurate thickness and roughness maps of the corroded steel. Existing corroded bridge steel was non-destructively evaluated using the various technologies and tensile and cyclic tests were then performed to determine the accuracy of the various methods' thickness and roughness mapping methods.