Project 1.4: Electromagnetic Detection and Identification of Concrete Cracking in Highway Bridges

Project Abstract:

The problem we are trying to solve is the structural assessment of aging concrete bridges (reinforced and prestressed) in New England, targeting at concrete cracking and degradation (e.g., carbonation, alkali-silica reaction). The problem is important because that the integrity of concrete cover indicates not only mechanical strength of the cross section but also the level of protection for steel corrosion. Concrete cracking and steel corrosion can occur to any component in concrete bridges.
We propose to:
1) Conduct field radar inspection (using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and impact-echo) for 2D and 3D radar imaging and to
2) Develop a damage detection model for predicting the level of structural damage for concrete bridges.

Sponsors:
University Transportation Centers Program, Department of Transportation
University of Massachusetts Lowell

Implementation of Research Outcomes:
We have applied the SAR and GPR on a concrete highway bridge for crack inspection and demonstrated the result to the City of Lowell and MassDOT.

Impacts and Benefits of Implementation:
This project is in the initial phase of research. Impacts and benefits will be reported upon completion of the implementation phase.

Related Links:
https://www.uml.edu/Research/tidc/projects/electromagnetic-detection-identification-bridge-cracking.aspx

Downloadable Documents