Review of Nondestructive Evaluation Techniques of Civil Infrastructure

TLDR

Current inspection of bridges, locks, and dams relies mainly on visual, subjective observations, and when potential problems are detected, more advanced techniques are needed, with nondestructive testing providing a means to assess structural extent. This paper reviews the most widely used nondestructive evaluation techniques for civil engineering structures to aid engineers in maintaining public infrastructure. The study combined a literature review with a questionnaire distributed to state highway organizations. Acoustic emission testing is widely used in the literature, whereas ultrasonic testing is most popular among state highway agencies according to the questionnaire.

Abstract

To properly maintain our public infrastructure, civil engineers must learn new methods of inspection technology. Current inspection techniques required for our nation's bridges as well as locks and dams primarily consist of visual and subjective observations. When these inspections indicate that a structural or functional problem may be developing, many times more sophisticated inspection technology may be required. Nondestructive (NDE) testing methods can provide an answer to further determine the extent of a structural or functional problem. This paper presents the abbreviated results of a detailed literature review to identify the most widely used NDE techniques applied to civil engineering structures. In addition, a short questionnaire was developed and sent to state highway organizations. The literature suggests that acoustic emission testing is widely used while the questionnaire revealed that ultrasonic testing is most popular among state highway agencies.