Project 1.04: Electromagnetic Detection and Identification of Concrete Cracking in Highway Bridges
Electromagnetic Detection and Identification of Concrete Cracking in Highway Bridges
Project 1.4
Project Summary
The problem we are trying to solve is the structural assessment of aging concrete bridges (reinforced and pre-stressed) 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.
Project:
Complete
Start Date:
01/01/2019
End Date:
12/31/2023
Project Cost:
$729,941
Project Type:
Base-funded
Agency ID:
69A3551847101
Sponsors:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, University Transportation Centers Program, Department of Transportation
UMass Lowell
Implementation of Research Outcomes:
We have developed a portable SAR imaging sensor capable of wirelessly transmitting data from the sensor to an adjacent laptop computer. The imaging capability and wireless data transmission have been validated in the laboratory.
Impacts and Benefits of Implementation:
This project is in its initial research phase. Implementation of Research outcomes will be reported upon completion of initial research.