Paper
31 March 1998 Computerized fracture critical and specialized bridge inspection program with NDE applications
Philip E. Fish
Author Affiliations +
Abstract
Wisconsin Department of Transportation implemented a Fracture Critical & Specialized Inspection Program in 1987. The program has a strong emphasis on Nondestructive Testing (NDT). The program is also completely computerized, using laptop computers to gather field data, digital cameras for pictures, and testing equipment with download features. Final inspection reports with detailed information can be delivered within days of the inspection. The program requires an experienced inspection team and qualified personnel. Individuals performing testing must be licensed ASNT (American Society for Nondestructive Testing) Level III and must be licensed Certified Weld Inspectors (American Welding Society). Several critical steps have been developed to assure that each inspection identifies all possible deficiencies that may be possible on a Fracture Critical or Unique Bridge. They include; review of all existing plans and maintenance history; identification of fracture critical members, identification of critical connection details, welds, & fatigue prone details, development of visual and NDE inspection plan; field inspection procedures; and a detailed formal report. The program has found several bridges with critical fatigue conditions which have resulted in replacement or major rehabilitation. In addition, remote monitoring systems have been installed on structures with serious cracking to monitor for changing conditions.
© (1998) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Philip E. Fish "Computerized fracture critical and specialized bridge inspection program with NDE applications", Proc. SPIE 3400, Structural Materials Technology III: An NDT Conference, (31 March 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.300086
Advertisement
Advertisement
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission  Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace
KEYWORDS
Inspection

Bridges

Nondestructive evaluation

Optical inspection

Software

Computing systems

Digital cameras

Back to Top