This synthesis will be of interest to state Department of Transportation (DOT) geotechnical, bridge, and pavement engineers, engineering geologists, consultants involved with ground penetrating radar (GPR) investigations for state DOTs, and researchers. It describes the current state of the practice of using GPR for evaluating subsurface conditions for transportation facilities. This was accomplished by conducting a literature search and review and an extensive survey of U.S. and Canadian transportation agencies and practitioners, as well as limited international information collection. GPR is a noninvasive nondestructive tool used in transportation applications such as evaluation and characterization of pavement systems, soils, and environmental problems. This report of the Transportation Research Board presents information on the principles, equipment, logistics, applications, and limitations of GPR pertaining to transportation applications. Selected case studies for which ground truth information is available are presented. In addition, an extensive bibliography and glossary are provided as well as appending information about GPR manufacturers from their literature.

This book is a collection of papers presented in the NDT Conference held on February 20-23, 1996 at San Diego, California. The conference provided an opportunity to share experience and provide additional input to the Federal Highway Administration.

Wood is one of the most intriguing structural materials and the only one that is truly renewable. Along with stone, wood is the oldest structural material on the planet and has been extensively used throughout human history. Due to its aesthetical value and positive environmental impact, wood has experienced a renaissance in construction. As a biodegradable, hygroscopic, non-isotropic material, wood presents special challenges for a professional and requires through knowledge ranging from biology to continuum mechanics. This state-of-the-art report reflects the current knowledge in the area of in situ assessment of the physical and mechanical properties of wood structures. Nondestructive, semi-destructive and destructive methods are described in a systematic manner where technology, equipment and limitations are discussed. Some of the discussed methods are used in other materials such as masonry and concrete. Most of the methods, however, are specific to wood and special qualifications are required to understand and apply these methods effectively. Existing methods are constantly improved and new methods are being developed. This report includes methods that are used in practice or have shown significant promise and have a body of knowledge that supports statements made in this report. This is a useable tool for professionals, researchers, educators and students

This book gives information on non destructive techniques for assessment of concrete structures. It synthesizes the best of international knowledge about what techniques can be used for assessing material properties (strength) and structural properties (geometry, defects...). It describes how the techniques can be used so as to answer a series of usual questions, highlighting their capabilities and limits, and providing advices for a better use of techniques. It also focuses on possible combinations of techniques so as to improve the assessment. It is based on many illustrative examples and give in each case references to standards and guidelines.

Sensors are used for civil infrastructure performance assessment and health monitoring, and have evolved significantly through developments in materials and methodologies. Sensor Technologies for Civil Infrastructure Volume I provides an overview of sensor hardware and its use in data collection. The first chapters provide an introduction to sensing for structural performance assessment and health monitoring, and an overview of commonly used sensors and their data acquisition systems. Further chapters address different types of sensor including piezoelectric transducers, fiber optic sensors, acoustic emission sensors, and electromagnetic sensors, and the use of these sensors for assessing and monitoring civil infrastructures. Developments in technologies applied to civil infrastructure performance assessment are also discussed, including radar technology, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology. Sensor Technologies for Civil Infrastructure provides a standard reference for structural and civil engineers, electronics engineers, and academics with an interest in the field. - Describes sensing hardware and data collection, covering a variety of sensors - Examines fiber optic systems, acoustic emission, piezoelectric sensors, electromagnetic sensors, ultrasonic methods, and radar and millimeter wave technology - Covers strain gauges, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), multifunctional materials and nanotechnology for sensing, and vision-based sensing and lasers

Civil engineers will value this resource that examines the tools and techniques used to estimate the in-place strength on concrete, permeation properties that relate to potential durability, and the methods used to assess the internal condition of concrete and the corrosion activity of steel reinforcement.