An objective view of the relative advantages and limitations of the nondestructive testing and evaluation methods that are currently used in the inspection of bridge decks is presented and discussed. The three main nondestructive testing technologies that were evaluated are impact-echo, ground penetrating radar, and infrared thermography. Nondestructive testing and evaluation procedures, including methodology and equipment to evaluate concrete bridge decks with asphalt overlays, are also presented and discussed. Current results indicate that a combination of ground penetrating radar and infrared thermography would provide the best methodology for evaluating the structural integrity, e.g., delaminations, of concrete bridge decks with overlays. Furthermore, current results also indicate that the impact-echo method shows promising future development towards the nondestructive evaluation of bridge superstructures.

This authoritative and up-to-date series provides a comprehensive review of the latest research results in quantitative nondestructive evaluation (NDE). Leading investigators working in government agencies, major industries, and universities present a broad spectrum of work extending from basic research to early engineering applications.

The safety, maintenance and repair of bridges and buildings depend on effective inspection and monitoring techniques. These methods need to be able to identify problems often hidden within structures before they become serious. This important collection reviews key techniques and their applications to bridges, buildings and other civil structures.The first group of chapters reviews ways of testing corrosion in concrete components. Given their continuing importance and vulnerability to decay, the next series of chapters describes ways of testing wood components within civil structures. A final group of chapters looks at visual and acoustic techniques and their use to assess bridges in particular.Inspection and monitoring techniques for bridges and civil structures is an invaluable reference for civil engineers involved in safety inspection, maintenance and repair of bridges and civil structures. - Reviews key inspection and monitoring techniques and their applications to bridges, building and other civil structures - Edited by a leading authority in the field