Advancing Condition Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Elements Through Automation, Visualization, and Improved Interpretation of Multi-NDE Technology Data

Economic bridge management requires accurate information about the condition of bridges in the network. Nondestructive evaluation (NDE)has shown high potential in providing accurate condition assessment and, through periodic surveys, development of accurate deterioration, predictive, and life-cycle cost models. To achieve wide adoption by transportation agencies, further advances should be made that would lead to the accuracy of NDE-based condition assessment, reduced costs and traffic interruptions, and minimized risk to transportation workers. The paper discusses the following areas of improvement: increased speed and safety of data collection through the use of robotic systems, and improved data interpretation through visualization and joint analysis of data collected by multiple NDE technologies.