A NOVEL APPROACH OF NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING FOR W-BEAM GUARDRAIL DEFECT DETECTION USING SURFACE WAVE TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

The W-beam guardrail, alternatively referred to as a guardrail or railing, constitutes a system meticulously engineered to prevent vehicular deviation into hazardous or restricted zones. Such mechanisms are ubiquitously employed across major global thoroughfares. However, vehicular collisions can inflict considerable damage upon the W-beam, thereby compromising its structural integrity. Concurrently, subpar maintenance further exacerbates this issue, potentially transforming the W-beam from an accident prevention tool into a catalyst for mishaps. Hence, the implementation of an effective maintenance and inspection strategy is imperative. The research presented herein proposes a novel method for W-beam defect detection, leveraging surface wave technology. A pulse-echo setup has been established, employing a 10-cycle tone burst to operate at a centre frequency of 48 kHz as the transmission medium. Signals reflected from the defective specimen were subsequently analysed; however, it was observed that this technique was unable to detect all defects. Despite these limitations, the study delineates the potential to pinpoint the precise location of physical hole defects. This was achieved through the time-of-flight method and leveraging known material characteristics, such as the speed of sound, at 5 cm between the hole and transmitter. The researchers predict that this methodology, when augmented with a higher voltage and a suitable amplifier circuit for detection, could be utilized for long-distance defect detection. This opens up new avenues for ensuring the structural integrity of W-beam guardrails, thereby enhancing road safety.