Condition Assessment of August A. Busch Bridge Deck Using Portable Seismic Property Analyzer and Ground Penetrating Radar

Samie Hamad,Salah Shaniba,Abdelmajeed Altlomate,Wajdi Ammar

doi:10.4236/ojce.2022.121002

Abstract

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) and the portable seismic property analyzer (PSPA) have been extensively used in the past two decades for monitoring, quantifying, and mapping the deterioration of bridge decks. Using PSPA and GPR ensures regular monitoring of bridge conditions, leads to the early detection of deterioration. This research is to address the condition of August A. Busch bridge deck owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Visual inspection, GPR, and PSPA data were acquired on the bridge deck. Over 90% of the bridge deck was in fair to good condition with an average compressive strength of over 2500 psi. GPR data showed no indication of significant deterioration. The overall bridge deck was determined to be in fair to good condition.

Highlights

Of states with the highest percentage rates of deficient bridges in the country, Missouri is in the top five
Ground penetrating radar (GPR), and portable seismic property analyzer (PSPA) data were acquired on the bridge deck
The intent of data collection was to determine the condition of the decks, and to determine and demonstrate the functionality of using GPR and PSPA together

Summary

Introduction

Of states with the highest percentage rates of deficient bridges in the country, Missouri is in the top five. Like any concrete structure, deteriorate over time For this reason, regular inspections should be performed to detect potential defects [3]. Like the early stages of reinforcement corrosion in the bridge deck, cannot be detected by performing visual inspections or using traditional inspection methods like chain dragging or hammer soundings [4]. Using PSPA and GPR ensures regular monitoring of bridge conditions, leads to the early detection of deterioration, and plays a major role in bridge serviceability. This is important, as not knowing the integrity of bridge decks increases maintenance costs and presents public safety hazards. The intent of data collection was to determine the condition of the decks (that is, to identify areas where the bridge deck is degraded), and to determine and demonstrate the functionality of using GPR and PSPA together

Concrete Bridge Decks

Bridge Deck Overview

Bridge Deck Visual Evidence

Findings

Conclusions and Recommendations