FHWA’s Nondestructive Evaluation Validation Center: A National Resource

Abstract

Since the inception of the National Bridge Inspection Program, much time and money have been invested in the development of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. These techniques provide bridge inspectors with tools to more accurately assess the condition of highway structures. These nondestructive evaluation methods, however, are sometimes used without a clear understanding of the factors that affect their reliability, performance, and implementation. Before NDE systems can be used with confidence, the technology and methods must be validated and all factors affecting their reliability identified. In response to this need, FHWA established the NDE Validation Center to identify and evaluate the factors affecting NDE reliability and performance. The NDE Validation Center uses a series of unique resources to evaluate and assess the factors affecting the reliability and performance of NDE systems. The Validation Center is based out of a combination of specialized laboratory and office space located at the Turner Fairbank Highway Research Center in McLean, Virginia. To supplement the capabilities of the laboratory facilities, a series of bridges located in northern Virginia and eastern Pennsylvania is used to conduct field investigations. Additionally, a collection of component test specimens is used in various test programs. The NDE Validation Center is a national resource for the evaluation of existing and emerging NDE techniques. The resources of the NDE Validation Center are available to federal and state agencies, the academic community, and industry. The Validation Center was developed to perform critical evaluations of NDE technologies and to provide a source of information and guidance to users and developers of NDE systems.