Framework for assessing bridge quality index based on the correlation of non-destructive test results

Abstract

This paper presents the new method for quality indexing of bridge components on the basis of non-destructive tests (NDT) for the assessment of the structural condition of Reinforced Concrete (RC) bridges. For the purpose of establishing indexing values, results obtained from the Electrical Resistivity Test (ERT), Rebound Hammer Test (RHT), Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test (UPVT), and visual inspection were used as the NDT variables. The radar plot for index determination is based on the area of the polygon whose vertices are formed on the basis of the correlation coefficient between NDT variables. Then, using the radar plot formulation, a bridge quality index is introduced to evaluate the corrosion and strength properties of in-service RC bridges to determine their structural health. The bridge quality index ranges from 0 to 1, representing low to high levels of deterioration. Based on simply non-destructive testing, the bridge quality index can serve as a framework for evaluating the present condition of the bridge and its components.