Publication Date

2010-12-16

Availability

Open access

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

Department

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering (Engineering)

Date of Defense

November 2010

First Committee Member

Dr. Antonio Nanni - Committee Chair

Second Committee Member

Dr. Brian Metrovich - Committee Co-Chair

Third Committee Member

Dr. Fabio Matta - Committee Member

Fourth Committee Member

Dr. Jacqueline James - Committee Member

Fifth Committee Member

Dr. Masoud Sanayei - Mentor

Abstract

A field investigation of the Fair Isle Bridge, Miami, Florida consists of a nondestructive evaluation program including physical and acoustic emission (AE) assessment. The bridge is situated in a marine environment and its deck consists of PC and RC sections. Chemical evaluation is performed prior to strengthening with CFRP laminates and consists of visual inspection, carbonation, pH evaluation, chloride content, and steel corrosion detection by half-cell potential. After repair, three additional physical assessments are performed: crack mapping, thermography, and AE. These combined techniques provide sufficient information to create layered maps to evaluate the condition of the bridge structure. Within the maps, areas of interest are explored and compared for high probability of corrosion and concrete damage. Through spatial analysis of physical and chemical evaluation data, areas with significant potential difference are identified. These areas are the focus of a load test while monitoring strain, load and AE. The AE program components consist of in-service traffic monitoring and a load test in the elastic range. An experimental program was also conducted in a controlled laboratory environment where beams were subjected to corrosion conditioning and cyclic loading to failure. The NDT methods studied in this thesis are correlated by means of spatial analysis and provide a novel method for field inspections.

Keywords

Chemical Assessment; Bridge; Spatial Analysis; Reinforced Concrete; Prestressed Concrete; Non-Destructive Evaluation; Health Monitoring; FRP Strengthening; Field Testing; Corrosion

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