Drone Inspection Enhancing Safety Of Bridges

Regular and thorough bridge inspection can prevent accidents and increase the service life of the structure being inspected. Bridge failures and tragedies from the past have made the government and public concerned about the conditions of existing and even newly built structures. As a result, many new technologies have been introduced to try to properly inspect these structures. There is one industry that has been around forever and just now being adapted to large structures. The nondestructive testing industry once limited to in house testing of materials is now the best method of enhancing the accuracy of inspection result, reduce the inspection time and increase the safety of the crew and public during bridge inspection.

Drone inspections are one of the newly introduced technologies which has reduced the cost and time of inspection significantly. To understand this, let's take an example. Suppose a bridge inspection costs around $10,000 and requires a full crew to perform a complete inspection in 4-5 days. With a drone, the similar kind of inspection can be done at more than 50% less time and with a significant cost savings. In addition the safety of the inspection crew and the public is at a much lower risk of loss of life. Sounds amazing, isn't it!

What kind of data does a drone collects?

During a drone inspection, both visual and thermal imagery data is collected for real-time assessment as well as for later use. An automated statistical process is used to convert the imagery data into a 3D ‘point cloud' which is easy to understand. A skilled bridge inspector can easily interpret the data and identify the locations of deteriorations on the bridge. Since the drone-collected data is geo-referenced with real geographic coordinates, therefore, a map can be easily created for the inspection crew to inspect the drone located deterioration areas closely.  

How is it different from conventional bridge inspection methods?

During traditional bridge inspection, crew members have to climb ladders, perform scaffolding, undertake rope access procedures and/ or place a snooper or bucket truck on the bridge to reach the areas and  components required to be inspected. These practices carry risks and take a huge amount of time. The bridge also needs to close down partially or completely to carry the inspection.  More frequent than not accidents occur with heavy equipment on the bridge.  With the introduction of drones, overall bridge inspection can be done in a fraction of the time taken by any inspection personnel. The inspection can be done in minutes instead of hours and the benefit of monitoring deterioration progression over time is invaluable. 

Infrastructure Preservation Corporation (IPC) is providing inspection services for decades and is a trusted name in bridge and road inspection. We utilize advanced nondestructive testing methods and robotics like Drones for quick surveying and drone inspection of complex structures. We have a range of patented inspection system for customized inspection of important bridge elements.  In many cases we have moved past drones and have created robotics to perfect many of the bridge component inspections. Go to www.infrastructurepc.com to find out more or email info@infrastructurepc.com.

Contact us or write an email to us to get a free estimate for your infrastructure inspection. You can log on to our site www.infrastructurepc.com to know more about our services and products. You can provide your details at our site and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Challenges Faced During Complex Bridge Inspection

Bridges are among the largest complex infrastructure structures that are used for transportation. This makes them critical and a valuable asset for a modern economy to remain viable. Complex bridges are typically highly trafficked and are used on a daily basis by the public. This makes their proper maintenance and inspection of paramount importance. Out of all the bridges complex bridges possess the greatest challenges. The more complicated a structure, the more complicated the inspections and in the case of complex bridge inspections, conducting proper inspections in regular cycles is important to maintain the structure in good health and insure the safety of the traveling public. 

How does Complex Bridge Inspection help?

The work on huge infrastructures like Bridges does not end with its construction. Bridges are unlike other infrastructure components, they are constantly exposed to adversities like changing weather, temperatures and dynamic loading. This makes them prone to damages, corrosions and frequent mishaps. Therefore, complex bridge Inspections become crucial to counteract defects like corrosion, spalling and cracks. For these inspections, advanced technologies such as drones, infrared thermography, multifunctional crawlers and other nondestructive testing technologies are starting to come into regular use. The generated results help identify the location of defects and extend the service life of these critical infrastructure assets.

What are some of the major challenges faced during Bridge Inspection?

Bridge inspection is a difficult yet important part of bridge maintenance. The bridge once constructed has to be inspected on regular  intervals by law in the USA, but there are many obstacles that stand in the way of a thorough inspection. Some of the major challenges are:

 It cannot be taken out of service easily.

 The traffic has to be maintained throughout the inspection process.

 The process has to be mostly done during the night as the traffic is lighter but lack of proper light makes it dangerous and difficult.

 It has to be done in sequence lane by lane.

 The procedures are unique for every bridge as different infrastructures face different types of environmental damages on different scales.

 Most of the existing bridges were constructed many yearsago so getting accurate construction drawings and as builts of the bridge can be difficult.

 The inspectors, engineers, and workmen cannot rely completely on guidelines and plans.

 The old bridges have different materials and components compared to newer ones.

 There is always the issue of the safety of the engineers and inspectors as well as to the public with the older inspection methods and in placing heavy equipment on a bridge at night.

What are the methods used to overcome problems during Bridge Inspection?

The inspection procedures have changed and become more advanced over the years. The advanced technologies, if used can make the work easier, faster and much more accurate. Modern techniques can also make bridge inspections safer for both the public and the engineers that conduct the inspections.

Some of the advanced methods utilized during inspections are:-

 Eddy Current

 Magnetic Flux Leakage

 Robotic Inspections

 The infrared method

 Visual inspection

 Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) 

 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

It will be up to the department of transportation to mandate that the asset managers, consulting firms and engineering firms tasked with conducting bridge inspections today use the most modern technology available. Engineering firms like the status quo. They have been conducting inspections the same way for 50 years and are milking the tax payers and department of transportation without providing the quantitative data needed today for the complex bridge owners to make the best decisions within their maintenance budgets. The use of modern technologies and robotics can change all of that.  It will be up to the individual heads of the DOT in each state to spearhead that effort. 

Infrastructure Preservation Corporation (IPC) provides the latest in modern technology and robotics for Complex bridge inspections. IPCs technology lowers the cost of the inspections and provides more quantitative data that allows the asset owners to properly budget for repairs.  These methods help extend the service life of our infrastructure, keep the public safe and save billions in infrastructure costs.

To know more about our services, you can log on to our website https://www.infrastructurepc.com/ or email info@infrastructurepc.com. 

You can also get a free estimate of our services by providing your details. Our customer support will contact you as soon as possible. 

Robot-assisted Bridge Inspection

With the development of science and technology robotics have become a part of several challenging professions. Robots are now assisting in many difficult and risky jobs like bridge inspections. They provide information more efficiently at a lower cost and typically with a much more detailed deliverable.  In past, bridge failures and accidents have claimed many lives and unfortunately we wait until those tragedies occur before adopting new protocols to prevent them from happening again. Through the advancements in technology, new technologies and techniques have been developed to assist the bridge inspection process using robotic assisted bridge inspections to keep our infrastructure and public safe In addition to the safety of the inspection crews these new technologies typically require fewer lane closures and night time inspections and can be conducted at a lower cost than older manual methods.

Infrastructure Preservation Corporation (IPC), a trusted name in road and bridge inspection services has implemented these technologies in its services which has benefited their clients a lot in terms of effectiveness, safety, cost savings and more accurate results.

What advantages do you get with Robotic Inspection methods?

* Fewer lane closures and inconvenience to the public.

* It can easily perform many dangerous tasks.

* It completes the job in fraction of time taken by bridge inspector.

* It finishes the inspection job with perfection and provide much more accurate results.

* Use of robotics in the bridge inspection process enables the department of transportation to make better asset allocation decisions.

* The inspection results are less subjective,more accurate and less costly.

* The minor cracks and faults in the bridges which used to get unnoticed in traditional inspection methods are more easily detected with robotic Inspection.

* It costs less than conventional inspection methods.

What are the new technologies used in Robotic Bridge Inspection?

1. Drones:

Also known as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Drones are used in the bridge Inspection for getting an aerial view of a bridge to detect cracks or faults. It makes bridge inspection safer for the Inspectors and also the general public. It provides a more accurate report of inspection in form of an easy to understand visual assessment of the bridge. An experienced bridge inspector can easily identify the problem areas and generate an accurate condition assessment report for the bridge owners in short time.

2. Multifunctional robotic crawler:

This technology is developed for inspection of stay cables and Suspension bridges. The robot is customized to move over stay cables to inspect any deterioration by using high definition cameras and infrared technology. The robot is designed to work under any environmental conditions and it provides real time data along with coordinates of the deterioration which helps in repairing and monitoring purposes. It has simple and quick installation procedure and also many redundancies in case of emergency situations.

3. Infrared Thermography (IRT):

It is a robotic inspection method for evaluating bridge to detect cracks and faults in concrete. It works on a vehicle-based system which uses an advanced and high-resolution thermographic camera and computer-based video data acquisition system to improve detection rates and accuracy in the location and size of the defected areas.

Infrastructure Preservation Corporation (IPC) provides the best service in robotic bridge inspection. We provide service at an affordable cost without compromising on the performance. We assure you with the best technologies and experienced certified bridge inspectors and experienced bridge engineers.

To know more about our robotic systems and other services, you can log on to our website https://www.infrastructurepc.com or email us at info@infrastructurepc.com

Introduction To Railroad Bridge Inspection

America rail network stretches over nearly 140,000 miles and has approximately 100,000 railroad bridges which allow trains to cross rivers, ravines, and gorges. Moreover, railroad overpasses help pedestrians and vehicle to move without any hassles. Without strong and physically sound bridges, it is impossible for the rail network to work therefore billions of dollars is invested in its maintenance.

Why are railroad bridge inspection important? 

Regular railroad bridge inspection contributes more to railroad safety than any other part of maintenance. According to federal regulation, the railroad must be inspected by trained inspectors once a year. There arevarious type of railroad bridge inspections which include:

• Routine inspection

• Verification inspection

• In-depth inspection

• Special inspection

• Underwater inspection

• Semi-final construction inspection

The recommended duration for different types of inspection varies on the basis of nature of the inspection. For example, routine inspection can be performed every year while a thorough inspection with tools and crew can be performed once every five years.

Objective of railroad bridge inspections

• To fulfill the requirements of bridge safety standards

• To establish and maintain the information necessary for fulfilling the requirements of railroad bridge management program (RBMP)

• To ensure discovery of any deterioration, defect or structural deficiency which could pose threat to travelers

• to provide a condition evaluation report for qualifying railroad structures in the bridge inventory

• To determine the extent of minor deterioration for initiating maintenance and repairing work

• To determine the extent of major deterioration so that the affected bridge candidate can be replaced or repaired

Challenges of railroad bridge inspection

Generally, railroad bridges are constructed over water bodies and other deep gaps to allow passage for the trains and detailed inspection of these bridges must be performed every 5 years. In the US, 20% of the railroad bridges are too high to inspect from the ground or constructed over water bodies which require lifts, barges or inspection crew member on hoists. These types of inspections pose huge risk to the life of the inspection personnel.

In traditional railroad bridge inspection, power lifts or ladders are being used to reach heights and crew members use hand or power operated tools. The result obtained by manual inspection is often time-consuming and not very accurate.

Infrastructure Preservation Corporation understands the challenges of railroad bridge inspection and therefore offers advanced inspection technologies. We use robotics like unmanned aircraft system (UAS)which includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) also known as a drone, an aircraft without a human pilot.

Features of UAS

• It can capture images from any location even underneath the structure

• Inspection can be performed in less time

• Results are more accurate than traditional inspection

• Assures safety to the inspection crew

• Less expenditure on bridge inspection

• Inspection data are based on bridge safety standard

• 3D images for easy interpretation

• Clients can access the data online, give their reviews and response promptly

• Data can be used for future reference for monitoring purpose

Although IPC prefers other technologies above the bridge deck, the use of UAS below the bridge deck can provide a lot of information and do not interfere with traffic or distracting the public.

Contact Infrastructure Preservation Corporation to find out more about our railroad bridge inspection services and to get a free estimate. Our various inspection services provide you detailed, safe and cost-effective return on your investment. So log on to our website https://www.infrastructurepc.com now and become one of IPC’s satisfied clients!

Bridge Inspection services

Bridge inspections are a necessary part of any kind of bridge maintenance program. It is mandatory in the US for every bridge owner to conduct a routine bridge inspection every two years and a detailed bridge inspection once every five years.

Infrastructure Preservation Corporation (IPC) is a leading name in transportation infrastructure inspections, including bridge inspection. During bridge inspections, IPC ensures the publicsand inspection crew's safety by utilizing advanced non destructive testing methods. We also use robotics to locate deteriorations in difficult to reach places.

IPC provides fast and accurate quantitative results to our clients for quick decision making. The results are digital, recorded and illustrated in many cases graphically for easy understanding and storage for later analysis. Our skilled bridge inspectors are well versed with all safety standards and efficiently handle the latest in modern technology and robotics  to interpret the collected data and deliver a concise condition assessment report to the asset owners within current maintenance budgets.

Infrastructure Preservation Corporations expert teams consists of certified professional engineers, technicians, inspectors and commercial divers and certified nondestructive testing experts who are experienced in highway bridge and structure inspections. Our bridge inspection service is in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and FHWA bridge inspection procedures and criteria. We also have the latest safety devices and our staff follows the OSHA safety requirements.

What are our Bridge Inspection services?

l  Routine and In-Depth Bridge Inspections

l  Bridge Inspection of Fatigue and Fracture Prone areas

l  Underwater Bridge Inspections

l  Emergency Bridge Inspection Response

l  Non-Destructive Materials Testing Utilizing Liquid Penetrant and Magnetic Particle Testing Methods

l  Structural Analysis and Load Ratings

l  Concrete Crack detection and crack deterioration over time.

l  Detailed Inspection Reports Including Structure Repair Recommendations and Cost Estimates

l  Detailed Section Loss Measurement Utilizing Ultrasonic Measuring Devices

l  Avoiding the need for special equipment like Cranes, Man lifts, Bucket Trucks and night time inspections by manufacturing their own robotic inspection devices.

l  Element Inventory and Assessment Coding

l  Electronic Field Note Capabilities

To know more about our services, you can log on to our website https://www.infrastructurepc.comor leave your contact details with us by filling out a contact form available on our site or emailing doug@infrastructurepc.comand we will get back to you in the shortest time possible.

Concrete Imaging And Mapping Through Ground Penetrating Radar (Gpr)

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-destructive testing method used to locate deteriorations and discontinuities of surface and subsurface of the concrete structures. It is sometimes confused with the concrete x-ray but it utilizes radio waves which are completely safe unlike gamma rays used in X-rays.

It can easily locate the position and size of metals and non-metals underneath the concrete and non-concrete surface. This technology provides real time data and in short reduces the  time and cost for concrete structure inspection. It is commonly used to locate utilities and some companies have created software and through R&D can no detect rebar, conduits and post tension tendon cables, determine concrete slab thickness and locate voids, water and concrete delamination.

Sometimes, clients complain that GPR survey detects conduits in the area which has been cleared by the coring and cutting methods as well as false positive. This is the result of improper GPR inspection or inexperienced GPR technician. Sometimes, GPR operators simply perform line scan (4"-6") and try to connect the dots instead of creating a high-resolution 3D grid in order to save time. Although this line scan may work in some cases (e.g. while locating rebar) but this practice is not acceptable as it can affect the result.  If for example a bridge deck inspection is required and the gpr company is not a bridge inspection company they typically have no idea how to translate their results into actionable items for the bridge asset manager. Only with extensive R&D and understanding all of the dielectric properties of the components of a bridge deck and very strong interpretation software can GPR results be beneficial to an asset manager.

Data collection by using 3D grid process may take a little long time but it can save the cost of post tensioned cables and damaging conduits. It also prevents risk of physical harm to the person performing coring or cutting the surface without knowing what lies underneath the surface.

Inspection through Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) prevents personal injury, expensive repairs, and structural damage. At Infrastructure Preservation Corporation (IPC), our trained and experienced staffs provide quick and quality results by following all the defined standards of the bridge and road inspection. Our inspection technologies are latest and take ground penetrating radar inspections to a whole new level. With IPC risks can be minimized and accuracy of the result can be maximized providing the department of transportation with results that provide a true action plan so that they can better allocate assets to conduct repairs in order of importance.

If you are interested in our product and services or you want a free estimate of our services, you can visit our website https://www.infrastructurepc.com/ or leave your contact details with us and our customer support will reach back out to you in the shortest time possible. Email:info@infrastructurepc.com

Robotics in bridge inspection

Robotics are increasingly advancing many of our most important industries. They are advancing the capabilities and mans ability to push technology forward. Moreover, it can play a very important role in fields where the risk of life is very high. Bridge inspection and transportation infrastructure is one such field which has great potential for robotics technology to increase safety and improve results.

As we can see, traditional bridge inspection has been a very time consuming and labor intensive process. It requires inspection of the entire structure and its members and is mandated to be inspected every 2 years in the US. The manual inspection causes inconvenience to the traffic as the lanes need to be closed down to avoid any kind of accident. The inspection result is also subjective and not precise as it can be by using todays technology. Many small and minor cracks and other deterioration go unnoticed using manual inspection and cannot compete with todays modern technology and robotics.

Robotics can easily handle all the above-mentioned issues. Infrastructure Preservation Corporation (IPC), a trusted name in road and bridge inspection services has implemented this technology in its services and benefited its clients in terms of effectiveness, safety, and cost savings.

Our robotic technology provides accurate and precise quantitative condition assessment results in short time which saves time, money and labor. Since it is non-invasive and nondestructive the integrity of the bridge structure remains intact, unlike traditional bridge inspection where methods like coring and sampling further damage the structure and allow air and exposure to the elements to further deteriorate the structural components of the bridge.

The latest in robotic systems utilizes technologies like infrared, electromagnetic waves, radio waves etc. to collect data from the surface and subsurface of the structure. IPC’s robotics provide real time data and also stores it for analysis. These robotics are customized to perform the exclusive assessment of different members of the bridge like stay cables, post tensioned tendons, bridge deck and bridge approach ways, etc.. These members are currently inspected manually with lane closures and heavy equipment, but our robotics system performs inspection of these members very easily and collects data from every angle up to the entire length of the member which is impossible with the traditional bridge inspection methods.

To know more about our robotics system and other infrastructure inspection services, you can log on to our website https://www.infrastructurepc.com/ or leave your contact details with us by filling up a contact form available on our site. You can also get a free estimate of our services by providing your details. Our customer support will contact you as soon as possible.

Drones (UAS) for Bridge Inspections A New Approach

Drones The approach to utilizing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for bridge inspections in regards to incorporating same into the realm of structural bridge inspections is long overdue and is welcomed due to the system’s ability to access areas of bridge which would normally require the archaic and oft utilized approach of requiring the incorporation of travel lane closures, costly under-bridge access equipment, and the requirements of conducting bridge inspections at night as not to interrupt traffic flow.

State by state departments of transportation are researching the viability of drone inspections on our nations infrastructure.  Using a drone for Bridge inspection services add a valuable resource in the bridge inspectors toolbox.

Whereas, for safety reasons, a UAS (being a machine) will never be incorporated and utilized over live traffic, however, its ability to provide stand-off positioning adjacent and parallel to the bridge structure for deck inspections is unsurpassed.

A UAS can be used quickly and efficiently to conduct a full bridge structure inspection, which in turn, will identity areas which might require a more hands-on and thorough inspection of structural deficiencies revealed.   The cost savings enjoyed by the bridge owner who selects an inspection consultant which utilizes a UAS inspection approach and program, versus the under-bridge equipment method, is practically infinite. 

DETAILED REQUIREMENT FOR DRONE USE IN BRIDGE INSPECTIONS 

The UAS will be fitted with high resolution video cameras which will transmit real-time inspection views and inspection progress, infrared thermography (IR) cameras which reveal delamination locations and perimeters of same in concrete surfaces, and a laser-based measuring device which will denote the width of structural cracks discovered.  All the data will be transmitted, via telemetry; to the ground-based Command Center System which will in turn collect and archive all data received for submittal to, and reviewed by, the bridge owner, which will be used for future comparison and reference.

The above information and data will be incorporated into a final bridge inspection report to be submitted to the bridge owner.  At that time, a meeting between the bridge owner and the inspection will be conducted to discuss findings of the UAS inspection, what these findings mean in relation to the Health Index of the bridge, and then further discuss the need for work order-driven repair approaches and requirements.

This information shall be kept and secured by the UAS inspection consultant at all times, and if required and directed by the bridge owner upon their receipt of all bridge inspection related data, the UAS inspection consultant shall delete all files related to the bridge inspection.    

INCORPORATING UAS INTO BRIDGE INSPECTIONS

The incorporation of UASs into viable bridge inspection

procedures is a long overdue and very welcomed approach, since all of us who have been involved in onsite bridge inspection projects for many years know the inherent dangers required for us to perform our duties in regards to maintaining the trust of the traveling public that the nation’s bridges are safe.  Instead of human inspectors risking life, limb and injury to perform their duties in avenues of active traffic, rappelling structural bridge members, and accessing areas on a bridge by massive manlifts and/or under-bridge machines, we now have what was once considered insurmountable, to now having the option of machines performing these duties in our stead.  One can replace a UAS easily, but a human life is irreplaceable. 

In all likelihood, and until the UAS manufacturers can provide a fool-proof and nearly indestructible machine which will be guaranteed to be free of any and all malfunctions, a UAS will not replace the hands-on inspection requirements related to Fracture Critical members of a bridge nor will a UAS be able to access the tight connections within a through-truss bridge nor a deck-truss bridge, but many areas are now within easy reach by utilizing UASs safely. 

For more expert information on bridge inspections using drones contact info@infrastructurepc.com.

What is a post tension tendon?

“Post tensioning is a technique for reinforcing concrete. Post-tensioning tendons, which are pre-stressing steel cables inside plastic ducts or sleeves, are positioned in the forms before the concrete is placed.” Post tension cables in effect allow us to safely build large concrete structures. They allow larger spans, thinner slabs and greater distances between support commons. Post tensioning is used in bridges and box girder structures worldwide including on our bridges, on and off ramps.  Post tensioning makes it possible to build structures that might not otherwise be possible. Because concrete is not flexible it can crack under loads.  Although rebar is used to reinforce the concrete to prevent cracks from growing the concrete can still sag under increased loads. PT or post tension cables are load bearing and can stand large increases in loads bearing up the concrete.

There are many benefits that are gained by using a post-tensioned approach.  It allows for flexibility of design, faster construction and lower material costs. Over the long term, it can reduce maintenance costs and allow for increased loads over time.

Bridges that utilize post tension tendons are able to contain long and clear spans, have few beams and slender members and thinner slabs can be used which is not possible in case of regular bridges. This method reinforces or strengthens the concrete or other material with high strength steel bar or strand which is known as “tendons”. It significantly reduces the building weight and foundation load which is very useful in seismic areas.

Post tension tendons help in construction of complex bridges which has specific geometry requirements such as complex curves and super elevation. Extremely long span bridges can be constructed with the help of post tension tendons. Such architectures functions effectively without disrupting the traffic moving under it and also reduces the impact on environment significantly.

Post tension tendons are made of prestressing strand, anchorage, ducts, and grout and corrosion protection materials. Since this technology is new therefore there are no inspection systems for tendon components. Recent cases of corrosion of post tension tendons in complex bridges have become a significant problem.

After getting information about tendon corrosion, department of transportation has inspected their post tension structure inventory to assess and quantify the rate of tendon corrosion and to estimate the remaining lifespan of the affected member.

Infrastructure Preservation Corporation (IPC) has developed a comprehensive post tension tendon inspection service named “TendonScan®” which utilizes non destructive testing and evaluation methods that can find corrosion and section loss within a PT tendon. 

What it is?

As we have mentioned above that it is a comprehensive tendon scanning system which works on non destructive testing principals to find out voids, water intrusion and bleeding grout in external tendons. This system also includes a device to detect section loss within the tendon.

Why was it developed?

During construction of complex bridges, tendons are filled in grout to prevent corrosion. But during grouting process, the grout tends to separate depending on grout’s quality, admixtures, pumping equipment and procedures. This separation result into low pH grout at tendon points and anchorage which made these locations susceptible to corrosion.

Complex bridge inspection is incomplete without tendon testing therefore we have developed this TendonScan system to resolve this problem.

How it is used?

It is a battery operated robotic system that uses the latest in non destructive testing and modern technology. This system couples itself with the tendon and travel along it to perform a MRI like inspection of the material inside it. The inspector stands on the mobile control unit which travels along with the sensor. The sensor works through wireless connectivity to transmit the collected data. The information is transferred to control station for real time assessment of the tendon condition. The image of internal section of tendon is then illustrated in 3D color graphics so that any discontinuity like water intrusion, void or bleeding grout can be identified and quantified easily.

What problem does it solve?

This tendon assessment system helps in locating corrosion, voids, bleeding grout, section loss and other problems inside and outside the tendon. Moreover, it also helps in monitoring the discontinuities over a period of time which helps in deciding that when to repair or replace a post tension tendon. 

To know more about our products and services, you can visit our website https://www.infrastructurepc.com/ or contact us at info@infrastructurepc.com.

Introduction to BridgeScan

Infrastructure is the backbone of our nation’s economy. The ability to get to work on time, get goods to market and safely travel relies on the condition of our infrastructure. Our nation’s infrastructure averages over 50 year old and is ageing and deteriorating at a faster pace than they can be repaired. Although the infrastructure is required to be inspected at regular intervals the inspection methods have not kept up to allow the asset owners to properly maintain them. If infrastructure is maintained properly on regular intervals, then its service life span can be extended. Infrastructure Preservation Corporation (IPC) provides inspection services through non-destructive testing methods and robotic engineering. We have patented technologies for various specific needs related to inspection and monitoring issues of the different structures like bridges, roads, high mast light poles and more says Doug Thaler, Exec. Vice President.

Here we will discuss some features of our in-house technology BridgeScan®.

What it is?

It is a patented bridge deck inspection service which utilizes non-destructive testing methods to cater following needs

• Identify rebar pattern

• Locate crack and monitor its progression over time

• Fill density assessment

• Locate delamination, deboning and concrete deterioration

• Abutment water intrusion assessment

• Void detection under approach slab

• Prepare condition assessment report for the asset owner

• Identifies 12 levels of deterioration.

• Conducts bridge deck & approach slab deterioration assessment.

Why it was built?

Traditional method of chain dragging or visual inspection of bridge deck has many drawbacks and limitations like

• It provides subjective results

• Poses risk to public and crew’s life with lane closures and the parking of heavy equipment on the bridge.

• It is time, cost and labour intensive

• Unable to locate delamination from internal layers

BridgeScan® effectively takes care of these problems and has many advantages over traditional methods of bridge inspection

• Offers quantitative results

• Allows the asset owner or DOT to properly allocate assets

• Provides actionable items for repair

• Create 2D and 3D images for analysis

• Accurately create the rebar patterns

• Detect cracks, voids, delamination and deboning

• Reconstruct bridge beam configuration

How it is used?

Although it is a computerized robotic device it is operated by the same bridge inspectors that currently inspect our bridges. Data gathered during the inspection by the device can be analysed in real time without interfering with the integrity or functionality of the bridge’s surface and subsurface.

What problem does it solve?

It detects any kind of minor or major deterioration on super surface and subsurface and creates a detailed illustration in 2D and 3D. Moreover, it stores data for later analysis and works on any kind of bridges old and new. The bridge does not need to be closed and traffic can move easily during bridge inspections.  All bridge inspections conducted by IPC are conducted within the DOT’s (Department of Transportations) current maintenance budgets.

To know more IPC and their products and services, check out their website https://www.infrastructurepc.com/ or contact them at info@infrastructurepc.com.

Modern technology and robotics can save billions in infrastructure cost

The world has become a global village because countries are now interconnected, more people are travelling and business is expanding in multiple nations. All of these things are happening at an ever increasing pace and to stay competitive on the world stage today our infrastructure needs to keep up. Without a modern, safe infrastructure our ports will not be able to handle the new deep water cargo ship, goods will not be transported from factories to shipyards in a timely manner and people will be constantly late for work. Today more than ever, growth and development is not possible if the nations infrastructure lags behind.

In the 19th and 20th century, America focused mainly on expanding its transportation network by building roads, bridges and other concerned structures. But the inspection and maintenance of those structures have not kept pace. Many of those structures entered the end of their useful life years ago. Traffic loads are 10 times what they were when some of these structures were built. Because they now support more traffic, the loads place additional wear on them. In addition, due to antiquated inspection methods the corrosion and deterioration has outpaced repairs. Due to this deterioration we need to find alternatives to just replacing or re-building these structures.  There is just not enough money in the system to replace all of the bridges for example that are in a state of disrepair.

How modern technology and robotics can revive the infrastructures?

Use of technology and robotics is a proactive step in the maintenance of our infrastructure. For example, if you know that you are having symptoms of any disease in its initial stage then you can effectively treat the disease and regain your health. Similarly, if we know where deterioration, water intrusion and corrosion  is occurring in a structure we can make the minor repairs to them before they become a threat to the whole structure(Movable Bridge Inspections).

Modern technology plays a major role in inspecting the deterioration and other deformities developing in the structure. It accurately assesses the condition of a structure like bridge, road, dam, tunnel in a non destructive manner. In traditional might I say the current antiquated methods, inspections are performed on selected areas which is known as lot sampling and samples are collected through methods like coring and cutting which is a destructive method. Once you core or cut we are exposing these areas to air and moisture which further causes corrosion. 

The inspection and monitoring process of infrastructure needs to change. With todays modern technology and robotics we have the capability to make our inspection processes more accurate. Modern robotics integrated into the inspection process can not only provide more quantitative data but can prevent lane closures, increase the safety of both the inspectors and the public and more accurately assess the infrastructure they are inspecting.

Modern technology combined with robotics has many advantages over traditional methods of infrastructure inspection and maintenance. Some of the benefits are:

• No more lane closures or temporary closing of the bridge

• Eliminates the need for night time inspections

• Increased safety of public and inspection crew

• Quantitative results instead of subjective results

• Real time data analysis on site

• Data history of structure condition can be stored for later detailed analysis

• Accurate condition assessment of surface, super surface and sub surface layers

• Determine density of concrete cover and location of rebar without damaging the surface 

• Find out minor cracks, voids, water intrusions inside the surface and visualize it through 2D and 3D illustrations

• Reduce labour expenses and saves time

• Collect data from dangerous heights from every angle with the help of robotic equipments

• Thoroughly check each and every component of the structure and find out more minor and major problem areas as  compared to visual inspection

• Helps in recommending and prioritizing the repairing work

Infrastructure Preservation Corporation is determined to provide utmost safety to public and staff during bridge and road inspection and provide accurate condition assessment report to the Department of transportation and bridge owners. Therefore, we use customized and patented products for inspection and monitoring of the infrastructure that we are tasked with inspecting.  We use experienced certified bridge inspectors along with robotics to offer the asset managers a far better deliverable then they have ever received before. For example, we have CableScan® which utilizes robotic technology to gather detailed information of a cable stayed bridge in short time. Similarly, we have additional advance technologies developed in house like PoleScan®, TendonScan®, CrackScan® and others which reduce not only reduce the cost of bridge inspection or inspection of any other structure significantly, but provide the quantitative data the department of transportation needs to allocate assets.

Infrastructure Preservation Corporation will provide a free estimate of our inspection services. If you want to find out more about our services go to https://www.infrastructurepc.com/ or email info@infrastructurepc.com.

Role Of Bridge Inspection In Bridge Maintenance

Bridges and roads are valuable assets of any nation and therefore they must be maintained in good condition. The maintenance of bridges highly depends on effective monitoring and inspection techniques. The technology used in these processes must be able to identify the problems occurring both on the surface and inside the structures but unfortunately, methods used in conventional bridge inspection and monitoring are not very effective.

During traditional routine bridge inspections inspectors conduct manual subjective inspections that although they comply with federal and state regulations do not do enough to maintain the safety of our nations infrastructure. Both AASHTO and the FHWA need to do more to ensure that modern technology and robotics are integrated into the required inspection parameters.

The current manual methods have several limitations e.g. visual aids have limited field of view which can provide limited data. Moreover, the bridge needs to be closed during bridge inspection and the crew need to put themselves in dangerous situation during inspection.

Infrastructure Preservation corporation (IPC) has revolutionize the bridge inspection and monitoring process with its automated tools. Our patented technologies utilize non destructive methods like electromagnetic waves, ultrasonics, infrared waves, aerial imaging, laser scanning etc. to find out any kind of deterioration or corrosions occurring externally and internally in a bridge and its components.

Our advanced technologies like CableScan® and PoleScan® reduces the risk associated with suspension cable inspection and pole inspection and also improvise data collection by providing the 360 degree field of view of the cables and poles of the bridge. The difference of results can be easily imagined by looking at the methods used in traditional manual bridge inspection and our robotic technology.

For example, if we take a case of pole or cable inspections then which do you think would collect more data? A bridge inspector hoisted hundred feet above the ground and checking the poles or cables for any corrosion and damage from only one side with the help of a helmet flashlight OR a robot inspecting the structure thoroughly from all sides. It is very clear that the robot will be able to collect more and accurate data than its human counterpart. The robotic data provides quantitative data that can help the asset owners allocate the proper resources to maintain our infrastructure assets.

Similarly, our CrackScan® technology collects accurate data from the deck and under the bridge of a concrete or steel structure. It is able to find those cracks which are not visible to naked eyes and therefore not considered in the final condition assessment report. The 2D and 3D maps created with this technology depicts the length, width and position of the cracks so that these cracks can be monitored and repaired accordingly. Moreover, during inspection with CrackScan®, the bridge doesn’t require any closure of the lanes during a bridge inspection which is important in that closing lanes delays traffic and parking heavy equipment on a bridge causes accidents. Robotics need to be adopted so that  our nations bridges can be properly maintained, traffic can keep moving and products can get to market and help ensure the publics safety.

IPC’s products are non-invasive but they accurately locate the problems like voids, cracks, water intrusion, delamination and deboning in concrete and steel structures. Therefore in order to reduce the time, total cost and increase public safety and and inspection crews modern technology and robotic bridge inspections are the best way to provide accurate condition assessment reports.

For more information Infrastructure Preservation Corporation, “IPC” our products and services, visit our website https://www.infrastructurepc.com/ or contact us through our contact form available at our site and we will contact you back as soon as possible.

Benefit Of Non Destructive Testing

The importance of bridges and roads can be easily understood by the fact that any damage to these structures can directly affect the transportion industry and ultimately the economy of the nation. In worst cases where several connecting structures are damaged, traffic is delayed, goods don’t get to market in a timely manner, commuters are late to work and economies suffer. Therefore, these structures must be maintained in working condition by monitoring and repairing processes.

Bridge inspection is a time consuming, labour intensive and costly process due to the use of destructive methods. These methods have been used from a long time to check the safety of the bridge. In destructive testing (DT) such as core test, pull out and pull off test, concrete surface of the bridge is slightly damaged to collect samples and then repaired after the test is performed. Since these tests are destructive the portions that are disturbed allow air and water intrusion which further speeds up deterioration and corrosion.

Destructive testing is generally used to assess the following physical properties of the structures like bridge and roadways including

• Impact resistance

• Yield and ultimate tensile strength

• Fr acture toughness

• Fat igue strength

• Duct ility

Although, DT is able to assess the above mentioned features of the material but it is not very effective in finding discontinuities and microscopic differences in the materials of different components of the bridge or any other structure.

Non Destructive Testing (NDT) is a modern practice used to inspect, evaluate and test materials, components or assemblies for any discontinuities, damage or deteriorations without damaging the surface of the structure. Therefore, it can be used on the whole structure and lot sampling is not required.

Non Destructive Testing methods are generally referred by the penetrating medium or equipment used in the test. Some of the common Non Destructive Testing methods are:

• Electromagnetic Testing

• Acoustic Emission Testing

• Laser Testing method

• Ground Penetrating Radar

• Thermal/Infrared Testing

• Ultrasonic Testing

• Vibration analysis

• Radiographic Testing

• Microwave Testing

• Magnetic Particle Testing

• Magnetic Flux Leakage

Visual examination is common in both destructive testing and Non destructive testing. It involves the visual observation of the super surface and subsurface of the bridge to find any discontinuities, corrosion or deteriorations. Visual inspection may be perform with naked eyes or the vision may be enhanced with the help of optical instruments like magnifying glass, boroscope, mirror, charged couple devices and computerized systems for remote viewing. Computerized consoles are used during NDT for real time inspection on site.

Infrastructure Preservation Corporation is a leader in non destructive testing and monitoring. We have patented technologies utilizing different non destructive testing methods and robotics for inspection of bridges and different components of bridges and infrastructure. Most of our core focus revolves around re-developing antiquated inspections and incorporating NDT “Nondestructive testing with advanced technologies and robotics to conduct thorough inspections on infrastructure components providing real quantitative data. Some of our service offerings include PoleScan®, TendonScan® and CableScan® to name a few.

There are several benefits of our non destructive testing methods which are

• Improved safety for inspection crew and public

• No requirement of lane closures during inspection means no inconvenience to ongoing traffic

• Collects data from all angles and also from inside the bridge surface and its components

• Produce quantitative results instead of subjective result

• Major cost saving due to less labour and completion of inspection in short time

• No damage to the surface of bridge means no unnecessary repairing cost required

• Thorough and accurate condition assessment of the whole structure and its component

• Graphic illustration in 2D and 3D for better understanding of external and internal deterioration like voids and cracks and analyzing their length, width and position in the structure

• Creation of Data history for better monitoring of minor deteriorations in future.

In short utilizing the most advanced technology available and changing the inspection parameters are the only way for the current asset managers/engineering firms to provide real data on the assets they are tasked to inspect for the department of transportation. Only by providing this data can the department of transportation properly allocate their assets to maintain and improve our infrastructure says Doug Thaler, Senior EVP of Infrastructure Preservation Corporation. Up till now visual subjective inspections have been used. A method that hasn’t changed in 50 years.  “It is irresponsible for any country to continue to inspect their infrastructure in this manner. Guidelines need to be updated to incorporate modern technology and robotics to bring inspections into the 21st century, something we are all anxious to see happen in the US. For the safety of our public and the success of our nation’s economy.”

To know more IPC and their products and services, check out their website https://www.infrastructurepc.com/ or contact them at info@infrastructurepc.com.

Advance Complex Bridge Inspection Technologies For Bridge Preservation And Maintenance

Bridges are an integral part of any countries success as being able to get goods to market quickly and efficiently gives a major economic advantage to countries that have the best infrastructures.  Complex bridge inspection is a preventive maintenance step to increase the integrity and life of a complex bridge.

Infrastructure Preservation Corporation (IPC) is the leading company in infrastructure testing providing its non intrusive and non destructive inspection services to inspect various parts of our infrastructure including bridge inspection, roadway inspection etc. With an experienced and expert research and development team, we have taken non destructive inspection services to a new level by providing the quantitative about the integrity of any infrastructure like bridges so that necessary steps can be taken before it is too late to repair them.  We have brought technology to an industry void of technology says Doug Thaler, Executive Vice President of Infrastructure Preservation Corporation.  The poor condition of our infrastructure is due to years of improper inspection guidelines that do not help asset managers understand the true condition of the infrastructure they are trying to inspect. In all fairness says Doug Thaler, the current guidelines incentivize the asset managers not to change.  With the current
condition of our infrastructure, bridges and high mast light poles, the asset managers more than ever need quantitative data that with our modern technology and robotics can now be supplied within current budgets.

For complex bridge inspections, we have different advanced technologies like Cablestay scan (CableScan®), Tendon scan (TendonScan®), Crack scan (CrackScan®) and column scan, (ColumnScan®) which can effectively collect accurate data about the bridges in short time without disturbing the traffic on the bridge deck, closing lanes or needing heavy equipment.

Some of the features of complex bridge inspection technologies are:

• Saves labour, time and money with non destructive methods

• Enhance safety of engineers and the public without the need for lane closures.

• Periodic inspections with these technologies detect any micro or macro level damage, defects and irregularities on the infrastructure before they become irreparable.

• Better than current subjective methods by providing accurate condition assessment reports in shortest time possible within the department of transportation and the ministry of transportation’s current budgets.

For more information contact Doug Thaler at 727-372-2900 ext.24 or email info@infrastructurepc.com

Cable Stay Bridge Inspections Go Robotic

Infrastructure Preservation Corporation, “IPC” has unquiet technology that may quickly replace the manual Cable keep bridge inspectionsconducted these days. By reviewing state & federal tips and developing infrastructure review services victimization trendy technology and robotic, IPC has developed review services that give the quality managers (department of transportation) with quantitative information vs the subjective information they receive these days. Quantitative information can currently all the Department Of Transportation to properly allot their restricted maintenance bucks. By locating early stage deterioration and properly maintaining & conducting repairs the service lifetime of our important infrastructure assets may be extended and untimely replacements avoided, saving billions in infrastructure prices.

In the USA and North American nation Infrastructure Preservation Corporation is that the service company and conducts bridge inspections directly, internationally we have a tendency to license our technology to strategic partners. IPC started in 2009 as a probe and development company to seek out the way to raised manage worldwide infrastructures. Seeing the U.S. infrastructure deteriorating and budgets being pleased, properly maintaining the present infrastructure with existing budgets became a challenge. when a protracted study of the trade Associate in Nursingd their strategies it became clear that the subjective testing being conducted was an inadequate approach to distinctive problems to properly maintain very important assets. IPC developed their services to assist the Department Of Transportation/asset homeowners higher allot their budgets, produce inspections that square measure additional quantitative and at a similar time safer for the inspector and fewer onerous for the general public (fewer lane closures).

IPC’s proprietary robotic services accomplish this and a lot of. one in every of IPC’s robotic servicesCableScan® a robotic scrutiny that inspects the external cables of cable keep bridges. IPC’s scrutiny now not needs lane closures or bucket trucks lay on the bridge. Their scrutiny mechanism is moveable, wireless and is controlled from a ground station. It may be steered around obstructions associate degreed has multiple redundancies like change backup batteries and an automatic come to base within the event of an influence failure. we tend to cannot compare our robotic scrutiny to it of current day inspectors. there's simply no match for the technology. 

CableScan® provides a 360 degree scrutiny of Cable stays with no lane closures or boom trucks. . It records high definition video and stills of the cable, seams, grout ports, saddle and a lot of. All problems square measure recorded and photographed similarly because the position on the keep and deck. measuring system is employed to live the length and breadth of cracks. The device is wirelessly controlled from a ground station and might be steered around obstructions (grout ports).

Infrastructure Preservation Corporation, “IPC” is a professional services bridge inspection and robotic engineering company advancing infrastructure inspections worldwide.  For more information on IPC’s services contact: Doug Thaler at info@infrastructurepc.com.