Know When To Replace Your Wire Ropes And Cables

Wire Rope is a type of cable which is made up of numerous strands of metal wire laid or twisted into a braid or helix. Do you know how frequently your wire rope needs to be examined? Wire rope inspections are important to industries that use wire rope. One of the most important purposes of carrying out wire rope assessments or testing is to supervise the process of depreciation in the wire rope. When any devaluation or deterioration is identified these wire ropes can cease to be used immediately before it becomes a menace. A great advantage of conducting these examinations is to investigate and identify if there is unforeseen corrosion and demolition.

Commonly, there is a continuous increase rate in the amount of wire rope breaks on equipment that has not been properly maintained.  These breaks can be dangerous to workforce and the public alike. Wire ropes need to be inspected and tested as they have a limited life, like all consumable products. Initially  in the life of the wire rope (when it is starting to be used for the first time), the wires and cable of the rope relax into position and the breaking strength expansions. Once it has hit its supreme, the breaking strength then decreases swiftly. Wire rope inspections should only be carried out by highly trained specialists. There are two ways that these reviews are carried out on wire rope: Visual and Non-Destructive. Visual and non-destructive examinations are equally as crucial but a nondestructive wire rope test is a lot less common than a visual wire rope inspection. Destructive testing only takes place when specifically required by a company to find out what type of wire rope something is that has not been labeled and is not common practice in the overall testing/inspections.

Visual Inspections – Wire Rope

The visual method is a modest yet operative method to check for external destruction done to a wire rope. Visually inspecting the entire length of rope is very essential. The rope should be inspected 2 to 3 feet at a time and examined cautiously at each stop. Whilst inspecting the wire rope it also cleaned with Lanotec and a wire brush. Though time consuming, it can determine numerous visual signs of wire rope wear, such as; bends, bird caging, hurtful, lumps, devastation, severe crushing & heat destruction.


Wearing heavy duty gloves, an inspector will grab the rope and lightly move a rag slowly along the length of rope. Broken wires will frequently stick out (porcupine) and will therefore snag on the rag. Should the rag snag on a wire, the inspector should then stop and visually assess the rope disorder. Broken wires do not always ‘porcupine’. Visual inspections should not be the only method trusted on for inspecting the wire ropes.

Due to the arrangement of a wire rope, the outer layer only represents approximately 40% of the metallic cross section of the rope. And only approximately half of this is visible due to the strand twisting inside and out. That means you are only able to visually inspect approximately 20% of the entire rope composition. You can only assume that the other 80% is in good condition. Although the peripheral 20% may look in good condition it may be concealing a great number of wire breaks and internal damage. Wire ropes with internal damage that have no signs of external damage can be tremendously dangerous. This is why an internal wire rope inspection should also be accomplished.

Infrastructure Preservation Corporation is a nondestructive testing services and robotic inspection company that has developed a patented wire rope inspection robot. The wire rope inspection service is fast, portable, wireless and accurate. IPC conducts infrastructure inspections and provides assessment reports to asset owners worldwide.  The robotic device scans the wire rope for broken wires. For more information contact info@infrastructurepc.com or www.infrastructurepc.com

Wire rope inspection in the field.

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Post tension tendon inspections & bridge inspections using modern technology and robotics can help extend the service life of our critical infrastructure safely. www.infrastructurepc.com.

The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Service

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a flexible, transportable, powerful, dominant and one man operated device used to detect underground structures and anomalies. The detector utilizes an omnidirectional unshielded transmitting system to locate hidden items up to maximum depths of 40 meters. All recognized irregularities and underground objects are displayed instantly on screen of an Android Tablet or PC.

Applications and detection capabilities

The ground penetrating radar is very useful and can be used for many different applications. Its portability and easy handling makes Ground Penetrating Rader(GPR) the perfect device for underground assessments, in archaeology, utility, mining, energy, construction, infrastructure and other related fields.  No matter what kind of concealed objects you are looking for - as long as these items and structures aren't too small and of different material than the surrounding soil - the Ground Penetrating Radar(GPR) can assist you in finding those targets easily and comfortably.

The Ground Penetrating Radar(GPR) can be utilized for a wide range of applications like 

• Construction -Know whats underground before you dig

• Utilities - Locate utilities underground

• Oil and Gas

• Bridge Inspections

• Concrete inspections

• Archaeological investigations

• Industrial/Construction assessments

• Treasure Hunting

The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is able to identifysubstances and structures like 

• underground foundations, walls, basements and concrete reinforcements

• hidden cavities, graves and sepulchers

• buried drainage systems, feed lines, pipelines, conduits and cable harnesses

• water level and underground rivers and aquifers

• backfilled wells, galleries, trenches and dugouts

• septic tanks, distribution boxes and drainage pipes

• secret tunnels, bunkers and shelters

• buried treasure chests, statues and caches

The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) works with a numerous transmission frequency range starting at 60 MHz up to 300 MHz which is understood by adjustable telescopic antennas. It also supports countless automatic adjustments to optimize your ground surveys on specific soil categories, which makes the handling of the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) very cool. So a non-destructive field examination is easily possible.

You just need to set your depth resolution and start surveying. The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) remotely sends a signal into the underground and anticipates the echo which will be receivedremotely by the antennas to indicate the disturbance in the underground. These reflections will be measured and transferred to a Android Tablet or PC.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Power source

The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is powered by 8 AA batteries or - alternatively - by an optional external Power Pack for long lasting measurements. The Ground Penetrating Rader(GPR) itself has not many controls except one button and the depth regulator, which is used to adjust the maximum penetration depth of the ground penetrating radar service.

But on a final note how Deep Can It Goes?

This is perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions. In most cases an estimated depth range can be determined with accuracy based upon the subsurface material and the frequency of the Ground Penetrating Rader(GPR) antenna. For applications demanding higher resolution, such as locating rebar or conduits in concrete, a sophisticated frequency Ground Penetrating Rader(GPR) system (1,000 MHz) is used. This will give high resolution detail for down to roughly 24 inches in depth. Applications which require deeper penetration in ground soil requires a lower frequency (12.5 MHz to 500 MHz). Depending on the subsurface material the depth range can be from a few inches to thousands of feet.

Infrastructure Preservation Corporation, IPC is a nondestructive testing and robotic engineering company that utilizes ground penetrating radar, GPR in BridgeScan® bridge inspection services. BridgeScan® conducts a condition assessment of the entire bridge deck and approach roadway that goes way beyond gpr alone and is much more comprehensive that current manual inspections using the visual methods and chain dragging. To learn more about IPC’s bridge inspection services go to http://www.infrastructurepc.com or email info@infrastructurepc.com.

Bridge Inspection Services

Bridge inspections services are authorized and regulated by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).Bridge inspection services are in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and the qualified team leaders are thoroughly familiar with the latest Federal Highway Administration(FHWA) bridge inspection procedures and principles. The checkup personnel are skilled and qualified  in work zone safety, railway safety measures, and restricted space entry, as well as in the use of fall protection tackle. Furthermore, The staffs should be up-to-date with OSHA safety requirements. Requirements are further regulated on a state by state basis and in many states by the district project managers.

These are the six (6) different types of bridge inspections, each with arranged inspection interval

1.Preliminary or Catalog Assessments – These are done no more than 90 days after a new bridge is put in service for the first time.

2.Repetitive or bi annual Inspections – These are done at 24 month intermissions.

3. Damage Checkups – These are done after an accident or a ordinary incident (hurricanes, earthquakes  and weather factor etc).  Sometimes referred to as forensic inspection.

4. Underwater Checkups – These are done at sixty (60) month intermissions.

5. Detailed & Distinct Checkups – These may follow the 60 month intermission for checkups of bridges that require specialized apparatus (for instance cable stayed or suspension bridges) or may be conducted supplement to a routine, damage or preliminary checkup.

6. Interim Checkups – These are programmed at the preference of the person in charge of an agency’s bridge inspection activities.

Bridge inspections are characteristically conducted on a span by span basis, for multi-span bridges – a span is the parallel space between two bridge supports. It’s like inspecting a diminutive bridge within a bridge. This allows examiners to gather and report on their discoveries resource fully on the bridge elements from one span to the next. The inspections process is similar for underwater bridge inspection, but varies on how the discoveries are collected – the designated diver examining elements and taking measurements whilst underwater and reporting findings to the onshore inspector.

For both inspections types, a dangerous finding on a bridge element can trigger some supplemental in-depth inspection of the bridge, load rating recalculation, place the bridge on a scour perilous list for monitoring or in severe cases closure of the bridge. These judgments are made on sight by the lead inspector in charge of the bridge, but are later revised by a regional supervisor upon submission of the inspection report. The assessor eventually approves or rejects the findings in the inspection report.

Today’s infrastructure projects require unified solutions to meet the demands of multi-discipline project teams actively engaged in planning, design and construction.

On a final note as time takes its toll on each and every  country’s aging bridges, the scrutiny that is necessary to provide for their longevity becomes all the more important issue on ground. Demand for well-educated, motivated bridge Construction Engineering Inspection specialists who specialize in both inspection and custom bridge design has never been higher. Today’s bridge engineer must simultaneously employ the most important and the most  sophisticated design techniques while simplifying the most complicated bridge configurations and construction sequences.

Infrastructure Preservation Corporation, IPC is a nondestructive testing and robotic engineering company that specializes in bridge inspections and other infrastructure assessments. IPC’s mission is to change the department of transportation’s current manual and visual inspections to adopt more modern technology and robotics. These devices provide more quantitative data with fewer lane closures and are safer to conduct for the inspectors and the traveling public. The information they provide allows the department of transportation to better allocate their budgets and resources and does it at a lower cost. IPC’s services allow for not only urgent repairs to be made but for preventative maintenance by locating problem areas earlier in their lifecycle, saving billions in untimely replacements. You can learn more at www.infrastructurepc.com or email a question or scope of work to info@infrastructurepc.com.

CableView Cable Stay Robotic Inspection Service

Cable Stay Bridge Inspection. Robotic inspection of the skyway bridge cable stays.

For more information contact info@infrastructurepc.com or visit www.infrastructurepc.com.

Subsurface Condition Assessment By Using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

The bridge deck is the main component of the bridge which directly comes in contact with traffic and constantly bear the load which can cause minor or major deteriorations in the subsurface. Therefore regular subsurface condition assessment is very important for increasing the functional life of the structure.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) inspection utilizes radio waves to accurately detect the unseen embedded structures in the concrete. GPR scanning can easily detect reinforced steel, cables, conduit, delamination, cracks, fractures, voids, and other structures embedded in concrete which makes it a safe inspection technique. It retains the structural integrity of the bridge deck.

Advantages of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

There are many advantages of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) such as

• It can scan up to a depth of 16 inches

• Collects data in real time and can send it to others simultaneously

• No emission of radiation since it utilizes harmless radio waves

• Provide accurate structure location and depth

• Displays data in 2D and 3D for better visualization and easy interpretation

• Data can be stored for later use

Infrastructure Preservation Corporation (IPC) is utilizing this technology in the subsurface division for very long time and provided satisfactory results to our clients. We provide bridge deck condition assessment and analysis, bridge deck inspections and bridge testing using various combinations of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) air-coupled or ground-coupled antennas, and/or Infrared (IR) cameras.

Benefits of our Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) inspection services include

• 100% deck area coverage

• Multiple deck surveys can be completed in single day

• The electronic data can be stored in a database

• Corrosion in the subsurface and quantity of deterioration can be easily evaluated

• No lane closures are required

• Can work on old bridges whose records are lost or damaged

• Mapping of bridge deck rebar and quality control

Our GPR technicians have decade-long experience in GPR testing and our expert team can provide you accurate condition assessment report in short time. Our GPR inspection services ensure safety of the public and the inspection crew but don't compromise on the performance during the inspection. These features have made us a reliable name in bridge inspection services.

If you also want to become one of our satisfied clients or know more about our services, just visit our website www.infrastructurepc.com and our representative will get back to as early as possible.

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.