DOI

10.5703/1288284313282

Abstract

The term "quality" is defined as the conformance to predetermined requirements or specifications. These requirements may be set in terms of the end result required or as a detailed description of how work should be executed. Recently, there has been increasing interest in quality assurance in the construction industry. Quality assurance includes design and planning, sampling, inspection, testing, and assessment to ensure that end products perform according to specifications. This research proposes a new quality assessment model for highway steel bridges and more specifically for coating rust assessment. The research proposes a hybrid model using image processing and neural networks for defect recognition and measurement. The basic concept of the model is to acquire digital images of the areas to be assessed and analyze those images to recognize and measure defect patterns. Neural networks are incorporated into the model to learn from example and simulate human expertise to automate the process for future use. The model is supplemented with a statistical quality assessment plan to use the model efficiently and obtain consistent and reliable results. The statistical plan will determine the number and locations of assessment images to be taken. Moreover, the plan will address the risks associated with the estimated assessment. Finally, the plan will assist making the final acceptance/rejection decision based on the predefined criteria for acceptance and rejection.

Report Number

FHWA/IN/JTRP-99/11

Keywords

Back-Propagation Algorithm, gray level, hybrid model, inspection, neural learning, painting, thresholding, SPR-2197

SPR Number

2197

Project Number

C-36-56TT

File Number

7-4-45

Performing Organization

Joint Transportation Research Program

Publisher Place

West Lafayette, IN

Date of this Version

2000

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