A Synthesis Study to Identify and Make Recommendations on the Appropriate Nondestructive Testing Tools for Bridge Beam Ends, Piers, and Abutments

Authors

• Pan Panjehpour, Purdue University Fort WayneFollow
• Prince Baah, Indiana Department of TransportationFollow
• Sui Nawl Sang, Purdue University Fort WayneFollow
• Emmy Kliewer, Purdue University Fort WayneFollow
• Karsten Arnold, Purdue University Fort WayneFollow

Abstract

The aim of this research was to identify suitable NDT methods for bridge components by evaluating their advantages, disadvantages, and limitations. The research objectives are: (1) to identify suitable NDT tools and techniques for condition evaluation of bridge beam-ends, abutments, and piers based on their advantages and disadvantages, (2) to identify gaps in NDT tools and techniques for assessing the condition of concrete bridge members (excluding decks), and (3) to recommend NDT methods for further investigation. The scope of this research was limited to reinforced and prestressed concrete bridge piers, pier caps, beam-ends, and abutments, excluding decks. Research culminated in five guideline tables for INDOT to determine the most suitable NDT methods for reinforced and prestressed concrete bridge components, piers, pier caps, beam-ends, and abutments. Applying these resources early in the inspection planning phase allows INDOT to streamline NDT method selection, minimize unnecessary fieldwork, improve inspection quality, and enhance the reliability of collected data. Whether used by INDOT personnel or supervised consultants, this implementation ensures higher-quality evaluations, better maintenance decisions, and ultimately improved bridge safety and longevity.

Keywords

nondestructive testing (NDT), nondestructive evaluation (NDE), reinforced concrete (RC), prestressed concrete, bridge inspection, condition assessment, bridge component, beam-end, pier, pier cap, abutments, rebound hammer (RH), ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), ultrasonic pulse echo (UPE), impact-echo (IE), acoustic emission (AE), ground penetrating radar (GPR), half-cell potential (HCP), infrared thermography (IRT), electrical resistivity (ER)

Report Number

FHWA/IN/JTRP-2025/42

SPR Number

4925

Sponsoring Organization

Indiana Department of Transportation

Performing Organization

Joint Transportation Research Program

Publisher Place

West Lafayette, Indiana

Date of Version

2025

DOI

10.5703/1288284318607

Recommended Citation

Panjehpour, P., Baah, P., Sang, S. N., Kliewer, E., & Arnold, K. (2025). A synthesis study to identify and make recommendations on the appropriate nondestructive testing tools for bridge beam ends, piers, and abutments (Joint Transportation Research Program Publication No. FHWA/IN/JTRP-2025/42). West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284318607