Automated Non-Destructive Assessment of Bridges

Non-destructive test methods in civil engineering are increasingly used for large-area investigations of structures. The test methods ultrasonic-echo, impact-echo and radar are well suited for detailed investigations of pre-stressed areas at pt-concrete structures. A significant improvement of the results and their interpretations has been achieved in recent years using advanced data analysis procedures such as 3D-reconstructions and the fusion of data. The automated application of the methods has been carried out successfully at decks and webs of pre-stressed box girder bridges. The achieved results are discussed in detail. The measurement uncertainty and its importance for the results are presented considering as example a foundation slab.