Next-gen Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure Lab (NSRI Lab) Equipment and Facilities

Sonic Surface Scanner (SSS)

The equipment is a NDE technique which is vital in assessing the condition and integrity of bridges without causing damage. It offer insights into the internal structure, potential defects, and overall health of the bridge components. The system can perform both the Impact Echo (IE) and the Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves (SASW) testing on a rolling scan basis. In addition, the hardware and software allow the collection of accurate, cm-level GPS data that can be incorporated in the collected data sets for detailed mapping of results even for decks and bridges with complex geometries. The SSS employs the IE and/or SASW principles for use on large areas and for high resolution imaging. When used for quality assurance, forensic testing, and condition evaluation, the SSS system is a powerful, state-of-the-art tool in verifying concrete integrity, locating defects, measuring concrete thickness profiles along lines of points, and evaluating repair effectiveness.

Parallel Seismic (PS)

The Parallel Seismic (PS) method is a NDE technique used to determine the depth of deep foundations, particularly in cases where the foundation tops are inaccessible or when traditional echo-based methods are ineffective due to the foundation's length and slenderness (e.g., H-piles or steel abutment). Parallel Seismic testing setup includes an instrumented hand-held hammer with a built-in load cell as the impact source, paired with a borehole receiver such as an NDE 360, hydrophone (100 Hz–4 kHz) in a water-filled PVC casing, or geophone in a grouted casing. Signals are captured by a PS logging unit with at least 16-bit A/D resolution, ~50 kHz sampling rate, gain control, and dual-channel input for simultaneous hammer and receiver data. The borehole should be vertical, offset no more than about 1.5 m (5 ft) from the foundation, and extend at least 3–5 m (10–16 ft) below the anticipated pile toe, with waterproof, depth-marked cabling suitable for the chosen receiver type.

Impact Echo (IE) Device

The Impact Echo (IE) device is used to determine anye delamination conditions and thickness of concrete structural members (e.g. bridge deck, girders, piers, footings) when voids, honeycombs and cracks are suspected. The device creates an impact at a spot on the surface and then records and analyzes the echo. Unlike the GPR, it is a spot scanning device, which is used to scan discrete data points in a pre-determined grid on the concrete surface. 

SX-10 Trimble Scanner

The SX-10 Robotic Trimble Scanner combines surveying and 3D scanning to capture high-accuracy measurements. This allows the scanner to be used in general and topographic surveys, and infrastructure surveys. The scanner also generates 3D models of the surveyed areas which can then be imported into a variety of CAD software. It is very useful in  monitoring the movement or settlement of bridge components, such as MSE wallswith high accuracy.

Half Cell Potential Meter

Half Cell Potential (HCP) meter is used to determine the state of corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete using ASTM C876. Structures like bridge decks, parking garages, concrete piers, substructures, tunnel lining and foundation can be tested for potential corrosion. To analyze the results, the measurements made with HCP meter can be plotted on a grid and lines of equipotential contours drawn, highlighting areas of possible corrosion activity.