Nondestructive Testing of Bridge Cables using Magnetostrictive Guided Wave Technique

摘要

Cables are used as critical structure components for suspended and cable-stayed bridges. It has been recently increased the need for inspection methods to assess the conditions of the cables due to owners concern about the operability and safety of such aging structures. An alternative technique is being developed in this paper. The magnetostrictive guided wave technology is used to test broken wires. The suitability of this method is studied through application tests on experimental setups, lab-made cables with simulated broken wires and field test. Test Results indicate that this technique can detect two broken wires away exceeding two meters and propagating over one hundred meters. It is a promising method for nondestructive testing of bridge cables.