Embedded Miniature Sensors Detect Chloride in Bridge Decks

摘要

Bridge inspection techniques, especially for chloride ingress, often require state departments of transportation to practice labor-intensive and time-consuming routines, but several new devices that can be embedded directly in a concrete bridge deck could make inspections as easy as driving over the bridge or sitting at a desk. Over the next year the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans to test three chloride-sensing devices in the lab and in the field. The devices have the potential to substantially reduce costs for maintenance crews and make it easier for them to devise bridge repair schemes and maintenance schedules, says Bob Meline, a senior transportation engineer in Caltrans's Division of Research and Innovation.