Automated sounding for concrete bridge deck inspection through a multi-channel, continuously moving platform

摘要

A new multi-channel, automated, air-coupled, impact-echo sounding device was designed, constructed, and demonstrated in this work. The apparatus includes seven replicated impactor and recording units, a moving trailer platform, a distance measurement instrument, and signal processing modules. A series of computer algorithms is used to determine the presence of delamination on concrete bridge decks based on the bandlimited acoustic energy value computed from the acoustic response associated with each impact. Compared to traditional sounding methods, this device significantly decreases the required inspection time, eliminates subjectivity, and increases safety by substantially reducing the exposure of inspectors to live traffic.