Regular bridge inspection data improvement using non-destructive testing

Comparison of different bridge inspections shows that they vary greatly. Their implementation is dependent on the amount and type of data that has to be obtained for each individual bridge. Detailed inspection provides reliable data but it is costly, time consuming and not suitable for large scale use. Regular bridge inspection, on the other hand, is cost-effective, quick and, in general, the most suitable for conducting large numbers of annual inspections. However, data gathered is in most cases based on visual observation only, and as such, it is less reliable. In order to improve the quality of acquired data, certain non-destructive tests (NDTs) could be integrated into regular bridge inspection practice, while maintaining the above-mentioned advantages of visual inspection. Evaluation of NDT methods commonly used for bridge inspection is therefore performed. It is based on several relevant criteria: time consumption, procedure standardization, data reliability, diversity of use, complexity of results' interpretation. The relative importance of the selected criteria is determined by experts from COST Action TU1406 by using Analytical Hierarchy Process. For each of the selected criteria, the assigned values are based on the literature survey. As a final step the utility function is defined, the NDTs with the same applicability level are compared, and their possibilities for use in regular bridge inspection are assessed.