Nondestructive Testing for Service Life Prediction of Reinforced Concrete Structures

"We propose to develop a nondestructive testing instrument with an algorithm that implements a structural life prediction model, which can be used in the field to predict the "remaining life" for concrete structures such as bridges and dams. Our approachrests firmly upon physical principles, and draws heavily upon past successful acoustic NDT projects. This minimizes the risk that the Army will obtain a method that works in theory but which will not work in real-world situations. Our project team hasextensive real-world acoustic experience (with a solid background in designing acoustic NDT instruments and their software), and offers world-wide recognized expertise in the fracture and durability of concrete. We have built management controls and riskmitigation into our work plan, and have defined a project scope that fits within the Phase I budget. The results of this project will form a solid foundation for a successful Phase II project that will not only prove our approach in the field but will alsoproduce a new, effective acoustic NDT instrument for the life prediction of engineered concrete structures. The Phase I project will demonstrate the technical feasibility of an NDT instrument that will enable owners of large concrete structures toefficiently schedule maintenance efforts towards structures that truly require repair, including bridges, dams, nuclear reactor confinement housings, parking garages, jetties and foundations."