National Concrete Pavement Technology Center

Project description

This project will develop and implement a multichannel vertical impedance scanner with large area electrode to detect corrosion in bridge decks without direct rebar connection. In Stage 1, a trailer with improved electrodes will be constructed that could be quickly unfolded and deployed by a single person in the field to scan a 12-ft-wide lane. Through improved electronics, simultaneous parallel measurements will be demonstrated. DGPS and LiDAR measurements will be incorporated. Additional software will be developed for combining DGPS and Lidar data and distance measurements. Automated mapping routines will be developed for presentation of impedance data to end users. At least six decks with overlays (epoxy or bituminous) will be tested. Passes at multiple speeds will be performed to understand appropriate rates for data collection both in terms of spatial coverage and localizing specific types of defects. The collected data will inform recommendations for the use of the technology. Preliminary specifications will be developed for the technology based on the test results. In Stage 2, results from Stage 1 work will be used to revise the multi-channel system with improved probes and computer algorithms. All system components will be connected through a networking device and controlled through a custom graphical user interface running on an attached laptop. Success will be achieved when the apparatus is controlled using a laptop and data acquisition using six channels across the full width of a traffic lane is performed faster than 1500 ft2/minute. The design of critical prototype features will be documented.