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One of the main causes of a limited use of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technologies in bridge deck assessment is the speed of data collection and analysis. The paper describes development and implementation of the RABIT (Robotics Assisted Bridge Inspection Tool) for data collection using multiple NDE technologies. The system is designed to characterize three most common deterioration types in concrete bridge decks: rebar corrosion, delamination, and concrete degradation. It implements four NDE technologies: electrical resistivity (ER), impact echo (IE), ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and ultrasonic surface waves (USW) method. The technologies are used in a complementary way to enhance the interpretation. In addition, the system utilizes advanced vision to complement traditional visual inspection. Finally, the RABIT collects data at a significantly higher speed than it is done using traditional NDE equipment. The robotic system is complemented by an advanced data interpretation. The associated platform for the enhanced interpretation of condition assessment in concrete bridge decks utilizes data integration, fusion, and deterioration and defect visualization. This paper concentrates on the validation and field implementation of two NDE technologies. The first one is IE used in the delamination detection and characterization, while the second one is the USW method used in the assessment of concrete quality. The validation of performance of the two methods was conducted on a 9 m long and 3.6 m wide fabricated bridge structure with numerous artificial defects embedded in the deck

Accurate condition assessment and monitoring of concrete bridge deck deterioration progression requires both use of multiple nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technologies and automation in data collection and analysis. RABIT (robotics assisted bridge inspection tool) for bridge decks enables fully autonomous data collection at rates three or more times higher than it is typically done by a team of five inspectors using manual NDE technologies. The system concentrates on the detection and characterization of three most common internal deterioration and damage types: rebar corrosion, delamination, and concrete degradation. For that purpose, RABIT implements four NDE technologies: electrical resistivity (ER), ground-penetrating radar (GPR), impact echo (IE) and ultrasonic surface waves (USW) method. High productivity and higher spatial data resolution are achieved through the use of large sensor arrays or multiple probes for the four NDE methods. RABIT surveys also complement visual inspection by collecting high resolution images of the deck surface, which can be used for crack mapping and documentation of deck spalling, previous repairs, etc. The NDE technologies are used in a complementary way to enhance the overall condition assessment, certainty regarding the detected deterioration and better identification of the primary cause of deterioration. RABIT's components, operation, field implementation and validation, as well as future integration with a robotic platform for minimally invasive rehabilitation, are described.

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