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An investigation of tunnel linings is performed at two tunnels in the US using complimentary noncontact techniques: air-coupled ground penetrating radar (GPR), and a vehicle-mounted scanning system (SPACETEC) that combines laser, visual, and infrared thermography scanning methods. This paper shows that a combination of such techniques can maximize inspection coverage in a comprehensive and efficient manner. Since ground-truth is typically not available in public tunnel field evaluations, the noncontact techniques used are compared with two reliable in-depth contact nondestructive testing methods: ground-coupled GPR and ultrasonic tomography. The noncontact techniques are used to identify and locate the reinforcement mesh, structural steel ribs, internal layer interfaces, shallow delamination, and tile debonding. It is shown that this combination of methods can be used synergistically to provide tunnel owners with a comprehensive and efficient approach for monitoring tunnel lining conditions.

A field evaluation of an underwater tunnel is conducted using a variety of nondestructive testing (NDT) methods including visual inspection, air-and ground-coupled ground penetrating radar (GPR), ultrasonic tomography (UST), and impact echo (IE). An air-coupled GPR antenna is used along with visual inspection to identify areas of interest in the Chesapeake Channel Tunnel near Norfolk, Virginia. After an example potential damage area is identified using high-speed air-coupled GPR, a robotic scanner was used to automatically scan the area using ground-coupled GPR, UST, and IE. This region is also evaluated using a manually applied UST. This study successfully demonstrates that this particular combination of NDT techniques can efficiently and effectively identify and locate reinforcement, backwall depth, potentially delaminated areas, and even the condition of the bond between the concrete lining and steel reinforcement/backwall.

Tunnel inspection is a challenging problem because of high-volume traffic and routine operations in naturally aggressive environments. The need to keep tunnels open during inspection and minimize tunnel closures and user delays must be carefully balanced with the need to conduct in-depth lining inspections to ensure the safety of drivers. This paper describes the laboratory validation and field performance of a recently developed in-depth nondestructive testing technology for the detection of impairments in tunnel lining: linear array shear wave tomography, typically referred to as ultrasonic tomography (UST). Before this equipment is used in the field, the system is first evaluated through the use of laboratory specimens with artificial defects that mock common structural problems, such as air- and water-filled voids, delaminations, and other potential abnormalities. The device is also used to determine concrete thickness and reinforcement depth and spacing. The test results are discussed to determine the device's capabilities and limitations in locating defects in concrete structures. After the system is evaluated on the basis of its ability to detect these simulated defects, the system is taken to the field to inspect a public tunnel for natural structural defects. Potential regions of interest are first identified through high-speed air-coupled ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and visual inspection and subsequently inspected with UST. This paper shows that the combination of preliminary inspection procedures (GPR surveys and visual inspection) and an in-depth technique like UST is powerful for the assessment of the condition of tunnel linings and can detect potential anomalies, such as delamination, reinforcement depth and layout, and lining thickness.

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