Non-Destructive Testing in the Strategic Research on the Performance of Bridges

Abstract

The main purpose of bridges is to overcome physical obstacles and improve territorial mobility, therefore, knowledge of their particularities is required, such as project design, inspection and execution, maintenance service plans and others. The aim of the research is to carry out a survey of the main pathological manifestations in three reinforced concrete highway bridges (HB) – built in different years, namely: 1927, 1960 and 2018. The qualification and quantification of the anomalies were carried out and, after that, the prioritization matrix was used, which allows obtaining strategies to ensure the safeguard of the HBs. The methodology used, data collection and detailed inspection of the structure, i.e., non-destructive testing, proved to be appropriate to assess the conditions of the HBs, and also allowed to present results related to recovery services and the necessary maintenance. The pathological manifestations in older bridges are the result of project and building errors, as well as lack of maintenance service.