Phased Array Ultrasonic Steel Corrosion Mapping for Bridges and Ancillary Structures

Steel corrosion on bridges and ancillary structures due to environmental effects and deicing chemicals is a serious problem for Minnesota's infrastructure. The ability to detect, locate, and measure corrosion is an important aspect of structure inspection. Accurate thickness measurements and corrosion mapping are essential for determining load capacity of structural members on bridges and ancillary structures. The Minnesota Department of Transportation purchased an OmniScan Phased Array Corrosion Mapping System. Unlike conventional ultrasonic equipment, this system provides detailed three-dimensional images of structural members including the remaining section of members that exhibit corrosion. This gives engineers better tools to visualize and evaluate the condition of bridges than was previously possible. With the future purchase of additional transducers, the OmniScan can also be used for enhanced inspection of welds and bridge pins.  The report is available for download at : http://dotapp7.dot.state.mn.us/projectPages/pages/projectDetails.jsf?id=17205&type=CONTRACT