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NON-DESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION OF FIRE-DAMAGED CONCRETE USING REBOUND HAMMER AND ULTRASONIC PULSE VELOCITY TESTING

Abstract

Bridge fires in major transportation infrastructure systems caused by vehicle accidents, tanker truck fires, improper material storage, or other sources cause damage to valuable resources without a standardized objective method for assessment. Existing inspection practices rely strongly on visual judgement and the specific experience and knowledge of the inspector, and often on destructive testing. Governmental transportation agencies need a structured and evidence-based method to evaluate fire-damaged bridges for remediation or continued use efficiently and non-destructively. The purpose of the study is to show a correlation between rebound hammer and ultrasonic pulse velocity test results and percent compressive strength loss in concrete samples after simulated fire damage. The results will be applied to a reference tool in compliance with Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) requirements and practices for practical field use. Laboratory testing involves the preparation of 4” x 8” concrete samples subjected to a designated heating curve set and subsequent compressive strength testing for comparison to a control. Early results indicate a correlation fit curve with an 80-90% accuracy and demonstrate a reliable, repeatable, and rapid tool for field damage assessment. This product of this research will serve as a prototype tool for GDOT and other agencies to achieve consistent and efficient field test results in the wake of bridge fires that would otherwise require more time and resources for assessment and interpretation.

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