Bridges are essential to Europe's transportation infrastructure, yet the ageing reinforced concrete structures are increasingly subject to failure. An EU initiative sought to introduce novel ultrasound technology that detects internal damage for simple and efficient diagnoses.
Concrete is the construction material of choice for bridges, but the majority require reinforcement in the form of steel bars and tendons to increase load-bearing capacity. When cracks develop in the concrete and water seeps in, the water can corrode steel reinforcements. As the loads continue to rise compared to the original specifications, the need for sensitive and accurate non-destructive testing (NDT) methods and structural health monitoring technologies has become more pressing.
Further details: Technology to better monitor and assess large concrete bridges