Quantitative nondestructive in-service evaluation of stay cables of cable-stayed bridges: methods and practical experience

Herbert R. Weischedel; Hans-Werner Hoehle

doi:10.1117/12.209768

19 May 1995 Quantitative nondestructive in-service evaluation of stay cables of cable-stayed bridges: methods and practical experience

Herbert R. Weischedel, Hans-Werner Hoehle

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 2456, Nondestructive Evaluation of Aging Bridges and Highways; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.209768
Event: Nondestructive Evaluation of Aging Infrastructure, 1995, Oakland, CA, United States

Abstract

Stay cables of cable-stayed bridges have corrosion protection systems that can be elaborate. For example, such a system may simply consist of one or several coats of paint, or--more complex--of plastic pipes that are wrapped with tape and filled with grout. Frequently, these corrosion protection systems prevent visual inspections. Therefore, alternative nondestructive examination methods are called for. For example, modern dual-function electromagnetic (EM) instruments allow the simultaneous detection of external and internal localized flaws (such as external and internal broken wires and corrosion piting) and the measurement of loss of metallic cross-sectional area (typically caused by external or internal corrosion or wear). Initially developed for mining and skiing applications, these instruments have been successfully used for the inspection of stays of cable-stayed bridges, and for the inspection of guys of smoke stacks, flare stacks, broadcast towers, suspended roofs, etc. As a rule, guys and bridge cables are not subjected to wear and bending stresses. However, their safety can be compromised by corrosion caused by the failure of corrosion protection systems. Furthermore, live loads and wind forces create intermittent tensile stresses that can cause fatigue breaks of wires. This paper discusses the use of dual-function EM instruments for the detection and the nondestructive quantitative evaluation of cable deterioration. It explains the underlying principles. Experiences with this method together with field inspection results will be presented.

Citation Download Citation

Herbert R. Weischedel and Hans-Werner Hoehle "Quantitative nondestructive in-service evaluation of stay cables of cable-stayed bridges: methods and practical experience", Proc. SPIE 2456, Nondestructive Evaluation of Aging Bridges and Highways, (19 May 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.209768

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