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Post-tensioning is advanced construction method used to increase load bearing capacity of the concrete structure. This technology is widely used in large and complex concrete structures like bridges, box girder on and off ramps and high rise buildings. The steel tendons run through ducts in the concrete after it has hardened. These tendons are tensioned to apply a compressive load to the outer concrete surface. This process results in an increase in maximum tensile load capacity of the concrete structure. If tendons were not used large concrete expanses would crack under the load. Alkaline grout is used to fill the tendon ducts to protect the post tensioned tendons from water ingress and corrosion. However, if the grouting is not done properly or the grout material is poor then water may leak inside the duct and come into contact with the tendons resulting in corrosion and fractures. This damaging process is enhanced when road salt get leaked into the ducts. Since tendons provide extra tensile strength to the concrete slab any damage to the tendon can transfer the load to the other tendons causing failure of other tendons as well. Eventually, the collective failure of the post tensioned tendons causes the concrete structure to collapse. Such situations can be avoided by detecting any minor or major damage to the existing post tensioned tendons through a thorough inspection. Although there are several methods of inspection available to bridge inspectors but the embedded nature of the post tensioned tendons makes the inspection of each tendon a difficult task. Traditional methods like coring can’t be done to inspect post tensioned tendons and standard methods like radiography are although capable of detecting ducts and voids in grout but the results are not very good to determine the condition of tendons. At Infrastructure Preservation Corporation (IPC), we have utilized Non Destructive Testing methods like Electrical Impedance imaging and magnetic flux to detect corrosion, voids in grouts and to locate loss of section in a post tensioned tendon. When a proper inspection is conducted a condition assessment report is generated which includes locations and size of any discontinuities. Magnetic Fu58\x is the latest non-destructive testing technology and it performs section loss and corrosion inspections of the external bridge tendons. The results of the inspection are obtained in graphical views of the inside of the tendons to determine the location and size of any deterioration, water ingress, voids in grout, corrosion or air. The results are easy to interpret and can be stored for later analysis and monitoring the damages as well as monitor deterioration progression over time. Infrastructure Preservation Corporation, “IPC” utilizes the latest advanced NDT (non-destructive testing) methods to inspect different elements of the bridge and other complex structures. To know more about our product services, you can visit us at https://www.infrastructurepc.com/ or contact us to get a free estimate of our services and we will back to you as soon as possible. To know more about please follow this link: Post Tension Tendon and Cable Stay Inspection.
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