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Development of Comprehensive Inspection Protocols for Deteriorated Steel Beam Ends
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Abstract
Recent research has developed new improved procedures that accurately describe the remaining loadcarrying capacity of these deteriorated members. These new procedures are based on computational
simulations and experimental testing of real deteriorated beams. The outcome of a recently completed
research project (“Development of Load Rating Procedures for Deteriorated Steel Beam Ends,”
completed July 2019) has found new parameters that are extremely important when assessing the
residual capacity of the bridge and the load rating procedure. Examples of these parameters include
the out-of-plane imperfection of the beam web, the surface area of corrosion, and others. Currently,
inspectors are not aware of the new findings and these important parameters, and they have no clear
guidance on what and how to measure when inspecting a deteriorated beam end. Drawing on the
recent findings made while developing new load rating procedures, the project at hand first
documents the current state of practice of beam end inspections, then explores new technological
solutions for improvement of these inspection techniques using LiDAR and unmanned aircraft
systems (drones), and finally performs preliminary analysis of a bridge system.
Type
Technical Report
Date
2022-03