RABIT: implementation, performance validation and integration with other robotic platforms for improved management of bridge decks

Nenad Gucunski, Basily Basily, Jinyoung Kim, Jingang Yi, Trung Duong, Kien Dinh, Seong Hoon Kee, Ali Maher

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Accurate condition assessment and monitoring of concrete bridge deck deterioration progression requires both use of multiple nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technologies and automation in data collection and analysis. RABIT (robotics assisted bridge inspection tool) for bridge decks enables fully autonomous data collection at rates three or more times higher than it is typically done by a team of five inspectors using manual NDE technologies. The system concentrates on the detection and characterization of three most common internal deterioration and damage types: rebar corrosion, delamination, and concrete degradation. For that purpose, RABIT implements four NDE technologies: electrical resistivity (ER), ground-penetrating radar (GPR), impact echo (IE) and ultrasonic surface waves (USW) method. High productivity and higher spatial data resolution are achieved through the use of large sensor arrays or multiple probes for the four NDE methods. RABIT surveys also complement visual inspection by collecting high resolution images of the deck surface, which can be used for crack mapping and documentation of deck spalling, previous repairs, etc. The NDE technologies are used in a complementary way to enhance the overall condition assessment, certainty regarding the detected deterioration and better identification of the primary cause of deterioration. RABIT’s components, operation, field implementation and validation, as well as future integration with a robotic platform for minimally invasive rehabilitation, are described.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)271-286
Number of pages16
JournalInternational Journal of Intelligent Robotics and Applications
Volume1
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2017

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Computer Science Applications
  • Artificial Intelligence

Keywords

  • Bridge decks
  • Concrete
  • Corrosion
  • Deterioration
  • Electrical resistivity
  • GPR
  • Impact echo
  • Nondestructive evaluation
  • Rehabilitation
  • Robotics
  • Surface waves

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