Crack Condition Evaluation Approach for the Deteriorated Girder of an RC Bridge

Abstract

A crack condition evaluation method is proposed that identifies the damaged state of deteriorated reinforced concrete (RC) girders on bridges directly on-site. This nondestructive testing approach is based on stress wave propagation theory and can identify the profile of flexural crack tips inside RC girders. A damage index is further determined by comparing the measured crack tip and the theoretical neutral axis of a girder. This index can be utilized to analyze the current loading capacity of deteriorated RC girders according to the