Abstract: Port infrastructure comprises various assets, such as concrete structures, piles, bulkhead walls, decks, and paved areas; all of which must be evaluated to verify their capacity and extent of deterioration. Advanced assessment techniques provide valuable information regarding the condition of these assets. This paper will discuss advanced assessment techniques used to evaluate and preserve port infrastructure.
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a technology that can be used to identify the reinforcement in concrete structures, especially when original design drawings are unavailable. GPR helps assess a structure's load capacity and durability by evaluating the concrete cover depth and current or future deterioration areas. GPR can also help determine the thickness of pavement layers and understand the composition and thickness of asphalt and base layers. In addition, GPR can be used to locate sinkholes or other areas where settlement or moisture infiltration may pose a risk.
Acoustic non-destructive testing (NDT) methods such as impact echo and pulse velocity (IE/PV) are essential technologies that can effectively identify the extent of concrete delaminations and cracking. Hammer sounding, historically the most common method for detecting concrete delaminations, has a reputation for underestimating repair areas, leading to costly project overruns, change orders, and delays. IE/PV can accurately determine the location and size of these repair areas, helping to prevent and mitigate these costly construction issues.
In new construction, IE/PV can locate concrete voids and honeycombs that result from construction. The extent of these areas can be determined through IE/PV, allowing a contractor to repair them via injection. Once the repair is complete, IE/PV can be used to verify that the voids are repaired. The same is true for repairing cracks through epoxy injection. IE/PV can be used before and after crack injection to ensure the work is correctly conducted. IE/PV can also determine the in-situ concrete compressive strength, which is essential in determining the capacity of various port structures.
Piles are a crucial element in port infrastructure, and it is essential to know their embedment depth to ensure their capacity. Pile length testing can assess the length of concrete, timber, or steel piles. This is also effective for steel sheet piles located along bulkhead walls, where the depth of the wall must be confirmed before dredging.
Corrosion is a significant problem in ports, and regular exposure to the marine environment causes considerable damage to infrastructure. However, methods like corrosion potential and corrosion rate measurements can locate areas that are actively corroding and determine the reaction rate. This information can be used to assess the progress of deterioration on steel and reinforced concrete structures throughout a port.
NDT methods and material sampling approaches are valuable techniques that can be employed to assess the condition of a port’s infrastructure. These methods, along with other NDT approaches, can help to verify new elements are constructed properly, determine the extent of existing deterioration, and identify areas at risk for future deterioration. This information is critical to understand the capacity of port infrastructure, budgeting for repairs, and planning for capital improvements.
How does this project / topic contribute to the advancement of the industry and profession?: This paper will provide details on advance assessment technologies that can be used by engineers and port owners to better understand the condition and future deterioration of their assets. This is critical information needed to ensure that port infrastructure is properly maintained and meets the required service life.
Does the project / topic implement new and innovative techniques, materials, technologies, and delivery methods?: Yes this topic will provide information on advanced and innovative non-destructive techniques like impact echo/pulse velocity and GPR. This will also discuss new and more advanced methods of assessing the data and how that can be used to better understand the condition of the port infrastructure.
What was the most challenging aspect of your project / topic and how did you handle it to ensure success?: Understanding the technical background and capabilities of these advanced NDT methods to ensure that they are properly utilized in the assessment of infrastructure. If these technologies are improperly used, or the limitations are not understood, they can provide misleading or incorrect information.
Who is the target audience for this paper?: Engineers and port owners, facility management staff.
.png)
