Implementation of a Fully Autonomous Platform for Assessment of Concrete Bridge Decks RABIT

Abstract

RABIT (Robotics Assisted Bridge Inspection Tool) provides rapid and automated condition assessment of concrete bridge decks using multiple nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technologies integrated into a robotic platform. In particular, the system is designed to characterize three most common deterioration types in concrete bridge decks: rebar corrosion, delamination, and concrete degradation. For that purpose, the system uses four technologies: electrical resistivity (ER), impact echo (IE), ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and ultrasonic surface waves (USW). In addition, the RABIT has two cameras for high resolution bridge deck imaging to provide a permanent record of the visible deterioration and surface features. The autonomous data collection is complemented by an advanced data analysis, interpretation and visualization. The most of the data analysis is conducted in real or near real time. The results are presented in terms of condition maps and condition indices. The data visualization platform facilitates an intuitive 3-dimensional presentation of the main three deterioration types and deck surface features. The data collection, analysis, and results presentation by the RABIT system are described and illustrated.