Institute for Transportation

About the research

The effectiveness of cast-in-place joints and other connections are of critical importance for ABC projects. While high strength materials are being used for these in-field connections, there is a general lack of existing research regarding inspection of joint quality and performance prior to opening to traffic. While these joints are intended to be constructed quickly, poor quality performance/construction will be detrimental to the equally important longevity of construction.

This report evaluates the capabilities of existing nondestructive testing technologies that could be used to determine bond and joint strength between pre-formed deck panels and the cast-in-place joint strips, and other ABC components of interest. The results of the information collection will be used to assess the feasibility of various techniques for further implementation in QA/QC efforts relating to ABC projects.