Latest News
Level I MT-PT Training course scheduled for October 2010 in State College, PA.
Level II UT Training course scheduled for September 2010 in State College, PA.
Level I UT Training course scheduled for August 2010 in State College, PA.
Level III Acoustic Emission Training course completed (July 30) in State College, PA.
Level III UT Training course completed (July 23) in State College, PA.
Level II Acoustic Emission Testing course completed (July 16) in State College, PA
UT weld inspection course completed (July 8) in State College, PA
Level II Ultrasonic Testing course completed (July 2) in State College, PA
Level III UT Training course completed in State College, PA, June 2010
WINS personnel delivered invited speech on H-Pile inspection technology at "Life cycle performance of bridges and structures" conference at Changsha, China in June 2010
View a presentation on the Principles and applications of long range ultrasound, from ASNT Greater Phila chapter meeting, April 2010
Level III UT Training course completed in State College, PA, March 2010
WINS presents talk on ultrasonic guided wave potential towards helicopter maintenance to Indian Air force, February 2010
WINS funded by Transportation Research Board to develop Bridge Cable Inspection Technology, February 2010
Watch video of Wireless Acoustic Emission Sensor Network for Bridge Structural Health Monitoring
Underwater Steel Bridge Pile Inspection
Currently bridge pile inspections are done visually and in case of submerged piles, divers perform these inspections. In many cases, significant sections of piles can not be visually inspected since they are submerged in environments that prevent visual inspection. Submersion and oxidation cycles in aerobic zones are primary cause sand accelerators of wall loss corrosion in bridge piles.
Using WINS' PILEUT inspection technology, it is possible to inspect submerged pile from above the water line. PILEUT is cost-effective because it minimizes the requirement to send divers underwater to inspect pile for wall loss or pipe failure. The technology could be used to inspect up to 20 feet under water/ground for zones of 50% wall loss as small as 7 in2.
Working Principle
1. Ultrasonic transducers are mounted above the waterline.
2. Long range ultrasound is generated above the waterline and then travels underwater then underground.
3. Where wall loss is present, ultrasound is partially reflected backwards and transmitted forward.
4. The reflected ultrasound locates and sizes the wall loss.
Data Interpretation
The PILEUT scanner is capable of inspecting the pile for wall loss and characterize the wall losses as 75%, 50 % and 25%. 100% wall loss indicates a pile end. The Distance-Amplitude Correction (DAC) curves generated from observed field data for different amounts of wall loss are overlaid on the signal reflected from wall loss. This provides a quick and easy way for the bridge inspector to interpret the data and identify the amount of wall loss.
Our American Society for Nondestructive Testing certified inspectors have complementary training in fall protection, highway safety, railway safety, and confined space entry. With over 300 bridges tested to date, we have a proven track record for high quality nondestructive testing services and safety. Our inspectors are also FHWA trained underwater bridge inspectors and are certified underwater divers. Our inspectors are trained for follow-up underwater inspection on a need be basis.
Using WINS' PILEUT inspection technology, it is possible to inspect submerged pile from above the water line. PILEUT is cost-effective because it minimizes the requirement to send divers underwater to inspect pile for wall loss or pipe failure. The technology could be used to inspect up to 20 feet under water/ground for zones of 50% wall loss as small as 7 in2.
Working Principle
1. Ultrasonic transducers are mounted above the waterline.
2. Long range ultrasound is generated above the waterline and then travels underwater then underground.
3. Where wall loss is present, ultrasound is partially reflected backwards and transmitted forward.
4. The reflected ultrasound locates and sizes the wall loss.
Data Interpretation
The PILEUT scanner is capable of inspecting the pile for wall loss and characterize the wall losses as 75%, 50 % and 25%. 100% wall loss indicates a pile end. The Distance-Amplitude Correction (DAC) curves generated from observed field data for different amounts of wall loss are overlaid on the signal reflected from wall loss. This provides a quick and easy way for the bridge inspector to interpret the data and identify the amount of wall loss.
Our American Society for Nondestructive Testing certified inspectors have complementary training in fall protection, highway safety, railway safety, and confined space entry. With over 300 bridges tested to date, we have a proven track record for high quality nondestructive testing services and safety. Our inspectors are also FHWA trained underwater bridge inspectors and are certified underwater divers. Our inspectors are trained for follow-up underwater inspection on a need be basis.