The current age and condition of a large number of prestressed concrete bridges and other highway structures require the development/utilization of inspection methods, techniques, and equipment to detect corrosion of reinforcing steel, and in particular prestressing steel that is otherwise undetectable by visible inspection methods. This research needs statement recently came to the forefront when a 1960 era prestressed concrete box fascia beam collapsed over I-70 in Pennsylvania. The beam had a small cross sectional area/surface area ratio. A post event survey indicated six other states experienced similar problems/failures with these types of beams. This event prompted a priority investigation of all similar bridges in the state and revealed substantial deterioration in many bridges that was heretofore undetectable. The concern for safety of the traveling public is paramount and rapid solutions are the order of the day. The cost in terms of time and dollars creates hurdles that states must negotiate to provide these solutions. Providing methods, techniques and equipment recommendations to states will go along way to assisting states in making informed decisions and allow more dollars to be spent on needed physical improvements.

AASHTO and TRB will appoint a special joint research task force to provide direction and expert advice during the course of the investigation. The joint research task force will consist of representatives from the sponsoring agencies, member states, and the consultant community. A researcher (team or individual) with appropriate experience and expertise will be contracted to perform the work and report back to the joint research task force.

See Attached File for Scope of Work

The target for participation in this project is to have fifteen to twenty (15-20) agencies participate at a rate of $15,000-$20,000 per year per agency.