Inspection and capacity prediction of corroded steel bridge girders through 3D scanning, contour mapping, and experimental testing

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Steel bridge deterioration presents critical challenges for inspection and load rating, particularly at girder ends where complex corrosion patterns exceed the capabilities of traditional assessment methods. This study establishes a comprehensive framework for digital evaluation through three contributions. First, systematic classification of 553 inspection reports across six New England states confirms regional consistency of corrosion topologies, supporting standardized assessment protocols. Second, a platform-independent methodology transforms terrestrial LiDAR and photogrammetry data into engineering-ready thickness contour maps through resolution-constrained optimization that balances geometric fidelity with computational efficiency. Third, full-scale testing of eight naturally corroded girders validates both scanning methodology and finite element models, achieving 5% average prediction errors for stiffness and capacity while successfully reproducing observed failure modes. Validation of Massachusetts capacity equations using scan-derived parameters demonstrates 5.14% mean prediction errors. The integrated framework enables geometry-informed capacity evaluation that advances beyond discrete measurement approaches, establishing a foundation for implementing digital assessment technologies in bridge engineering practice. The framework supports practical engineering applications including bridge rating, load posting decisions, and prioritization of rehabilitation across large bridge inventories.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number114553
Number of pages18
JournalThin-Walled Structures
Volume222
Early online date20 Jan 2026
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 20 Jan 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 105027867296

Keywords

Keywords

  • Corrosion, Steel girders, 3D laser scanning, Photogrammetry, Point cloud, Steel bridges