FHWA NDE CENTER RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Automated Ultrasonic Testing Methods for Steel
Fabrication Inspection
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Center is in the early phases of a study focusing on the
development of automated ultrasonic testing methods for use in weld inspections during steel bridge fabrication. Currently,
most steel bridge fabricators perform the required weld inspections through the use of radiographic techniques. Alternatively,
in other industries where steel component fabrication is heavily used, there has recently been a trend toward using automated
ultrasonic testing (AUT) to perform the weld inspections and document the findings. This study is aimed toward the development
of an AUT system that will meet all applicable bridge fabrication weld inspection requirements.
This study is comprised of three primary components. First, a search will be performed to determine previous efforts to
compare ultrasonic, automated ultrasonic, and radiographic inspection of welds in industries other than bridge fabrication. This
search will also include a market survey of the available sources for AUT equipment and a comparison of the available systems. The second
portion of the study will include a proof-of-concept study comparing AUT and radiographic inspection of welds containing common defects. The defects will include porosity, lack of fusion,
slag inclusions, and cracking. The final portion of the study will focus on developing a work plan for determining the reliability of
ultrasonic inspection relative to radiographic inspection during the steel bridge fabrication process.
This work will primarily be performed at the FHWA NDE Center, however frequent contact and communication with the AASHTO/NSBA Steel
Bridge Collaboration will also be maintained.
For more information, please contact either by e-mail or telephone.
Frank Jalinoos (202) 493-3082
frank.jalinoos@fhwa.dot.gov
