In a recent evaluation done by the Michigan Department of Transportation, ABI’s automated sounding method was put to the test alongside traditional chaining and other entities in the NDE field. The results were evaluated by an independent engineering firm. Through this comparison, the independent firm concluded, “The ABI survey results are generally comparable to the data gathered using traditional methods in terms of both total quantities and locations of delaminations.”

 

ABI has been increasing their speed of data acquisition and improving accuracy. Utilizing their improved Rapid Automated-Sounding (RAS) system with continuous sampling, ABI can gather data at speeds up to 45 mph. Additionally, the Advanced Deck Imaging (ADI) system was used to image the deck surface and provide crack mapping and visible details down to 0.3 millimeters in size. Jason Plant, the CEO of ABI, explained, “This level of data acquisition and processing has never before been available. We can scan, record, and process data in just a few minutes. In the past, this would take days or even weeks to complete.”

 

The new RAS system utilizes continuously impacting chains that activate the delaminations in the bridge deck. “The faster we drive, the more energy we generate to resonate the delaminations. This allows us to identify delamations more easily and improves our accuracy,” Plant explained. And the independent firm seems to agree: “Comparing the visual representation from each method, the locations and relative sizes of delaminated overlay match up very well.”

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The table and maps below show how ABI's technology stacks up against traditional chaining inspections.