Diagnostics of steel structures with the dynamic non-destructive method

Abstract

The method of the assessment of steel structures mechanical properties is considered with the nondestructive test by conical indentation. The nondestructive evaluating of the steel mechanical properties in real structures is widely spread in many applied problems. Dynamic indentation method is one of the most effective because of compatibility and accuracy. For this purpose, the static and dynamic problem of axisymmetric elastic-plastic truncated cone indentation is solved, and the results are compared with finite element analysis and experimental data. The method of nondestructive evaluating of mechanical characteristics is suggested and devise of the realization of the method is tested at real structures. The method is tested on steel railway bridges that are being operated for more than 60 years. As a result, zones with lower strength values were identified, and recommendations for strengthening the design were given.