Development of a New Nondestructive Inspection Strategy for Corroded Multistrand Anchor Cables

Abstract : This Coastal and Hydraulics Technical Note (CHETN) describes recent efforts undertaken to develop a nondestructive test (NDT) method to detect and locate broken in situ wires within seven-strand post-tension cables used in multistrand anchor systems. While broken wire detection is pursued here as an easier first step, characterization of cross-sectional losses within a cable due to corrosion is the ultimate goal of the cable NDT research. This need was described in the initial project publication Technical Note ERDC\CHL CHETN-IX-28 (Ebeling et al. 2012) and is part of a broader research effort under the work unit Probabilistic Assessment of the Reduced Capacity of Multistrand Post Tensioned Ground Anchorage due to Tendon Corrosion. Highlights from the NDT research component of that effort are briefly introduced in the INITIAL GUIDED WAVE INVESTIGATIONS section of this technical note; additional findings and background information are presented in reports by Ebeling et al. (2013) and Haskins et al. (2014).