Problem
Civil works infrastructure is subject to multiple forms of deterioration, and forensic analysis is often necessary to identify what type of deterioration is occurring or why a material or component has failed in service. Deterioration of concrete can occur as a result of freeze/thaw action, sulfate attack, corrosion, alkali-aggregate reactions, physical abrasion or erosion, and many other causes. Steel and other metallic materials may be damaged by corrosion, fatigue, mechanical overloading, stress-assisted corrosion and embrittlement. Polymeric materials may be damaged during service by exposure to harsh conditions such as thermal cycling, moisture, and degradation by ultra-violet radiation. These forms of deterioration have become more and more prevalent as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) infrastructure surpasses its originally designed service life. New tools and techniques for forensic investigations are needed to identify forms of deterioration and the cause of failures. These forensic investigations provide insights into fundamental deterioration and failure mechanisms that guide the development of repair and retrofit strategies for infrastructure.
Approach
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) employs a tiered approach to forensic investigations of infrastructure deterioration and failure. Initial testing consists of rapid screening studies to identify mechanisms of interest and define applicable investigation techniques. Based on these rapid studies, more in-depth characterization and testing are performed to provide more definitive answers. For concrete, investigations include various forms of microscopy (e.g., optical and scanning electron microscopy), chemical analysis, mineralogical analysis, durability testing (e.g., chloride ion concentration), and other techniques. For metallic materials such as steel and aluminum, various microscopy and metallographic techniques, along with chemical analysis and mechanical testing, are used. For polymeric materials (e.g., waterstops, joint sealants, coatings), various types of characterization, durability studies and mechanical testing are performed. Non-destructive testing and evaluation is another important component of this forensic capability. The use of robust testing protocols, executed by experienced engineers and scientists, aids in providing customers with definitive answers that guide mitigation, repair and retrofit efforts.
Products
Unique capabilities to rapidly perform forensic investigations of infrastructure deterioration in support of USACE districts have been developed. Reports have been provided to customers in a timely fashion that provide evidence and conclusions from forensic investigations and provide necessary inputs for repair and retrofit.
Benefits
This in-house capability is available to aid USACE districts in investigations of deterioration or failure of infrastructure. The results provide the necessary inputs to effectively mitigate deterioration issues and repair infrastructure to extend service lives.
Contact
ERDCinfo@usace.army.mil
Updated 25 August 2020