Advances in Civil Engineering

Research Article

Using Expert Opinion to Quantify Uncertainty in and Cost of Using Nondestructive Evaluation on Bridges

Table 7

Concrete and Steel NDE method cost ranges as indicated by participant responses.
 Time to run a test (hours)Time to analyze data (hours)Time to train an inspector (days)Monetary cost for equipment ($)Number of inspectors needed (#)
Concrete NDE methods     
Cover meters/pachometer8–10 hours4–8 hours2–14 days$1500–$30002 inspectors
Electrical potential10–15 hours4–8 hours7–14 days$1500–$30002-3 inspectors
Impact echo10–15 hours8–12 hours21+ days$6000+3 inspectors
Mechanical sounding4–8 hours2–4 hours2–7 days0–$5002 inspectors
Radar8–10 hours8–12 hours21+ days$6000+3 inspectors
Rebound hammer4–8 hours2–4 hours7–14 days$500–$30002 inspectors
Thermal10–15 hours8–12 hours14–21 days$6000+3 inspectors
Ultrasonic testing8–10 hours4–8 hours21+ days$6000+2 inspectors
Visual inspection4–8 hours2–4 hours7–14 days0–$5002 inspectors
Steel NDE methods     
Acoustic emission8–10 hours4–12 hours14–21+ days$6000+2 inspectors
Liquid penetrant testing8–10 hours2–4 hours2–7 days0–$15002 inspectors
Magnetic particle testing-crack detection8–10 hours2–4 hours7–14 days$500–$15002 inspectors
Magnetic particle testing-weld inspection8–10 hours2–4 hours7–14 days$500–$15002 inspectors
Radiography10–15 hours4–8 hours21+ days$6000+3 inspectors
Ultrasonic testing-crack detection8–10 hours2–4 hours21+ days$6000+2 inspectors
Ultrasonic testing-pin inspection8–10 hours2–8 hours21+ days$3000–$6000+2 inspectors
Ultrasonic testing-weld inspection8–10 Hours2–4 hours21+ days$6000+2 inspectors
Visual inspection4–8 Hours2–4 hours2–7 days0–$5001-2 inspectors