BDI provides bridge load testing and structural analysis services. We provide bridge and structural load testing services for highway bridges and other structures subjected to live load or in need of structural monitoring. Customers all over the world utilize BDI’s bridge load testing and evaluation services.
Master List of all structural & load testing services offered by Bridge Diagnostics, Inc. (BDI). Browse services by structure type.
Do you need to verify the axle loads for those super-heavy permit vehicles? BDI has a set of specialized portable scales and we can meet the load as they enter your jurisdiction and quickly and efficiently weigh them!
BDI uses GPR and other technologies to develop “as built” plans for all types of concrete bridges. We’ll mobilize to the site, collect data, and develop drawings that indicate the size and location of the primary reinforcement so that AASHTO load capacities can be calculated.
Since 1989, BDI has been providing cost-effective diagnostic load testing services all over the world. We’ve developed the field equipment and analytical software to deliver results in the most efficient way possible.
Field tests are completed with a readily available vehicle and the data used to calibrate a finite element model of the structure. Based on the field-calibrated model, accurate load ratings are determined.
Whether you’re evaluating a steel, concrete, timber, or composite fiber bridge, BDI makes an excellent team partner for DOT’s, design firms, and university researchers.
BDI uses a combination of measurements to help balance loads for all types of lift bridges. Some of the parameters we measure directly during the balancing operation are:
By following the rule of “keeping it as simple as possible”, BDI will configure the system with the least amount of hardware and sensors that collects the relevant information in the most efficient manner.
Most BDI monitoring systems can be configured with wireless communication capabilities. When coupled with our Live Monitoring Service, the customer can log in on-line with their username and password and review data from any PC.
Structural Monitoring System Installation
Either working on our own or with your support crews, BDI can provide professional installation services for all of our monitoring systems including sensor placement, cable routing through conduit, and system start up.
For customers who are using our monitoring systems that are equipped with remote access capabilities, BDI offers online access through our secure server.
Please have your username and password ready to log in with the following link: BDI Live Monitoring Service
This type of static load testing is performed in accordance with Chapter 20 of ACI 318-08 Design Manual.
BDI follows the procedures described in ASTM Standard E837 for determining in-situ stresses in structural steel members. Using a precision milling guide along with our BDI STS, we drill a very small hole and record the amount of strain released. We then used specialized software to determine the orientation and approximate magnitude of the in-situ stresses.
Using the vibratory method, load cells, or other approaches, BDI can mobilize quickly to help your crews adjust cable or tension rod forces during construction until they are within design specifications.
The induced stresses in navigation lock gates can be determined during operations such as gate movement and filling/draining of the lock chamber. Testing procedures include tracking the level of the water so that the forces can be recorded as a function of hydrostatic head.
Testing these types of structures with 40-60 channels in one day is possible so that an accurate understanding of the actual behavior can be obtained in a cost effective way.
The resisting moment (friction) at the trunnion connections can be directly quantified by measuring forces in the primary strut members. Comparison of data from similar gates can help identify any outlying trunnion pins that may require rehabilitation.
Testing time for each gate is about one day with up to 48 channels, allowing evaluations to be completed at a relatively inexpensive cost.
BDI can provide testing, monitoring, and quality control services for all types of hydraulic structures.
From the casting yard to the job site, transportation loads on large structural members can be significant. BDI can instrument and monitor the loads during the entire process.
Depending on the application, cable forces can be measured either using in-line load cells or using vibratory methods. For projects where load cells can be installed, BDI can configure a data recording system to automatically store cable forces. This can be a very powerful method for balancing forces between many cables.
In other applications, it may not be feasible to install load cells. Therefore, an alternative method can be used by measuring the cable’s fundamental frequency of vibration with our Cable Force Measurement System.
Using the vibratory method, load cells, or other approaches, BDI can mobilize quickly to help your crews adjust cable or tension rod forces until they are within design specifications.
During construction or rehabilitation of vertical lift lock gates, the gate/counterbalance loads must be distributed evenly through each set of cables.
For systems that have a large number of cables, this operation can be made very efficient by measuring all forces simultaneously and then systematically adjusting until the loads are evenly distributed.
During casting of new concrete elements, small sensors can be installed and easily monitored to ensure that curing temperatures remain within specifications.
BDI offers roadway clearance measurement services using our laser-based ClearanceMaster 3000™ system. We’ll typically team with a local engineering firm to accurately record and store clearances for bridges, sign structures, power lines, and other structures along designated routes.
The BDI CM-3000™ system is mounted on the vehicle using a standard Class III hitch mount and continuously records clearance measurements as the vehicle crosses below the structure at highway speed. The complete profile of the bottom of the structure is recorded, and the minimum measurement is then extracted and stored. BDI then supplies a detailed report that provides drawings and clearances for each lane line below the structures. Both laser and ultrasonic ranging technologies are utilized, providing an overall accuracy of better than 1/2 inch (13mm).
Click here to view more information about the ClearanceMaster 3000™ system.
Railroad bridges are facing increased service loads due to heavier locomotives and rolling stock, and a live load test can help determine if safe stress levels are being exceeded.
BDI can also install long-term monitoring systems to help track changes over weeks, months, or years.
BDI can instrument and test all types of piers and marine loading structures to determine load paths and member integrity. Also, long term monitoring systems can be installed to track movement over time, even systems that capture vessel impacts.
