How is the structural integrity of very old buildings, bridges, etc. tested to ensure suitable use by people, cars, etc?
In: Engineering
I used to inspect bridges!
Short answer: We look for cracks.
Cracks, and “efflorescence,” which looks like concrete icicles or milk stains under concrete structures. (rain + chemical reaction = salt leaking out of concrete: makes it weaker)
The *underwater* portion is what made my team pretty unique. We would get a guy in scuba gear and have him check the underwater portion of the pilings (pile-ings)/pillars. The water (and anything floating in it) wears on those piles, so we keep an eye on that wear.
The scuba bro sent back information via built in headset radio and his buddy in a small boat (me!) tends his line and takes notes on his findings. Hope that helps 🙂
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