​Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) in Infrastructure Inspection: Ensuring Safety and Reliability

Infrastructure is the backbone of commerce, emergency preparedness, and transportation of people. Ensuring that critical structural components are free from defects is essential for preventing failures and prolonging service life. Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) has emerged as a game-changing technology in the field of nondestructive testing (NDT), offering unparalleled precision and reliability. This advanced technique is increasingly being adopted in various infrastructure applications, from inspecting large welds to evaluating complex assemblies in bridges, sign structures, wind turbines, and more.

Fabrication Inspection of Large Welds

Welds are critical structural components in infrastructure projects. The fabrication of large welds, especially in bridges, skyscrapers, and offshore platforms, demands rigorous inspection to ensure their integrity. PAUT's ability to create detailed cross-sectional images from multiple angles allows for the detection of internal flaws such as cracks, voids, lack of fusion, and inclusions. This comprehensive and efficient inspection capability ensures that welds meet stringent safety standards and helps prevent potential failures. In 2015, PAUT was adopted as an alternative to radiographic testing (RT) in the Bridge Welding Code AWS D1.5 and was adopted in the Structural Welding Code AWS D1.1 in 2020. This adoption allowed for PAUT to be used in lieu of RT in many fabrication inspection scenarios, minimizing the personnel on site as well as the onerous safety precautions of RT inspection.

Inspection of Pin and Hangar Assemblies in Bridges

Bridge structures rely on pin and hangar assemblies to connect different components securely. The failure of these assemblies can have dire consequences, as seen in the famous Silver Bridge collapse in 1967 which prompted the nationwide bridge inspection program. PAUT is particularly effective for inspecting these critical points without the need for disassembly. Its deep penetration and high-resolution imaging capabilities enable the detection of subsurface defects, ensuring the safety and durability of bridges.

Inspection of Large Bolted Connections

Over the last decade the failure of large bolted connections, such as anchor bolts in sign structures and light standards, has come more into focus after some incidents involving fatalities. These connections are subject to wear, corrosion, and fatigue over time leading to fracture. PAUT provides a reliable method for inspecting these bolted connections, particularly at the root of the threaded connection, allowing for early detection of potential issues. This proactive approach helps prevent accidents and loss of life as well as extends the lifespan of the structures.

Applications in Wind Turbines and Telecommunications Towers

The renewable energy sector, particularly wind energy, depends on the structural integrity of wind turbines. PAUT is used to inspect turbine blades, tower welds, and bolted connections, ensuring they can withstand the harsh operating conditions. Similarly, telecommunications towers, which support vital communication networks, require regular inspections to maintain their reliability in addition to inspections when there is an ownership change. PAUT's precision and ability to inspect complex geometries make it an ideal choice for these applications.

Additional Infrastructure Applications

PAUT's versatility extends beyond the aforementioned applications, making it a valuable tool for various other infrastructure inspections:

• Railway Tracks and Components: Ensuring the safety of rail networks by detecting defects in tracks, wheels, and other components.
• Dams and Hydroelectric Facilities: Inspecting concrete structures and steel components to prevent failures and ensure the safe operation of these critical facilities.
• Airport Runways: Detecting subsurface flaws in runway pavements to maintain safe landing and takeoff conditions.
• High-Pressure Pipelines: Inspecting welds and joints in pipelines carrying hazardous materials to prevent leaks and ruptures.

The Importance of Quality PAUT Probes

The success of PAUT inspections hinges on the quality of the probes used. High-quality PAUT probes ensure accurate and reliable results, which are critical for making informed decisions about infrastructure maintenance and safety. When selecting PAUT probes, it is essential to choose ones that are rugged and stable. ,. Having probes which are universally compatible with all PAUT systems, delivered quickly and Made in the U.S.A. are especially important for the infrastructure space which often has critical time frames and regulations regarding Buy America.

Vermon NDT offers a range of PAUT probes that meet these criteria, providing inspectors with the tools they need to perform their jobs effectively, year after year. Made in the U.S.A., these probes are designed to withstand the rigors of field inspections while delivering precise results that can be utilized for analyzing Fitness-For-Service. For more information on high-quality PAUT probes, visit pautprobes.com.

By leveraging advanced inspection techniques like PAUT and ensuring the use of top-tier equipment, we can significantly enhance the safety, reliability, and longevity of our critical infrastructure.