This report describes the results of applying acoustic emission (AE) testing to the trunnion shafts of the East Span of the 1-5 Interstate Bridge. The tests were done at the request of Oregon DOT personnel to determine if active fatigue racks are present in the subject shafts.
The U.S. has 542,000 bridges that consume billions of dollars per year in construction, rehabilitation and maintenance funds and which are the lifelines of U.S. commerce. The 1992 ISTEA (fntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act) mandates the implementation of a quantitative computerized bridge management system by I 996. A prime need...