NEXCO and the University of Central Florida (UCF) collaboratively evaluated two target bridge structures managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC).

The bridges carry NASA Causeway over the Indian River. With the implementation of rapid scanning NDE technology, the surface area of deficient findings was mapped and quantified.

Our deck scanning system, DTSS, was used to scan the deck top surface, while our universal scanning system, U3S, was used to scan the soffit, girders, and bents. The field team completes the pilot project within a few days’ time. Data captured by boat can result in blurred or low-quality imagery, but our system can compensate for this and still yield excellent resolution for crack mapping.

NEXCO evaluated one target bridge structure in Alexandria, VA, which is owned and managed by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). This bridge, carrying 34th St over I-395, was selected as a subject for close examination using non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technology. The main forms of NDE chosen for this application were high-definition (HD) visual, infrared thermography (IRT), and ground-penetrating radar (GPR).

Based on the findings exhibited in the deliverables, NEXCO provided recommendations that aided the comprehensive evaluation of the bridge. It also performed validation testing of the IR results, which showed a near-perfect match with the sounding tests.

In addition to a report document, the data for this bridge was prepared in an online portal with flexible layer views. This allowed the client to overlap and consider all of the data formats at once.

In 2020, NEXCO-West USA worked with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on a rehabilitation project for two complete station interiors.

Our scope of work was the detection of water infiltration and other deficiencies in the subsurface of structural walls . Conditions were determined by IR and visual scanning of target surfaces by entering each station and operating U3S (Universal Surface Scanning System) to capture each surface, as seen in the pictures to the side.

Based on the information collected by our system, we analyzed the resulting maps for water infiltration and heavy efflorescence, then delivered the maps in an interactive format online.

Crack mapping for large or complex bridges is a massive undertaking, especially when done by hand. This was the case for the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge in New Haven, CT, but owners were interested in cutting the time and cost of crack detection through automation.

NEXCO undertook this task and provided the owners with a comprehensive visual and infrared scan of each surface type, including deck top, underside, box girder interior/exterior, and pier tower interior/exterior. Cracks with widths greater than 0.3mm in all areas, 0.1mm in some areas, were reported on in visual deficiency maps and numerical summary tables.

From 2018-2019, NEXCO-West USA served as a subcontractor under Gannet Fleming Parsons for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). By using Tunnel Scanning System (TSS), visual and thermal images of the tunnel surfaces were recorded. In addition, NEXCO provided data processing and deficiency analysis for WMATA's tunnels.

The deliverable included high-resolution visual and thermal imagery which facilitates the identification and quantification of water infiltration, concrete deterioration, efflorescence, and cracks. NEXCO's complete assessment is available through its online mapping platform, which expedites access and usage of the results.

The main goal of this task was to provide recommendations for remediation measures concerning the tunnel segments and structures located along the metro lines. Ultimately, this project has contributed to the increased reliability and safety of WMATA's metro rail system.

In conjunction with Drexel University and Rutgers University, this project was undertaken to diagnose the condition of a bridge deck on the Pencoyd Viaduct carrying route I-76 approaching Philadelphia. The project scope included identification and quantification of delaminated or spalled areas. Our report was validated two weeks later by sounding tests during a lane closure which took place nearly two weeks after the initial scanning and was a perfect opportunity to directly compare sounding validation to the IRT results.

VDOT chose NEXCO-West USA as a prime contractor to furnish IRT services in a compound bid calling for the scanning of twenty bridge decks across the state of Virginia. NEXCO-West USA demonstrated the ease of conducting bridge inspections spanning an entire state, all without any impediment to traffic. Through clear and consistent communication with agency representatives, we were able to customize our diagram outputs to desired specifications, and responsively followed recommendations throughout the project.

NEXCO-West USA provided the condition assessment of nine bridges along route 283. This project demonstrated the ease in which large surface areas can be scanned at an unprecedented rate. Daytime visual scanning and nighttime IRT scanning took a grand total of about four hours for all bridges. We estimate field work was conducted in 1/14th the time a traditional sound evaluation would take. Findings were classified then displayed on tabulated charts and plan-view diagrams. As requested by the client, the plan-view diagrams were given in scaled CAD form as well.

In 2016, NEXCO worked with Itaipu Binacional, a binational entity established in Brazil and Paraguay. Using the Automatic Camera System (ACS), cracks in concrete structures could be mapped and found by capturing multiple high resolution images and stitching them together. This project included processing software, hardware, training, and technical support.

The crack monitoring was previously done manually and demanded enormous amounts of time and effort due to the dimensions of the dam. The purpose of this acquisition was to monitor and follow up the cracks in the dam more efficiently. More frequent, accurate data will allow for and contribute to the maintenance and security of the power plant installations.

Using our automatic photography system, AutoCIMA, and supplemental IRT, we imaged a hard-to-access brick masonry wall from 300ft away.

This site serves as a perfect example of how NEXCO-West USA can capture high-definition information in hard-to-access locations.

In 2015, NEXCO-West USA worked with Pennsylvania’s DOT to demonstrate the practical usage of infrared technology. The purpose of this project was to use infrared thermography to diagnose the condition of nine bridge decks which are part of Route 283 in Lancaster, PA.

By using NEXCO’s Deck Top Scanning System (DTSS), cracks, spalls, patches, and even delaminations could be found. A summary reporting the data collection methods, testing conditions, summary of test results, test data, delaminated/spalled/patched area quantities, and plan area figures of each bridge deck were developed and presented to the DOT.

NEXCO aimed to highlight the advantages of using infrared as an efficient tool of non-destructive inspection over large areas while also providing accurate information about concrete surface conditions. Furthermore, this project was an ideal application of the system because many bridges in close proximity were scanned on the same day.

In 2015, NEXCO-West USA worked with Rutgers University to combine non-destructive testing technology. The purpose of this project was to provide NEXCO’s infrared bridge deck condition assessment technology and, in addition, to support more efficient long-term bridge condition monitoring by collaborating with the Robot-Assisted Bridge Inspection Tool (RABITTM).

RABIT was a research conducted by FHWA and Rutgers University which selected the best performing non-destructive inspection technologies of each manufacturer one by one and brought them together into a “non-destructive inspection robot.”

At the corridor level inspection, NEXCO’s IRT technology provides the bridge owner with useful information to prioritize specific bridge deck areas for more detailed assessment and allocate their limited budget/resources more efficiently.

An all-inclusive scanning project was performed on each bridge component of SR417 over Lake Jessup (north of Orlando, FL).

Together with partners Resource International Inc. (Rii) and Gannett Fleming Inc., we provided an in-depth inspection of the Brent Spence Bridge Complex (10 bridge decks along routes I-75 and I-71in Cincinnati, OH.

We supplemented traditional methods and mobile GPR detection with our DTSS system's stitched IRT and visual line imagery. The total area of estimated repair costs for spalling, unsound patching, and cracking was given for each bridge.

The intricacies of the bridge complex did not faze the mobile inspection crew: IRT and HD visual data was taken without a single lane closure.

In 2012, Nexco-West USA worked with AECOM to investigate the application of advanced mobile imaging technologies. This project involved a proof-of-concept field demonstration in two bridges: one over Assawoman Bay, and another over St. Martin River.

Both bridges have various types of deterioration and a large number of structural elements and close-up inspections would require access equipment and lane closures. NEXCO performed deck top scanning from a vehicle at a speed of approximately 50 MPH, thus no lane closers were necessary during the inspection.

The final report indicated that the technologies used by NEXCO are efficient tools for condition assessment and monitoring of concrete bridges. It also recommended that these technologies should be applied to identify and quantify bridge condition changes over time through future scans or inspections.

In 2012, NEXCO-West USA worked with Florida’s DOT to demonstrate the Deck Top Scanning System (DTSS). This project was a showcase study in Florida tailored to FDOT’s needs which was supported by a grant project.

The bridges inspected were located at Dirksen Dr., Padgett Creek, US-17-92-St Johns River, Orange Blvd. & CSX PR., SR-46, SR-417, Formosa- Minnesota, Church Street, and South Street.

NEXCO’s inspection pinpointed major and minor spalls, delamination, unsound patches, pattern cracking, and moderate to severe cracks. This demonstration proves the effectiveness of DTSS over traditional methods such as chain dragging.

In 2012, NEXCO West-USA worked with VDOT on a pilot project for the usage of infrared scanning. The purpose was to get a crack map of the I-64 Shockoe Valley bridge’s deck (Eastbound right lane) to provide ranks of distresses.

The ranking of distresses provided information on symptoms such as patched concrete internal delamination or partial delamination. In addition, each distress would be given a recommended action such as immediate repair or monitoring of hammer sounding chain drag.

Bridge owners can use this information to prioritize the bridge deck repair and/or rehabilitation program and efficiently allocate its limited budget to obtain the maximum return on investment for network-level bridge management.