Comprehensive NDE of Bridge Pile Caps

BDI partnered with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to investigate deterioration affecting the Varina-Enon Bridge, which carries I-295 over the James River between Chesterfield and Henrico Counties, Virginia. During routine inspections, VDOT identified cracking and distress in multiple structural elements, including the bridge’s cast-in-place concrete pile caps.

To identify the causes of deterioration and evaluate repair options, BDI performed a comprehensive program of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and concrete materials testing. The team used High-Resolution Imaging (HRI) to document existing conditions, Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves (SASW) to assess concrete stiffness and detect signs of alkali-silica reaction (ASR), and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to locate reinforcement and post-tensioning elements before coring operations.

The BDI team extracted 92 concrete cores and completed more than 600 laboratory tests, including petrographic analysis, strength testing, ASR expansion testing, modulus of elasticity testing, and chloride analysis. By combining field and laboratory data, BDI identified the deterioration mechanisms affecting the pile caps and evaluated their impact on structural performance.

The findings helped VDOT assess the effectiveness of repair strategies, better understand ASR-related deterioration, and make informed decisions to extend the service life of this critical transportation asset.