Structural Condition Assessment
The leader in structural condition assessment using nondestructive testing (NDT) and evaluation methods
The leader in structural condition assessment using nondestructive testing (NDT) and evaluation methods
We provide certified visual assessment of structures and we use NDT&E methods to diagnose hidden structural conditions, to monitor the effects of vibration on structures, and to monitor the health and performance of structures over time.
Nondestructive Testing (NDT) & Evaluation
NDT-based internal condition assessment investigations can quickly uncover hidden construction defects, assess unknown features, and determine the extent of damage caused by catastrophic events. These investigations are performed on newer structures for quality assurance purposes and on older structures for repair, rehabilitation and/or renovation purposes. NDT methods can test on a variety of surfaces and structures. At Olson Engineering, we provide visual external condition assessment, detailed internal condition assessment, and destructive correlation testing services.
- Measure thickness and detect flaws
- Map concrete cracking, delamination and corrosion
- Detect wood decay, checking and splitting
- Locate and map internal embedments and steel reinforcement
- Identify masonry cells
- Image internal conditions of structures
- Predict strength and stiffness of concrete, wood, masonry, and asphalt
- Conduct integrity evaluations of deep foundations
- Determine unknown foundation types and depths
- Test newly placed drilled shafts
- Landslide monitoring
- Interferometric imaging for predicting/analyzing structural movements
- Locate void/poor subgrade support conditions for pavements, slabs and tunnels
Visual Surveying
Visual surveying using photogrammetric method is a useful tool in linking conditions determined with NDT to surface defects. The photogrammetric method creates dimensionally accurate images over which plotted and gridded data can be displayed. Olson Engineering has the technology and experience to employ this visual surveying method that utilizes the structure from motion algorithms to create high-resolution orthomosaics and digital elevation models from overlapping images.
Visual Condition Assessment
Olson Engineering has the knowledge and experience to perform visual inspections of bridges, roads, pavements, structures, dams, spillways, tunnels, culverts, etc. We can identify distortion, cracking, spalling, delamination, corrosion, and recommend further analysis, ultimately enabling our clients to make decisions about repairs, remediation and retrofits. Several of Olson’s engineers are NBIS certified and can be mobilized rapidly.
Structural Monitoring
Structural health condition monitoring involves instrumenting structures for the purpose of dynamically monitoring their health and performance over the long-term. This typically involves performing periodic monitoring of the physical stresses, strains, vibrations, and/or temperatures that the structure experiences on a periodic and threshold exceeded alarm basis. The data is recorded on-site and downloaded upon demand. Olson Engineering’s combination of electrical, mechanical and civil engineering expertise allows us to design and build specialized, custom hardware and software solutions for clients.
Vibration Monitoring
Vibration Engineering services include construction and blast vibration monitoring (short to long-term), modal vibration measurement to determine natural frequencies and damping of structural systems, and dynamic soil/structure/machine measurement and analyses of vibrating machine foundations. We have conducted vibration engineering studies for construction, blasting, mining, and electronics manufacturing clients.