How UDOT uses ultrasonic testing methods on Utah bridges

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The Utah Department of Transportation inspected one of Salt Lake’s “Spaghetti Bowl” bridges with ultrasonic testing Sunday.

According to UDOT, the bridge connects northbound I-215 to westbound I-80 and was built in 1985. The ultrasonic technology used a transducer to transmit high-frequency sound waves into difficult-to-see parts, such as bridge pins, to search for damage, deterioration, or any other potential safety concerns.

Jason Klimek, a bridge inspector with the UDOT structures division, said bridge pins are typically on bridges with more used routes, such as state and interstate highways. He said they are also on bigger bridges or those that experience heavier traffic.

Klimek said there were no irregularities found with this bridge, but if in situations where there are, extra personnel will come to take a closer look at the bridge to determine further action.

UDOT Bridge Management engineer Becky Nix said ultrasonic testing is not part of the standard inspection process, but is utilized in “specialty situations to evaluate critical bridge elements.” 

“We want everyone to know that when they are driving on one of our bridges, they are going to be safe,” Nix said. 

Usually, inspections include detailed data collection, such as written and photo documentation, and ranking scales. Nix said that ultrasonic testing, LiDAR (eye-safe laser beams), ground penetrating radar, or infrared thermography are utilized occasionally to gather further information on a bridge’s condition.

These standards are set and evaluated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and the Federal Highway Administration. According to a press release, UDOT bridge inspection crews use these standards for biennial inspections of more than 3,000 state and locally owned bridges.

“We complete 150-160 bridge inspections per month,” Nix said. “It’s a busy schedule but this data is so valuable. They help to ensure public safety and help prioritize future projects. We’re constantly collecting data so that we can make smarter, safer decisions for the state’s infrastructure.” 

In January, an inspection of the Veyo Arch bridge on SR-18 found “critical defects that needed to be addressed right away,” causing repairs to begin on Saturday morning. While the construction is an inconvenience for town members, UDOT said the repairs are essential to keep the bridge safe.

“Safety is important on the road. We think of all the safety aspects like not speeding, not driving recklessly, and slowing down when conditions are poor, but the infrastructure itself needs to be in good shape for us to be able to travel safely as well,” Klimek said. “As you’re driving along, it’s one of those things that’s out of your own control, but we try and bring the control to it by inspecting things and making sure things are safe.”