Current practice for infrastructure inspection involves predominantly visual inspection for surface defects and use of tactile methods such as sounding with a hammer or chain for subsurface delamination. While more sophisticated nondestructive evaluation (NDE) tools offer powerful alternatives to current practice, their effective implementation and deployment demand multi-disciplinary teams to integrate technology-specific expertise with sound structural engineering heuristics. One of the barriers to the implementation of technology in the transportation industry is the lack of technical knowledge related to the proper use of existing technologies.

This umbrella topic area includes developing training tools, documenting advantages and limitations from practitioner perspective, cost-benefit analysis tools, training curricula, implementation strategies, and best practices guidance, followed by the transfer of such tools, strategies, and guidance to the owners and consulting engineers that will ultimately be tasked with implementation.

In the quest to advance the adoption of NDE technologies in the transportation sector, a comprehensive strategy was discussed in the working group. This strategy encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at promoting NDE usage and knowledge sharing among states and stakeholders.

Funding: Raising awareness about Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funding opportunities and implementation grants for underused technologies is crucial. States can apply for these grants, but they need to be informed about these opportunities through outreach and communication. Promoting research topics under a future Every Day Count (EDC) initiative is a clear opportunity. The initiative encourages collaboration, and groups that submit proposals together tend to receive more favorable consideration, providing a broader cross-section of perspectives. Additionally, offering SHRP2-like funding  can incentivize states to embrace NDE.

Demonstration Projects for Highway Asset Owners: Hosting demonstration projects can showcase NDE technology in action. These initiatives are instrumental in assisting states to implement NDE practices independently.

Peer Exchanges: Facilitating peer exchanges allows states to share their experiences and best practices, thus creating a collaborative ecosystem for knowledge sharing and mutual learning. Conducting more workshops and webinars, with FHWA taking the lead, can bolster understanding and adoption.

Guidance on Procuring NDE Services: States often seek guidance on the best practices for procuring NDE services. Collaborative efforts with states facing similar challenges can lead to shared learning and streamlined processes.

Standardized NDE Practice: Establishing standardized NDE practices, including but not limited to data collection, data analysis, and defect visualization, can help build standards/guidelines for minimum quality that asset owners can expect from NDE procurement. The few standards that do exist are quite dated.

Design for Inspectability: Future infrastructure design should incorporate features that make structures more amenable to NDE practices, optimizing their inspection and maintenance.

Including NDE in Contracts: Integrating NDE services into biennial contracts, such as National Bridge Inventory (NBI) bridge inspection contracts, enables States to access specialized testing as required. Some states have adopted on-call contracts for procuring these services to provide flexibility.

Differentiating Network-Level and Project-Level Procurement: Offering examples of both network-level and project-level procurement can elucidate the distinctions between these approaches to guide states in their procurement strategies.

Promotion and Information Sharing: Efforts to promote NDE research topics and disseminate information should continue through TRB and AASHTO. Making documents "live" and sharing status updates can enhance transparency.

Involvement with Transportation Research Board (TRB) and American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO): The group should connect with TRB research needs statement (RNS) coordinators and present their work and resources to various committees and subcommittees through platforms where they have strong connections.

AASHTO Committee Organization: With changes to AASHTO committee organization, there's an opportunity to emphasize NDE by appropriate committee   to name or sponsor a subgroup focusing on NDE. This subgroup can address how to utilize data, acquire data, and assess the need for updating NDE training.

Construction QA/QC and Asset Management Focus: Identifying FHWA funding opportunities for NDE technology when used in new construction can pave the way for its long-term integration into asset management practices.  Additionally providing forums for states to learn from other state’s successful programs would be beneficial.

Starting Early with New Bridges: Initiating NDE assessments when bridges are new can mitigate risks and minimize concerns related to maintenance of traffic (MOT). NDE can be used to supplement other “birth records” of a bridge (as-built drawings, specifications, fabrication and construction records) and ensure that the quality of the bridge as built is suitable to meet performance and durability requirements.

ASNT Engagement: Engaging with organizations like American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) can provide a platform to share NDE research and findings with a broader audience.

Marketing and Outreach: Developing informative flyers and distributing them at events like TRB , AASHTO (COBS, MAC, TSP2), and ASNT can help raise awareness about NDE.

Client and Asset Owner Involvement: Encouraging clients and asset owners to give presentations rather than relying solely on vendors or consultants can provide valuable insights and experiences.

Engaging State Owners: Participation in Bridge Preservation Partnership Meetings can be a strategic move to engage state owners, who often have a significant influence on decisions related to NDE adoption.

In summary, the collective efforts of the NDE community, involving FHWA, state agencies, and various stakeholders, can drive the wider acceptance and utilization of NDE technology in the transportation sector, ultimately enhancing the safety and efficiency of infrastructure networks.