Non-destructive testing of Bologna bridges (Italy)

The activity involved the execution of non-destructive tests in order to characterize the materials. The verification was carried out on two Bridges in the Province of Bologna.

For the reinforced concrete elements, the tests carried out made it possible to identify the metal reinforcements in order to define the internal texture of the structural elements, evaluate the mechanical characteristics of the steel in place by evaluating the surface hardness of the same, correlating it to the breaking stress and yield strength.

For the masonry elements, the tests carried out made it possible to define the mechanical characteristics by measuring the operating stresses and deformation characteristics.

For the horizontals, the tests carried out made it possible to define the stratigraphy of the element and finally the census and cataloging of existing deteriorations and defects was carried out.

This verification made it possible to improve the level of knowledge of the bridges in order to refine the subsequent analyzes.