A novel approach of non-destructive testing for W-beam guardrail defect detection using surface wave technology

Yusof Zaki, Muhammad Rasyadi and Abdul Hamid, Syamsul Bahrin (2024) A novel approach of non-destructive testing for W-beam guardrail defect detection using surface wave technology. JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 15 (1). pp. 69-77. E-ISSN 2462-1382

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Abstract

The W-beam guardrail, alternatively referred to as a guardrail or railing, constitutes a system meticulously engineered to prevent vehicular deviation into hazardous or restricted zones. Such mechanisms are ubiquitously employed across major global thoroughfares. However, vehicular collisions can inflict considerable damage upon the W-beam, thereby compromising its structural integrity. Concurrently, subpar maintenance further exacerbates this issue, potentially transforming the W-beam from an accident prevention tool into a catalyst for mishaps. Hence, the implementation of an effective maintenance and inspection strategy is imperative. The research presented herein proposes a novel method for W-beam defect detection, leveraging surface wave technology. A pulse-echo setup has been established, employing a 10-cycle tone burst to operate at a centre frequency of 48 kHz as the transmission medium. Signals reflected from the defective specimen were subsequently analysed; however, it was observed that this technique was unable to detect all defects. Despite these limitations, the study delineates the potential to pinpoint the precise location of physical hole defects. This was achieved through the time-of-flight method and leveraging known material characteristics, such as the speed of sound, at 5 cm between the hole and transmitter. The researchers predict that this methodology, when augmented with a higher voltage and a suitable amplifier circuit for detection, could be utilized for long-distance defect detection. This opens up new avenues for ensuring the structural integrity of W-beam guardrails, thereby enhancing road safety.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	defect detection, ultrasonic, guardrail, transport, road safety, measurement
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HE Transportation and Communications > HE331 Traffic engineering. Roads and highways. Streets T Technology > T Technology (General) > T55.4 Industrial engineering.Management engineering. > T60 Work measurement. Methods engineering T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) > TA1001 Transportation engineering (General) T Technology > TE Highway engineering. Roads and pavements
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Mechatronics Engineering Kulliyyah of Engineering
Depositing User:	Dr. Syamsul Bahrin Abdul Hamid
Date Deposited:	21 Jun 2024 11:22
Last Modified:	21 Jun 2024 11:22
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/112697

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