But sometimes, common NDT tools–from ultrasound and dye penetrant, to eddy current and magnetic particle testing, can be a "knee jerk" reaction—and get misapplied by those not as familiar or conversant with these tools and their purpose. When it comes to bridge safety, here’s how to know what NDT techniques to use and when.

Inspection is an effective way for project owners and decisionmakers to ensure infrastructure is built to code and to ensure greater project quality. Inspection is also mandated on federal and state levels to uncover flaws or possible problems with the structure, with a goal of identifying problems now so they can be ameliorated.

While visual inspection and examination is technically an NDT method, too often more advanced NDT tools and technology are implemented in its place. You don’t want to order NDT tools for something that should be a visual inspection; when you need enhancement to your visuals, these tools become valuable, but a wholesale employment of NDT is not appropriate.

Read the full article at ForConstructionPros.com.