Detection of wire breaks and corrosion in external prestressed tendons using a magnetic rope testing device

Abstract External prestressing tendons are a major structural element for the durability of concrete bridges. In France several cases sudden breaks in external pre‐stressing tendon made HDPE duct injected by cement grout directly contact with strands have been recorded past decade [2]. order to prevent this Cerema has experimented magnetic rope testing technology from ropeways develop non‐destructive inspection technic free length and junction prestressing. The method is based on leakage field detection allows detect defaults inside such as corrosion wire breaks. article first focuses technic. Then tests previously performed laboratory reference will be analyzed characterization. Finally, particular methodology adapted nondestructive site detailed. A general feedback including handling issues analysis controls completed visual removing high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) sheath given.