In the wake of several severe storms, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is using a probe device to assess soil conditions around bridge pillars.
S&T officials said hurricanes and heavy rains often cause strong, overflowing river currents that can damage critical infrastructure, such as bridges, and to that end, the Coastal Hazards Center of Excellence has developed the In-situ Erosion Evaluation Probe, also known as Soil Probe.
The device, which officials said needs chargeable batteries to drive the water pump, is made up of a stiff cylinder and a pump using water surrounding the bridge to jet away soil and sink the probe deeper.
“After powerful storms come through, being able to quickly assess whether or not key transportation infrastructure can hold heavy trucks that deliver relief aid is vital,” said Eleanore Hajian, DHS S&T program manager responsible for the Soil Probe project.
In the aftermath of such powerful storms, strong river currents wash away the soil around pillars and can even deposit new soil. New soil is less dense, so pillars can become unstable and fall when heavy equipment starts rumbling across a bridge.
“The strength of the bridge is dependent on how strong the soil is,” said Dr. Mohammed Gabr, distinguished professor of Civil Engineering and Construction at North Carolina State University, which developed the Soil Probe. “This device can be used in places where taking samples is not feasible. The testing is rapid, it can go 30 feet deep within five minutes, and can be done in many places along a bridge for a complete mapping of the bridge foundation support area. The most time-consuming part is driving to the site.”