Non-destructive Testing of Dams and Spillways

Dams are complex structures that require frequent inspection by experts to ensure safe and uninterrupted service.  TKS performs inspection of spillway gates and other dam apparatus using a variety of NDE methods.

• Shear-wave Ultrasonic Testing (UT) of Complete Joint Penetration welds

• Conventional straight-beam UT of pins, bearings and trunnions

• Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) of fillet welds

• Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) of steel cables

• Alternating Current Field Measurement (ACFM) of welds

• Visual Inspection of weld rework on gates and stop logs

• QA/QC of welding practices

TKS inspects to a variety of codes.  If you are unsure of the code compliance requirements, WINS-NDT’s ASNT Level 3 can provide suggestions or develop a procedure for your specific application.  Some examples of codes that govern the acceptance/rejection criteria of dam members are:

• AASHTO/AWS D1.1/D1.1M – Structural Welding Code – Steel

• AASHTO/AWS D1.5/D1.5M – Bridge Welding Code

• ASTM E587 – Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Angle-Beam Contact Testing

• ASTM E114 – Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Straight-Beam Contact Testing

• ASTM E1571 – Standard Practice for Electromagnetic Examination of Ferromagnetic Steel Wire Rope

• ASTM E2261 – Standard Practice for Examination of Welds Using the Alternating Current Field Measurement Technique

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