This course describes the inspection, evaluation, and repair of hydraulic steel structures, including pre-inspection identification of critical locations (such as fracture critical members and various connections) that require close examination.  Nondestructive testing techniques that may be used during periodic inspections or detailed structural inspections are discussed.  Guidance is provided on material testing to determine the chemistry, strength, ductility, hardness, and toughness of the base and weld metal.  Analyses methods that can be used to determine structure safety, safe inspection intervals, and expected remaining life of the structure with given operational demands are presented.  Finally, considerations for various types of repair are discussed.

·         The student will have knowledge of causes of structural deterioration including corrosion, fracture, fatigue, design deficiencies, fabrication discontinuities, operation and maintenance, and unforeseen loading.

·         The student will have knowledge of appropriate inspection procedures, nondestructive testing (NDT) inspection methods, required inspector qualifications, and code acceptance criteria for defects in new weldments.

·         The student will obtain knowledge that mechanical tests of structural materials or welds are sometimes required to determine necessary information for fracture and fatigue analysis.  Additionally, the student will have knowledge of testing, including; Tension Test, Bend Test, Fillet Weld Shear Test, Hardness Test, and Fracture Toughness Test.

·         The student will have knowledge that all repairs to hydraulic steel structures should be designed using industry-approved detailing and fabrication procedures and should be detailed to avoid future corrosion or cracking problems.