Eddy current based evaluation of axial force of high-strength bolts

Abstract

<p>Many bridges have been in service for over 40 years and face to the repapering or reinforcing period due to deterioration. Particularly, in a high-strength bolts used for joints may be loosened due to co-rotation, corrosion, or vibration caused by the vehicles. Thus, it is important to evaluate an axial force of the high-strength bolts. In this research, an axial force evaluation of high-strength bolt using eddy current that does not require measurement preparation has been investigated. The eddy current method is capable of capturing the change in permeability of steel members due to the stress change. Further, the stress distribution of the bolt head is assumed uniform without directionality. Therefore, a numerical simulation and an experiment that measures the output signal of the eddy current probe while introducing axial force to the high-strength bolt has conducted.</p>