CSA W59 Advanced Inspection Methods

The ASME code permits the use of digital radiography and advanced Ultrasonic testing (AUT) methods, such as Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) and Phased Array(PA) for code sections dealing with Boilers, Pressure Vessels and Nuclear reactors. Advances in inspection technologies are finding their way into Canadian standards. Recently released CSA W59 Standard, now permits the use of these technologies on bridge structures provided there is a written agreement between the Engineer and the Contractor, prior to the examination through Clauses 8.1.6 and 8.2.12 of the Standard. An overview of these new methods will be presented. A short research program was initiated by Mistras-Metaltec with collaboration from various partners in early 2012. Test results of inspection with conventional RT and UT methods and advanced methods on two experimental plates with defects will be presented to provide a comparison.