Make sure your Structural Assets are Safe!

There’s more to Structural and Non-Destructive Testing than Meets the Eye.

Simply put, Structural Testing is used to check the integrity of metal structures, including street lighting columns, to ascertain the risk of collapse, or failure, that may cause harm to persons, or property.

Ideally the testing methods used will identify the risk of failure, the need for periodical retesting and or removal, and replacement of dangerous structures.

It is important that Structural Testing uses a variety of Non-Destructive Testing Techniques, to identify hidden defects (i.e. corrosion, cracks, and faulty welds), that can adversely affect the integrity of the street lighting columns, or other metal structures being tested.

The process should always start with a Visual Inspection, and end using the relevant Non-Destructive Testing Techniques for the structure being tested.

For instance,

• Specialist techniques, such as, ultrasonics, magnetic particle inspection to check welded joints
• Measuring reduction in the thickness of the street lighting column wall, at or below ground level, using low-frequency electromagnetism.

So, to ensure meaningful results, it is important to clearly identify what structure is being tested, and make sure that the tests used do not adversely affect the integrity of the structure being tested, whilst carrying out the tests in the most cost-effective manner.

Which is why I do not understand why Mechanical Load Testing is accepted by some as the only method of testing. Especially as it involves measuring deflection of a lighting column under load, which although only minimal, and matched to normal stress incurred under windy conditions, could inadvertently lead to hidden defects mentioned above being made worse.

Surely the better approach is to apply a combination of truly Non-Destructive Testing Techniques, based on a professional approach, that involves operators with the correct, long-term experience, and relevant qualifications, who use the correct equipment for the job in question.

Only then can you be assured you are receiving accurate, and meaningful reports that enable you to manage your street lighting assets, and other metal structures in an ongoing manner.

Please contact Intratest now, to find out how our professional approach can benefit to your organisations asset and facilities management practices.