Nondestructive Testing
Fickett Structural Solutions offers advanced Nondestructive Testing (NDT) capabilities that go beyond visual inspection.
Our team of NDT Specialists brings more than 80 years of combined experience across magnetic particle, ultrasonic, phased array, and ultrasonic impact treatment methods.
These capabilities significantly enhance our ability to assess the condition of complex steel bridge components, delivering precise, reliable results for federal, state, and local agencies nationwide.
QA Services
- Independent Inspection Agency
- Special Inspections
- Visual Weld Inspections
- NDT Inspections
Steel Fabrication Inspections
- Nondestructive Testing (NDT)
- Welding Procedure Specification
- Procedure Qualification Record
- Welder Qualification
Quality Assurance Inspections
Fickett’s team of Quality Assurance (QA) Specialists is ready to support our clients’ welding, bolting, and steel fabrication needs.
Our QA Specialists are Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) and NDT Level II and ASNT Level III Nondestructive Testing (NDT) technicians in Magnetic Particle (MT) and Ultrasonic (UT) methods.
Our Third-Party QA inspections and related services include:
- Reviewing welder qualifications and weld procedures
- Monitoring all shop fabrication processes and procedures from Quality Control (QC) functions to fabrication operations of material processing, cutting, heating, welding, bolting, repair, straightening, NDT, assembly, blasting, painting, and storage
- Monitoring shop drawings and procedures to ensure operations are performed as prescribed
- Reviewing welding operations to ensure that properly qualified welders follow approved welding procedures for the project
- Performing visual inspections (VT) and NDT of steel fabricated members in fabrication shops and at project sites
We regularly perform these services on bridges, hydraulic structural steel structures, buildings, and highway ancillary structures.
Magnetic Particle Testing
Magnetic particle testing (MT) is a nondestructive testing method used to detect surface and near-surface flaws in ferromagnetic materials.
Our specialists use MT routinely in shop fabrication settings as well as field settings to further analyze welded connections for compliance with applicable codes or to verify suspected cracking on in-service structures.
Ultrasonic Testing
Ultrasonic testing (UT) is a nondestructive testing method that uses high-frequency sound waves to detect flaws within steel materials without causing damage. It works by sending sound waves into the material and detecting flaws within that material by analyzing the reflected signals.
Our team uses UT machines to scan Complete Joint Penetration welds on structures to detect internal flaws such as lack of fusion, slag inclusions, and cracks.
We also use UT or scan bridge pin and hanger assemblies to detect wear, cracking, and corrosion.
UT can also be used to determine steel thicknesses of corroded steel members.
Our ability to self-perform ultrasonic testing services simplifies coordination, reduces subcontracting needs, and streamlines the Bridge Owner’s Consultant (BOC) preparation process. By integrating these services into our inspection workflows, we offer a more efficient contracting model, reduce mobilization costs, and provide timely and high-quality defect detection and condition assessments for nonredundant steel tension members, load-path connections, and fatigue-prone details.
Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing
Phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) is another UT method we provide, utilizing specialized equipment designed to help identify cracking or corrosion associated with the infrastructure industry.
PAUT is a scanning method where our specialists can hone in on defects by altering the angles the sound path is traveling, which allows us to determine the orientation of flaws.
Our in-house team includes ASNT Level II and III technicians certified in ultrasonic methods—specifically, conventional shear wave and phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT).
These advanced methods allow for the precise inspection of internal defects in structural steel elements, including pins, eyebars, gusset plates, trunnions, and critical weldments often found in truss, arch, bascule, and suspension bridge types.
Our team has successfully introduced and implemented PAUT to several clients in the transportation industry.
Ultrasonic Impact Treatment
An additional technology that we utilize for inspection is Ultrasonic Impact Treatment (UIT).
UIT can extend the life of a serviceable fillet weld by relieving stresses and enhancing fatigue resistance at the critical elastic/plastic zone of the weld toe, saving the client from costly repairs. When welds cool, they will impart tensile stresses within the weld toe.
Performing UIT will impart compressive stress in the weld toe once treated. This reduces stress concentrations at the weld toe and improves the weld geometry.
Studies have shown that treating in-service bridges can improve the details by up to three Fatigue Categories.
UIT is used on high bridge fatigue areas, such as cover plates, gussets, and intersecting welds. Performing UIT can save the owners from costly repairs.
NDT + Rope Access = Fickett’s Holistic Approach to Structural Integrity
What sets Fickett apart is our ability to deploy NDT technicians who also hold SPRAT Level I rope access certifications, enabling safe and efficient access to hard-to-reach bridge components without the need for costly or intrusive access methods such as under-bridge units or scaffolding.
This dual-qualification dramatically reduces inspection setup times, improves worker safety, and allows for real-time collaboration between structural engineers and NDE specialists in the field.
Fickett’s NDT team supports Routine and Special Inspections under NBIS guidelines, as well as complex rehabilitation and emergency response assessments. Our experience with UT is particularly valuable for:
- Crack sizing and flaw detection in fatigue-sensitive details
- Pin and hanger assembly assessments
- Post-weld inspection and verification
- Condition assessments of Nonredundant Steel Tension Member (NSTM) components in accordance with FHWA and AASHTO requirements
Whether integrated into a broader inspection program or deployed as a stand-alone service, our ultrasonic NDT capabilities are a key asset in ensuring the safety, durability, and maintainability of steel bridges across all structure types.