Introduction Each year Liberty Mutual Safety Index ranks the top 10 causes of the most serious, nonfatal workplace injuries by their direct cost. The top ten leading causes in the 2017 index account for $49.9 billion, or 83.4% of the total $59.9 billion. Slips, trips, and falls are in the top ten and account for […]
Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace Read More »
The following is a guideline for witnessing and verifying qualification testing of Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) according to the AASHTO/AWS D1.5-2015 Bridge Welding Code. The guidelines identify what the third-party inspector is required to do when witnessing a test, what the inspector can do to facilitate the process for the fabricator and the reviewer, and
Guidelines for Witnessing Welding Procedure Qualification Testing Read More »
When a large-scale bridge is in need of significant reconstruction, many factors should be considered prior to initiation of the project. Part of this particular reconstruction involved repainting of the structural steel on a 40-foot-wide lift bridge that had a total length (including approaches) of 2,877 feet, with a main span of 418 feet. The
Investigating Failure: Considerations for Reconstruction of a Bridge Exhibiting Staining Read More »
Many facility owners, particularly public agencies, have a standard specification for lead paint removal projects that has stood the test of time, and that likely went through a rigorous review process to get to the final version of the published document. Whether it’s for a bridge or a water tank, the owner has likely used
Making a Case for Environmental, Health & Safety Special Provisions Read More »
This podcast covers measuring surface profile and discusses two fundamentally different methods for measuring profile. Panelists discuss some of the complications that may occur when using both methods on the same job. The video (YouTube) version of the podcast features a variety of hands on demonstration and instrumentation use. KTA Chief Operating Officer, Bill Corbett, addresses
KTA Podcast #5 – Surface Profile Measurement – Replica Tape Vs. Digital Depth Micrometer Read More »
Abrasive blast cleaning is the process by which an abrasive media is propelled through hoses and a blast nozzle by means of compressed air. The abrasive exits the nozzle at a high rate of speed (velocities approaching 650 – 1,700 feet per second) and as it impacts the surface removes existing materials and imparts a roughness (surface profile). The abrasive used
Evaluating the Performance Characteristics of Abrasive Media Read More »
Introduction When applying coating system to structures such as bridges, tanks, and pipelines the main goal is to apply a continuous film to help prevent structural deterioration throughout the life of the structure. Unaddressed discontinuities can result in undercutting corrosion of the substrate, where the integrity of the structure could be prematurely compromised. This article
Holiday Detection and Dielectric Strength Issues Read More »
When a coating system fails prematurely, it is rarely because of the coating itself. Either the surface preparation was inadequate, the surface was contaminated, or the coating was mixed or applied incorrectly. As the old adage goes, a house is only as strong as the foundation it is built on. When it comes to coatings,
What is a “Dust-Free Surface?” ISO Method Versus Practical Evaluation Read More »
KTA Professional Engineers and Senior Consultants Jay Helsel & Mike Reina discuss maintenance painting including when to touch-up, overcoat, or remove & replace the coating. Scenarios are posed as the two discuss their positions on each. KTA President Ken Trimber moderates. Click below to watch via Youtube, Stream or Download on Soundcloud, or Download for
Podcast #4 – Maintenance Painting vs. Remove & Replace Read More »
Installation of a coating to a cathodically-protected pipeline or structure without first testing its resistance to cathodic disbondment can result in catastrophic failure of the coating. However, there are over twenty international standard test methods to evaluate a coating’s inherent resistance to cathodic disbondment; each with its own set of parameters and materials, which can
