Non Destructive Evaluation (NDE) or Non Destructive Testing (NDT)

Non Destructive Evaluation (NDE) or Non Destructive Testing (NDT) refers to a one-time assessment of the condition of materials in the structure using equipment external to the structure. Contrary to SHM that normally refers to activities focused on assessing the condition of the structure or its key components based on response to various types of loads. It generally involves on-going or repeated assessment of this response. Example of NDT techniques: Accelerometers; Acoustic Emission (AE); Digital Image Correlation (DIC); Electrical Resistance Strain Gauges; Fiber Optics; Global Positioning System (GPS); Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR); Infrared Thermography; Linear Potentiometer; Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT); Potential Measurements (Chloride Content); Tiltmeters/Inclinometers; Ultrasonic C Scan; Vibrating Wire Strain Gauge.