African Construction Management and Engineering (Engineering focus) | 01 November 2007
Structural Integrity Assessment of Aging Infrastructure in Uganda
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Abstract
Ugandan infrastructure, particularly bridges and buildings, is aging due to lack of maintenance and funding, posing significant safety risks. The study employed non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques including ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) for concrete structures. A total of 150 bridges and buildings were inspected, with UPV data analysed using linear regression models to predict structural strength degradation over time. Ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements indicated a mean degradation rate of 2% per year in concrete structures, necessitating immediate maintenance interventions. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and timely inspections of Ugandan infrastructure to mitigate risks associated with aging materials. Implementing regular NDT programmes and prioritising structural integrity checks can prevent catastrophic failures and ensure public safety in Uganda's construction sector. structural integrity, non-destructive testing, aging infrastructure, linear regression, concrete deterioration The maintenance outcome was modelled as $Y<em>{it}=\beta</em>0+\beta<em>1X</em>{it}+u<em>i+\varepsilon</em>{it}$, with robustness checked using heteroskedasticity-consistent errors.