McGhee Tyson Airport Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, TN
Project Overview
OmniVueNDT was contracted to perform a structural scanning assessment on the second floor of the main parking garage at McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, TN. The project required locating steel reinforcement and potential post-tension cables within precast Double-T concrete joists (See Picture 1) to facilitate the safe installation of metal brackets for additional structural support.
The primary objective was to ensure drilling locations were free from embedded reinforcement, preventing structural damage and preserving the integrity of the joists.
Picture 1 - Steel reinforcement supporting precast Double-T concrete joist
Challenges & Project Scope
Real-time structural scanning was ncessary to locate unseen reinforcement within the concrete elements.
Limited access on the side of the beams required a compact, high-precision scanning solution.
Marking reinforcement locations directly on the surface provided essential data for future bracket installation and bolt placement.
Scanning Methodology
To accurately map the reinforcement layout, OmniVueNDT utilized a high-frequency 2.6 GHz Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) unit. Given the space constraints, a palm antenna was selected for scanning, offering greater maneuverability in tight areas.
Key steps in the scanning process:
Dielectric Calibration - The dielectric value was determined using a direct measurement approach, ensuring scan accuracy based on concrete thickness calibration.
Safe Access & Platform - Scanning was conducted from a Baker scaffold, providing a stable and secure work environment.
Real-Time Data Collection - The reinforcement layout was mapped in real-time, enabling immediate marking of rebar and post-tension locations on the surface.
Project Outcome & Structural Benefits
Following the successful GPR-based structural assessment, the metal brackets were installed safely, reinforcing the precast joists without compromising structural integrity. The benefits of this approach included:
Accurate drilling locations, preventing damage to steel reinforcement.
Enhanced structural support with properly installed metal brackets.
Improved safety and efficiency during the installation process.
By utilizing non-destructive evaluation (NDE) and non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques, OmniVueNDT provided critical structural insights, ensuring safe modifications to the airport parking structure.
