PSI - Issue 84

Available online at www.sciencedirect.com Available online at www.sciencedirect.com ScienceDirect Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2026) 000–000 Available online at www.sciencedirect.com ScienceDirect Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2026) 000–000

www.elsevier.com/locate/procedia www.elsevier.com/locate/procedia

ScienceDirect

Procedia Structural Integrity 84 (2026) 1144–1150

© 2026 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Conference X-Ray diffraction (XRD) has been recently used for measuring the actual tensile stress of bridge tendons. Magnetic Barkhausen Noise (MBN) is a magnetic method for a non-destructive, fast and reliable evaluation of uniaxial stress. The combined application of both methods can represent a powerful opportunity to overcome the limitations of each method, offering a high grade of results correlation and operational synergy. XRD, measuring the atomic plane distance modification under load, is an absolute method but can be limited by surface geometry and preparation. It requires precise instrument positioning and a quite long measurement time, from 5 to 10 minutes, as well as good condition of the target surface. On the other hand, MBN is less sensitive to surface condition and geometry, returns in real time an immediate value of the tension magnitude but requires a specific calibration. Small sensor dimension allows easier and faster operation. Results of both laboratory and field tests are presented. Abstract Measurement of the real tension of the cables and steel wires used for pre- and post-tensioning in bridges is important information to evaluate the structural condition and the related safety. The possibility of having reliable and precise methods is essential for a correct evaluation. Up to date, several methods have been used, each one presenting advantages and limitations. In the present work, the possible synergies between two well proven methods, X-Ray Diffraction and Magnetic Barkhausen Noise are evaluated. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) has been recently used for measuring the actual tensile stress of bridge tendons. Magnetic Barkhausen Noise (MBN) is a magnetic method for a non-destructive, fast and reliable evaluation of uniaxial stress. The combined application of both methods can represent a powerful opportunity to overcome the limitations of each method, offering a high grade of results correlation and operational synergy. XRD, measuring the atomic plane distance modification under load, is an absolute method but can be limited by surface geometry and preparation. It requires precise instrument positioning and a quite long measurement time, from 5 to 10 minutes, as well as good condition of the target surface. On the other hand, MBN is less sensitive to surface condition and geometry, returns in real time an immediate value of the tension magnitude but requires a specific calibration. Small sensor dimension allows easier and faster operation. Results of both laboratory and field tests are presented. © 2026 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Conference III Fabre Conference: Existing Bridges, Viaducts, and Tunnels: Research, Innovation, and Applications Stress Assessment of Prestressing Steels Using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Magnetic Barkhausen (MBN) Measurements: Correlation and Synergy L. Pisani a, *, G. Ventura b , M. Corrado b , A. Torboli a a G.N.R. Srl - Via Torino, 7 28010 Agrate Conturbia, Italy b Politecnico di Torino Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering - Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24 10129 Torino, Italy Abstract Measurement of the real tension of the cables and steel wires used for pre- and post-tensioning in bridges is important information to evaluate the structural condition and the related safety. The possibility of having reliable and precise methods is essential for a correct evaluation. Up to date, several methods have been used, each one presenting advantages and limitations. In the present work, the possible synergies between two well proven methods, X-Ray Diffraction and Magnetic Barkhausen Noise are evaluated. III Fabre Conference: Existing Bridges, Viaducts, and Tunnels: Research, Innovation, and Applications Stress Assessment of Prestressing Steels Using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Magnetic Barkhausen (MBN) Measurements: Correlation and Synergy L. Pisani a, *, G. Ventura b , M. Corrado b , A. Torboli a a G.N.R. Srl - Via Torino, 7 28010 Agrate Conturbia, Italy b Politecnico di Torino Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering - Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24 10129 Torino, Italy

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +39 0322882911. E-mail address: gnrsales@gnr.it * Corresponding author. Tel.: +39 0322882911. E-mail address: gnrsales@gnr.it

2452-3216 © 2026 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Conference 2452-3216 © 2026 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Conference

2452-3216 © 2026 The Authors. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0) Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Conference 10.1016/j.prostr.2026.06.146