Mohammad Shadab Shaikh

Mr. Mohammad Shadab Shaikh

Civil Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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20 January 2023 in Applied Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Amir BehravanAmir Behravan
Amir Behravan
TTThien Q. Tran
Thien Q. Tran
YLYuhao Li
Yuhao Li
MDMitchell Davis
Mitchell Davis
MSMohammad Shadab Shaikh
Mohammad Shadab Shaikh
Alexander BrandAlexander Brand
Alexander Brand
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is widely used for above-ground storage tanks (ASTs). However, there are currently no guidelines for the non-destructive testing (NDT) and evaluation (NDE) of HDPE ASTs. Moreover, the feasibility, limitations, and challenges of using NDT techniques for the field inspection of HDPE ASTs have not been well established. This study used both infrared thermography (IRT) and ultrasonic testing (UT) for the field inspection of HDPE ASTs. Highlighting the implementation challenges in the field, this study determined that: (1) ambient environmental parameters can affect IRT accuracy; (2) there is an ideal time during the day to perform IRT; (3) the heating source and infrared camera orientation can affect IRT accuracy; and (4) with proper measures taken, IRT is a promising method for flaw detection in HDPE ASTs. Additionally, UT can be used following IRT for detailed investigation to quantify the size and depth of defects. The manuscript concludes with a discussion of the limitations and best practices for the implementing of IRT and UT for HDPE AST inspections in the field.