Non-Destructive Testing Methods for South Dakota Structural Inspection

Location:	South Dakota
Posted:	Feb 4, 2026
Due:	Mar 20, 2026
Agency:	State Government of South Dakota
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	H - Quality Control, Testing, and Inspection Services
Solicitation No:	26RFP-SD2025-06
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

Event ID:	26RFP-SD2025-06
Event Name:	Non-Destructive Testing Methods for South Dakota Structural Inspection
Published Date:	Feb 5, 2026, 04:59 AM KT
Event Due Date:	Mar 20, 2026, 07:00 AM KT
Invitation Type:	Invitation Only
Status:	Ready for Responses

Event ID: 26RFP-SD2025-06

Published:

Feb 5, 2026
04:59 AM KT

Due Date:

Mar 20, 2026
07:00 AM KT

Award Date:

Q&A Cutoff Date:

Feb 5, 2026
05:32 AM KT

Invitation Type: Invitation Only

Event Description

Problem Description: Structures are a critical component of the transportation network. As they age,

deteriorate, and approach or exceed their operational capacities, effective condition assessment becomes

increasingly vital. Inspections play a central role in identifying rehabilitation needs, monitoring

deterioration, and ensuring safety and long-term performance. Over the past several decades,

nondestructive testing (NDT) technologies have emerged as alternative tools for structural inspection.

These methods may offer safer and more efficient alternatives for assessing structural integrity, possibly

reducing the time required to detect, analyze, and diagnose a wide range of concerns. While NDT

technologies have numerous applications for structural inspections, SDDOT has identified two primary

areas where these technologies could offer the greatest benefit during inspections.

The first area is the detection of voids adjacent to buried structures. These voids typically form due to soil

erosion, settlement, and water movement through the backfill material surrounding the structure. If left

unchecked, they can migrate upward into the roadway base course and surfacing, creating the potential

for catastrophic traffic incidents such as sinkhole formation or wheel punch-through. Currently, there is no

reliable inspection methods available to quantify the void volume or determine the extent of upward

migration toward the roadway surface. Furthermore, many small structures on the SDDOT system are not

routinely inspected, meaning voids often go undetected until problems arise. A network-level inspection

tool could help identify these issues early and prevent potentially devastating incidents.

The second area is the detection of deck delamination. Traditionally, SDDOT bridge inspectors have

supplemented visual inspections with manual techniques such as chain dragging and hammer sounding.

While these methods are often considered the “gold standard” for accuracy, chain dragging can be

subjective, especially for less experienced inspectors. In high-traffic areas, it can be difficult to distinguish

subtle differences in sound, and inspectors are exposed to hazardous traffic conditions for extended

periods.

SDDOT is interested in exploring additional NDT applications for structural inspection as well; however, the

previously discussed concerns remain the highest priority. There may be the potential for a single NDT

technology to address multiple inspection challenges. This could improve efficiency and reduce costs. For

all applications presented, SDDOT seeks guidance on selecting NDT methods that can assess structural

conditions both on a network-wide basis and for individual projects. These methods should complement

traditional inspections and provide engineers with better data for short and long-term planning.

Although substantial research exists on individual NDT techniques, uncertainties remain regarding their

defect-detection capabilities and the reliability of collected data. These challenges complicate adoption

decisions and lead to variability in how agencies apply NDT in the field. This study aims to clarify how,

when, and where State DOTs employ NDT methods for highway structure inspection. The objective is to

understand current practices, available technologies, identify gaps, and determine which NDT technologies

will provide the greatest benefit to the agency’s inspection program.

Proposal Deadline: Proposals are due to the SDDOT by 5:00 pm CDT on Thursday, March 19, 2026. This

deadline is firm. Extensions will not be granted.

Proposals must be submitted as an e-mail attachment in Portable Document Format (PDF) not exceeding

14MB. The email must be addressed to andy.vandel@state.sd.us and margo.mcdowell@state.sd.us.

Proposers should send the e-mail using “Delivery Receipt” and “Read Receipt” options to verify successful

delivery.

Proposal Guidelines: Proposals must fulfill the requirements listed in the document entitled RESEARCH

PROPOSAL PREPARATION, SUBMISSION, AND EVALUATION and dated October 23, 2025.

Proposal Evaluation: Proposals will be evaluated by a technical panel knowledgeable in the problem area.

Selection will be made in consideration of criteria listed in RESEARCH PROPOSAL PREPARATION,

SUBMISSION, AND EVALUATION.

Project Management: Margo McDowell is responsible for the management of this project and can be

reached at margo.mcdowell@state.sd.us to answer inquiries.

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