Condition Assessment of Civil/Structural Assets in Gas Stations: Integrating Non-Destructive Testing with Code-Conformance Audits

Abstract

The condition assessment of civil and structural assets in gas stations is essential for ensuring operational safety, environmental protection, and long-term infrastructure sustainability. This study presents an integrated framework that combines non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques with code-conformance audits to provide a comprehensive evaluation of gas station structures, including canopies, pavements, retaining walls, and underground storage systems. Conventional visual inspection methods often fail to detect subsurface deterioration or early-stage material degradation, leading to underestimated risks and reactive maintenance. The incorporation of advanced NDT methods—such as ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), ground-penetrating radar (GPR), infrared thermography (IRT), and corrosion potential testing—enhances diagnostic accuracy by identifying internal defects and quantifying their severity.
By aligning empirical NDT data with regulatory benchmarks defined in ACI, ASTM, and API standards, this approach bridges the gap between structural health monitoring and code compliance. The study develops a workflow that integrates field data acquisition, defect mapping, risk-based ranking, and lifecycle-based maintenance prioritization. Findings demonstrate that the combined application of NDT and code auditing enables evidence-based decision-making, reduces maintenance costs, and strengthens regulatory accountability. Furthermore, the discussion explores the economic and sustainability benefits of implementing digital asset management tools, including structural health monitoring systems and digital twins, for predictive maintenance and continuous compliance verification.
The research concludes that integrating NDT with code-conformance audits represents a sustainable, cost-effective, and data- driven strategy for managing gas station infrastructure. It supports a transition from reactive to proactive asset management, ensuring structural reliability, safety, and environmental stewardship throughout the lifecycle of petroleum facilities.