Progress in ultrasonic imaging of concrete

Title: Progress in ultrasonic imaging of concrete
Author(s): M. Schickert
Paper category : journal
Serial title: Materials and Structures
Abreviated Serial title: Mater. Struct.
ISSN: 1359-5997
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Volume: 38
Issue: 283
Issue date: 2005-11-01
Publication year: 2005
Pages: 807 - 815
Total Pages: 9
Nb references: 3
Language: English

Abstract: Among present non-destructive methods for concrete evaluation, ultrasonic testing uses relatively short wavelengths and therefore has particular potential for detailed assessment of concrete.
Methods like SAFT (Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique) and tomographic reconstruction are able to provide high-resolution images of concrete areas, which can be employed for tasks such as area imaging, duct localisation, fault detection, and thickness measurement.
This contribution is intended to give insight into some of the underlying principles and possibilities of ultrasonic concrete imaging.
For SAFT reconstruction, steps are explained necessary to obtain an image that is easy to interpret, including considerations concerning transducers and their coupling, and image noise suppression.
To permit direct comparison of the proposed methods, most examples are illustrated using results obtained at a single test specimen.
A quantitative evaluation of ultrasonic concrete images enables the examination of tendon ducts for voids, and the objective assessment of image quality.
The SAFT section is concluded by a field example that demonstrates the current state of applicability.
Subsequently, ultrasonic tomography of concrete is shown to have the capability to detect faults such as honey-combing in pillars.
Finally, the potential of ultrasonic imaging and remaining steps necessary to open broad practical application are described.

Online publication: 2005-06-06
Classification: Special Issue on Nondestructive Testing in Civil Engineering
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/14298