Evaluation of damages due to alkali-silica reaction with acoustics techniques. development of a new nonlinear method

Title: Evaluation of damages due to alkali-silica reaction with acoustics techniques. development of a new nonlinear method
Author(s): Apedovi S. Kodjo, Patrice Rivard, Frederic Cohen-Tenoudji, Jean-Louis Gallias
Paper category : conference
Book title: 2nd International RILEM Symposium on Advances in Concrete through Science and Engineering
Editor(s): J. Marchand, B. Bissonnette, R. Gagné, M. Jolin and F. Paradis
Print-ISBN: 2-35158-003-6
e-ISBN: 2351580028
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2006
Nb references: 6
Language: English

Abstract: Using reliable and effective nondestructive techniques (NDT) to evaluate and quantify the degree of damage in concrete structures remains challenging. Studies recently indicated that certain tools from nonlinear acoustics seem promising for the characterization of cracks or microcracks developed in concrete structures. Very few of these tools are currently applied in the field, their implementation causing various problems. This paper proposes a new method based on nonlinear acoustics to characterize the concrete deterioration, especially the damage associated with alkali-silica reaction (ASR). This method consists in quantifying the influence of an external mechanical disturbance on the propagation of an ultrasonic compression wave in the material. This influence is related to the local distortion induced by the disturbance in the structure and is closely associated with the density and specificities of the crack network in concrete. ASR damaged and non-reactive concrete specimens were submitted to various uniaxial stress levels while compression waves velocity were measured transversally. Relevant indicators of nonlinearity were highlighted in order to better assessing of the ASR effects on the structure. Measurements were also performed on concrete samples where external stress was applied in order to assess the influence of this parameter on the method. The results obtained confirm the relevance and effectiveness of this method and open up new prospects for in situ application.

Keywords: Nonlinear acoustics, Damage assessment, Alkali-silica reaction, Nondestructive testing.

Online publication: 2006-08-02
Classification: 3.3 Theme 3: Monitoring, Repair and Maintenance of Concrete Structures
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/2351580028.098