How combination of measurements can be used to reduce epistemic uncertainties in material condition assessment: application to concrete

Title: How combination of measurements can be used to reduce epistemic uncertainties in material condition assessment: application to concrete
Author(s): D. Breysse, J.F. Lataste, J.P. Balayssac, S. Laurens
Paper category : conference
Book title: RILEM Symposium on On Site Assessment of Concrete, Masonry and Timber Structures - SACoMaTiS 2008
Editor(s): L. Binda, M. di Prisco, R. Felicetti
Print-ISBN: 978-2-35158-061-5
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-075-2
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2008
Pages: 57 - 68
Total Pages: 12
Nb references: 13
Language: English

Abstract: The condition assessment is a key point when one wants to reassess existing structures whose material ageing can have resulted in some performance loss. NDT generally provide physical parameters ("observables") which have to be used for the structural assessment.
However the structural assessment requires other parameters ("indicators"), like porosity, strength, or Young’s modulus...), which are not directly measured.
The complex relations between "measurements" and "indicators" can be approached through analytical models or, in many cases, through empirical/statistical models. The quality of the indicators estimate depends on the uncertainties on measurements and on the quality of the relation (model) linking measurements with indicators.
Combining two or several non destructive techniques can be an interesting way for reducing the assessment uncertainties. However, it does not exist in practice any formal methodology for optimizing the combination process. Through, in a first stage, the analysis of a classical way on combining two techniques such as to estimate non destructive (strength) and, in a second stage, the design of an extensive experimental program such as to evaluate the quality measurements and model uncertainties, we will draw some basis towards the formalization of the combination of techniques.

Online publication: 2009-05-26
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00