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Wave propagation through engineering materials; assessment and monitoring of structures through non-destructive techniques

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Abstract

Elastic wave propagation has been used for decades for assessment of the structural integrity of engineering materials. The advantage it offers is the direct connection to elastic properties, the relatively easy application through commercial equipment as well as numerous empirical correlations between pulse velocity and material strength or quality in general. Advanced features like frequency dependence of wave parameters may further improve the characterization capacity. Concrete materials due to their inherent microstructure, which is enhanced by the existence of damage-induced cracking, exhibit a complicated behavior concerning the propagation of pulses of different frequencies. The different wave lengths interact with inhomogeneities according to their size and therefore, leave their signature on the phase velocity and attenuation versus frequency curves. Although experimental measurements are troublesome in concrete structures, mainly due to attenuation of high frequencies, it is suggested that, whenever possible, application of different frequencies can provide a more detailed insight on the internal condition of the structure. Apart from classical elastic wave studies, the scattering microstructure of concrete exercises strong influence on the elastic signals emitted after cracking events, distorting therefore crucial acoustic emission parameters used for the characterization of the structural integrity. In the present paper experimental evidence of dispersion and examples on how it can be utilized in concrete non destructive inspection are presented and discussed.

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Acknowledgments

The author of this paper wishes to acknowledge the contribution of several collaborators: Professor D. Polyzos of the Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics Department of the University of Patras for guidance in theoretical elastic wave propagation, Professor T. Shiotani from Kyoto University near whom I learned much about AE and in situ application, Professor M. Ohtsu of Kumamoto University who was the Chairman of the RILEM committee I firstly participated, Professor T. E. Matikas from the University of Ioannina for his generous cooperation in terms of laboratory and equipment. Other collaborators who should be acknowledged are Prof. Michael Forde, University of Edinburgh, Prof. Hwa Kian Chai, Malaya University, Prof. Yoshikazu Kobayashi, Nihhon University, Mr. Shouhei Momoki, Tobishima Corporation, Prof. Christian Grosse, Technical University of Munich, Prof. Giuseppe Lacidogna, Polytechnic University of Torino, Prof. Nektaria M. Barkoula, University of Ioannina, Prof. Theodore Philippidis University of Patras, Nikos Zoidis, Geotest S.A. Thanks also to PhD candidates of the Materials Science and Engineering Department of the University of Ioannina: A. C. Mpalaskas, D. V. Soulioti, E. Z. Kordatos. Special thanks to my wife Ioanna and my parents who supported me morally and materially throughout this career in difficult times.

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  1. Department of Mechanics of Materials and Constructions, Free University of Brussels, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium

    Dimitrios G. Aggelis

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Aggelis, D.G. Wave propagation through engineering materials; assessment and monitoring of structures through non-destructive techniques. Mater Struct 46, 519–532 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-013-0020-x

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