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Ultrasonic wave velocity signal interpretation of simulated concrete bridge decks

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Abstract

Non-destructive evaluation techniques are used to assess the condition of concrete structures, predict future performance, and monitor repair systems. One of the best known non-destructive evaluation techniques is the ultrasonic pulse velocity technique, which determines both the travel time and velocity of the ultrasonic pulse from the source to the receiver through the tested material. Changes in velocity indicate the presence of anomalies in the material, yet do not enable predicting the severity of the position of such anomalies.

This paper presents the findings of an experimental and analytical study conducted to interpret and characterize the ultrasonic wave signals received from different kinds of anomalies in concrete bridge decks. Both the surface and direct methods were investigated. The frequency spectra of the recorded waveforms were obtained by using the Fast Fourier Transform technique. Specimens with differing artificial cracks were tested in order to study the relationships between the types of cracks, crack depths and the frequency spectra. The sizes of the cracks were estimated using the thin plate and membrane drum as vibration models. The predicted crack sizes corresponded well with the actual sizes. The results presented in this study demonstrate that the ultrasonic pulse velocity technique is a promising means of both providing information about the internal conditions of concrete bridge decks and estimating crack sizes in these structural members.

Résumé

Des méthodes non-destructives ont été utilisées pour évaluer les conditions des structures en béton, prévoir leur performance future et contrôler les systèmes de réparation. La technique la plus connue est la vitesse de la pulsation ultrasonique. Cette technique détermine le temps de transmission d’une onde ultrasonique depuis la source jusqu’au récepteur à travers le matériau testé. Le changement de la vitesse indique la présence de défauts, la position des défauts ainsi que leur importance ne pourront cependant pas être déterminées à l’aide de cette méthode.

Cet article présente les résultats d’une étude expérimentale et analytique qui a été menée afin d’interpréter et caractériser les signaux des ondes ultrasoniques reçues de différents types de défauts. Les spectres de fréquence des formes des ondes enregistrées ont été obtenus par la technique de la transformée de Fourier. Les échantillons présentant différentes fissures artificielles ont été testés pour étudier les relations entre les types de fissures, leur profondeur et le spectre de fréquence. Les dimensions des fissures ont été estimées à l’aide d’une plaque mince et d’un tambour de membrane comme modèles de vibration. Les dimensions des fissures obtenues correspondent bien aux dimensions prévues. Les résultats présentés dans cette étude démontrent que la technique de la pulsation ultrasonique est un moyen prometteur pour obtenir des informations sur les conditions internes des tabliers de pont en béton et pour estimer les dimensions des fissures dans ces éléments d’ouvrage.

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  1. University of Alabama in Huntsville, 35899, Huntsville, AL, USA

    H. Toutanji

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Toutanji, H. Ultrasonic wave velocity signal interpretation of simulated concrete bridge decks. Mat. Struct. 33, 207–215 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02479416

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