Damage detection in concrete using diffuse ultrasound measurements

Frederik Deroo, Laurence J. Jacobs, Jin Yeon Kim, Jianmin Qu, Karim Sabra

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Heterogeneities in concrete caused by the random distribution of aggregate in the cement-paste matrix lead to strong scattering of ultrasonic waves at wavelengths on the order of the aggregate. Use of these high frequencies is necessary to detect damage at an early stage, something that is not possible with conventional ultrasonic methods. The ultrasound energy density in that regime can be described by the diffusion equation. The objective of this research is to develop a quantitative understanding of the effects of additional scattering sources, such as small cracks in the cement-paste matrix, on the parameters of the diffusion equation; these parameters are the diffusion and the dissipation coefficients. Applying diffusion theory, the diffusivity and dissipation coefficients are experimentally determined as functions of frequency using ultrasonic waves. The cuboid shaped samples employed are made of a Portland cement-paste matrix and regular aggregate, such as gravel and sand. The results provide a basic understanding of repeatability and consistency of diffusion measurements, with an emphasis on the nondestructive evaluation of concrete.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationReview of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation
Pages1509-1516
Number of pages8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Event36th Annual Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation, QNDE - Kingston, RI, United States
Duration: 26 Jul 200931 Jul 2009

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1211
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

Conference36th Annual Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation, QNDE
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityKingston, RI
Period26/07/0931/07/09

Keywords

  • ASR
  • Concrete
  • Diffuse
  • Ultrasonic waves

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