AE-based damage identification of concrete structures under monotonic and fatigue loading

Abstract

This study investigates the entire process of concrete damage by monitoring the damage process of concrete beams under monotonic and fatigue loading in real-time using acoustic emission (AE). It analyzes the changes in RA/AF and b-value, correlation dimension, and time–frequency during the damage process. The results showed that the damage process of concrete is divided into four stages, the key points of the damage process can be accurately extracted using parameter analysis, and the dominant frequency of AE at the key points is smaller. Changes in AF/RA and b-value indicate that the shear crack eventually causes the specimen's damage. In addition, the correlation between the b-value and the correlation dimension illustrates that the crack change within the concrete is an orderly process developing from disorder. The study's findings can provide a reference for the stability monitoring and damage prediction of concrete structures.