An Initial Investigation on the Potential Applicability of Non-Destructive Methods to Assessing Joint Condition in Prefabricated Structures

Abstract

Prefabricated structures have brought quite a new quality into the design of building construction method, which in turn required deeper theoretical knowledge, replacing empirical approaches by theory, replacing idealized and often simplified models of structure behaviour by accurate material physical models and load models. High rigidity of prefabricated concrete structures and the resulting stress states, which are mainly due to the volume change effects (temperature, humidity), effects of the foundation base shape variations etc., are among the most frequent causes of failures, particularly of joints of building elements featuring insufficient yield and bearing capacity. Investigation of all prefabricated building types shows progressing joint armature corrosion, considerable impairment of welds, which should secure the positional reliability of façade slabs.The paper presents some results of our experimental study of the application potential of the impact-echo method to the non-destructive assessment of the present joint condition in prefabricated structures.