Basic study of an estimation method for fire damage within concrete sample using high-intensity ultrasonic waves and optical equipment

Abstract

After a fire in a concrete building, concrete walls may need to be entirely or partially repaired depending on the size of the fire. If the building is to be repaired, it is necessary to determine the extent and cost of the work. To do so, a method is needed for determining the level of fire damage within concrete walls, particularly along the depth direction. In a previous work, we have investigated a noncontact, nondestructive method using high-intensity aerial ultrasonic waves and optical equipment to detect the level of fire damage on the concrete surface, and we have demonstrated the feasibility of obtaining such information. Yet it is also important to determine the level of fire damage within concrete sample, particularly along the depth direction, in order to determine the extent of necessary repairs. In this study, we examined a new noncontact, minimally destructive method for estimating the level of fire damage within concrete sample. The results show that the level of fire damage could be determined along the depth direction.