Damage detection in concrete with coda wave interferometry using a 60 kHz ultrasonic signal

Abstract

<p>Coda wave interferometry is an ultrasound-based possible candidate for structural health monitoring of concrete structures. It is based on a correlation evaluation of two ultrasonic signals. A perturbation, e.g., cracks in the medium are causing changes in the signal. The correlation development over the signal’s length is very characteristic for the position of the crack relative to source and receiver. This development can be modeled and allows to state an inverse problem whose solution localizes a new perturbation, e.g., crack in the medium.</p><p>An application at a four-point bending test of a reinforced concrete specimen with a span of 3.5 m and 25 ultrasonic transducers with a used central frequency of 60 kHz shows promising results for damage detection. The coda technology can successfully distinguish multiple developing cracks and results are compared to fiber optic sensor measurements. Some problems like cracks that develop into the installation position of the ultrasonic transducers are also found and solutions are proposed.</p>