Damage Evaluation Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Structure using b-value and Damage Parameter Analysis of Acoustic Emission Signals

Abstract

Acoustic emission (AE) method is a passive non-destructive technique that can be applicable for structural health monitoring. This technique have been used in the field of reinforced concrete (RC) structure for investigation process of damage in both case local and global monitoring. In this study AE technique was employed to investigate the process of fracture formation in reinforced concrete (RC) structure. Five RC frames were tested under loading cycle and were simultaneously monitored using AE. The AE test data using the b-value method and Damage parameter were analyzed. The the trend of Minimum b-value and Maximum Damage parameter in stages of failure showed that these method are able to indicate the levels of damage in RC frame. With respects to the results obtained, a new chart is proposed by cross plotting Load and b-value. Three levels (heavy, moderate and low) of damage in concrete structure can be identified using this chart.