Abstract
The paper deals with the nondestructive identification of defective concrete zones in unilaterally accessible massive members, for example, access galleries in hydroelectric power plants. The concrete in such zones is, for various reasons, excessively porous. The authors propose to use state-of-the-art acoustic testing techniques, including ultrasonic tomography, integratively to detect and identify defective zones. An original methodology for such tests has been developed. The methodology is illustrated with an example of its practical application to a real civil engineering structure.
Highlights
The massive members of hydroelectric power plants, dams, and other structures are erected from concrete Á one of the principal construction materials (Kmiecik, Kaminski 2011; Soutsos et al 2011; Angst et al 2012; Musiał 2012)
In Davis (2003), Davis et al (1996) Hertlein, Davis (1998) and Ottosen et al (2004) the nondestructive impulse response method is recommended for locating defects in concrete Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 2013, 19(6): 775Á786 members
The methodology proposed for the nondestructive identification and location of defective concrete zones in unilaterally accessible massive members through the integrated use of stateof-the-art acoustic methods of impulse response and ultrasonic tomography is graphically presented in Figures 2 and 3 and described below
Summary
The massive members of hydroelectric power plants, dams, and other structures are erected from concrete Á one of the principal construction materials (Kmiecik, Kaminski 2011; Soutsos et al 2011; Angst et al 2012; Musiał 2012). Because of the great thickness and mass of the concrete such structures incorporate they are prone to locally develop defective zones during construction. These are zones in which the concrete mixture was not vibrated. There are zones in which the concrete mixture contained large aggregate particles, which were not sufficiently enveloped with cement mortar. In such zones, the hardened concrete is excessively porous (honeycombed). The zones are macrononhomogeneities which in extreme cases can locally occupy a volume of up to several cubic meters
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