Simulation of elastic guided waves in concrete structures: A parametric study for construction materials

Abstract

Concrete buildings constructed globally are susceptible to diverse circumstances of use and exposure to environmental elements. Diverse varieties of construction materials are used in the building sector to fabricate edifices and constructions. Architects and construction project managers use these classifications of materials and products to precisely determine the materials and techniques employed in building projects. This study presents a simulation of elastic guided waves in concrete structures, which is motivated by the vast variety of uses of such structures. The elastic-guided wave technique is a technology used for nondestructive assessment. This approach utilizes acoustic waves that travel along an extended structure, directed by its limits. This enables the propagation of waves over a significant distance while minimizing energy dissipation. Currently, the Elastic guided wave method is extensively used for the examination and evaluation of various engineering structures, namely for inspecting metallic pipelines globally. From a single place, it is possible to investigate distances of several hundred meters in some instances. Additionally, there are apps available for the examination of rail tracks, rods, and metal plate constructions. In this research, a novel mathematical model is introduced for accurately replicating elastic guided waves in concrete structures in practical applications. To reinforce the current concrete structure using mathematics, graphene oxide powders with improved mechanical properties are obtained using the role of the mixture, and the Halpin-Tsai micromechanical model is used. After obtaining the mathematical modeling of the current concrete structure using the theory of shear deformation with four unknown high-order terms and Hamilton’s principle, the equations are solved using free and forced wave propagation approaches. Finally, some applicable suggestions for improving the efficiency and dynamic stability of the presented concrete structure reinforced by graphene oxide powders are presented in detail in the results section.