Stress- and damage-induced changes in coda wave velocities in concrete

Abstract

Diffuse ultrasonic measurements are used to monitor progressive stress-induced damage in a number of concrete specimens. Each specimen was subjected to uniaxial compression, applied in small steps over one or several load cycles. At each step, the loading was held constant and a series of ultrasonic measurements parallel and perpendicular to the loading were obtained. The measurements were taken during both the loading and unloading phases. The time scale of the signals was chosen such that the diffuse ultrasonic regime could be recorded. Using Coda Wave Interferometry (CWI), the corresponding changes in the velocity of diffuse ultrasonic waves were monitored. The evolution of the slope of the CWI velocity-stress curve with the increased level of damage in concrete is demonstrated.