Crack Classification Research Articles

Damage Evolution Characteristics of Steel-Fiber-Reinforced Cellular Concrete Based on Acoustic Emission

In order to investigate the steel fiber parameters on the damage characteristics and crack evolution of cellular concrete materials, uniaxial compression–acoustic emission combined tests were carried out on steel-fiber-reinforced cellular concrete (SFRCC) with different steel fiber contents (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%) and different porosities (10% and 20%). The material damage evolution characteristics were analyzed by acoustic emission parameters and IB values, and the crack types were identified using Gaussian mixture clustering method (GMM) pairs. The results show the following: the inclusion of steel fibers increased the compressive strength of cellular concrete by 19.8~46.3% at 10% porosity, and by 37.1~102.2% at 20% porosity; the addition of steel fibers significantly increased the density and intensity of the acoustic emission signals; the decreasing tendency of the IB value at the peak stress slowed down with the increase in the amount of steel fibers, and the steel fibers could effectively inhibit the crack development; crack classification results show that the proportion of shear cracks in all stages of cellular concrete increased significantly after the addition of steel fibers.

Deep learning-driven UAV vision for automated road crack detection and classification

ABSTRACT Unmanned aerial vehicles are increasingly utilised for monitoring and inspecting critical infrastructure such as power generation grids, oil and gas pipelines and roads. One key task in road maintenance is the detection of cracks, which is crucial for ensuring road safety. Manual detection of cracks is time-consuming and prone to errors, highlighting the need for automated solutions. This study presents an automated method for road crack detection and classification using a hybrid deep learning technique. The proposed approach integrates a pyramid vision transformer and ConvMixer models for feature extraction, enabling the system to learn complex patterns in crack images. Image pre-processing is first performed using a median filtering technique to enhance image quality. The detection and classification of cracks are then carried out using an Elman neural network model, with its hyperparameters optimised through an improved black widow optimisation algorithm. Extensive simulations demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms other deep learning models in terms of performance, providing a reliable and efficient solution for automated crack detection.

Road Crack Detection and Classification Using UAV and Deep Transfer Learning Optimization

Road Crack Detection and Classification Using UAV and Deep Transfer Learning Optimization

Enhance the Concrete Crack Classification Based on a Novel Multi-Stage YOLOV10-ViT Framework.

Early identification of concrete cracks and multi-class detection can help to avoid future deformation or collapse in concrete structures. Available traditional detection and methodologies require enormous effort and time. To overcome such difficulties, current vision-based deep learning models can effectively detect and classify various concrete cracks. This study introduces a novel multi-stage deep learning framework for crack detection and type classification. First, the recently developed YOLOV10 model is trained to detect possible defective regions in concrete images. After that, a modified vision transformer (ViT) model is trained to classify concrete images into three main types: normal, simple cracks, and multi-branched cracks. The evaluation process includes feeding concrete test images into the trained YOLOV10 model, identifying the possible defect regions, and finally delivering the detected regions into the trained ViT model, which decides the appropriate crack type of those detected regions. Experiments are conducted using the individual ViT model and the proposed multi-stage framework. To improve the generation ability, multi-source datasets of concrete structures are used. For the classification part, a concrete crack dataset consisting of 12,000 images of three classes is utilized, while for the detection part, a dataset composed of various materials from historical buildings containing 1116 concrete images with their corresponding bounding boxes, is utilized. Results prove that the proposed multi-stage model accurately classifies crack types with 90.67% precision, 90.03% recall, and 90.34% F1-score. The results also show that the proposed model outperforms the individual classification model by 10.9%, 19.99%, and 19.2% for precision, recall, and F1-score, respectively. The proposed multi-stage YOLOV10-ViT model can be integrated into the construction systems which are based on crack materials to obtain early warning of possible future deformation in concrete structures.

Detection and Classification of Surface Cracks Using Deep Learning Based Autoencoders in Eddy Current Testing

AbstractIndustrial equipment subjected to rigorous conditions of high speed and pressure leads to the development of cracks on metal surfaces. These cracks reduce the service life and threaten the safety of parts, and the deeper the crack, the greater the resulting damage. Crack detection and crack depth evaluation continue to take center stage in quantitative non‐destructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E 4.0). The accuracy of the rotating uniform eddy current (RUEC) probe in achieving fast and efficient detection of surface cracks is corroborated by a comparison with previous experimental results. Next, accurate crack depth classification is achieved by building deep learning model based on a sparse autoencoder (SAE) and a multi‐layer perceptron (MLP) model. These classifiers are combined with eddy current testing (ECT) data, including the normal magnetic component Bz. As a result, evaluation metrics such as accuracy increased by up to 100% with both precision and recall scores of 1 for the deep sparse autoencoder classifier compared to MLP performance. The originality of our approach is evident in the application of deep SAE, which achieves high classification accuracy. Furthermore, the integration of our high‐resolution NDT&E RUEC probe with advanced machine learning models for depth classification is both novel and impactful. This unique combination offers a comprehensive framework for crack analysis, from precise detection to detailed characterization. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Retraction notice: A novel approach for detection and classification of re-entrant crack using modified CNNetwork

Retraction notice: A novel approach for detection and classification of re-entrant crack using modified CNNetwork

Exploring the Effects of Attention Mechanisms on Road Crack Detection and Classification

Pavement cracks are a prevalent form of roadway distress that pose significant safety hazards, necessitating prompt detection and repair. Due to the extensive road network, traditional image processing-based crack detection methods exhibit limitations in recognition accuracy and speed. To address these challenges, this paper proposes an efficient pavement crack detection model based on YOLOv8, termed YOLOv8-ACD (YOLOv8 - Attention for Cracks Detecting), which integrates a global attention mechanism. YOLOv8-ACD enhances detection efficiency and accuracy by focusing on crack identification while filtering out most irrelevant information. We evaluated YOLOv8-ACD on the RDD2022 dataset, and experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in key performance metrics, such as F1-Score and mean Average Precision (mAP), compared to the original YOLOv8 and other mainstream models. The real-time processing capability of this model makes it suitable for practical road inspection and maintenance, effectively reducing the workload of maintenance personnel and enhancing roadway safety.

Research on response characteristics of loess slope and disaster mechanism caused by structural plane extension under excavation

Geological disasters occur frequently in the Loess Plateau due to the joint fissures in the strata and human engineering activities. Against this background, the deformation and failure mode of the loess slope with the structural plane under excavation and the extension mechanism of the structural plane are analyzed and summarized. The results showed that: (1) Through the physical model test, the deformation failure mode of the slope is summarized as the tension-splitting, pressure-sliding shallow failure. The collapse failure process is defined as four stages: Compression deformation, creep deformation, slip deformation and slip failure. (2) Slope displacement is concentrated beneath the pressure plate, increasing linearly under load conditions but becoming nonlinear after excavation conditions. As the excavation angle rises, the displacement range along the structural plane gradually extends toward the slope toe. The displacement time-history curve shows three stages: The lifting load stage, the cumulating deformation stage, and the sliding failure stage. (3) The stress redistribution caused by excavation, prompting deformation and potential failure. As internal stress nears the soil strength limit, human-induced disturbances exacerbate stress redistribution, leading to accumulated stress. Finally released through deformation and cracking. Each excavation condition modifies the original loading transfer path, driving stress redistribution at the slope surface and at the structural plane’s tip. (4) The sudden drop in stress level and sudden rise of accumulated settlement are the characteristics of slope sliding failure. The position of the structural plane determines the position of the slope sliding surface. (5) According to the external characterization of the structural plane, the extension process of the structural plane can be defined as four stages: Initiation of crack extension, classification deformation, subsection extension and compression sealing. According to the extension of the structural plane, the spreading cracks of the slope’s internal structural plane are defined as two types: Fractured cracks and shear cracks.

A novel approach for detection and classification of re-entrant crack using modified CNNetwork

PurposeIn the purpose of the section, the cracks that are in the construction domain may be common and usually fixed with the human inspection which is at the visible range, but for the cracks which may exist at the distant place for the human eye in the same building but can be captured with the camera. If the crack size is quite big can be visible but few cracks will be present due to the flaws in the construction of walls which needs authentic information and confirmation about it for the successful completion of the wall cracks, as these cracks in the wall will result in the structure collapse.Design/methodology/approachIn the modern era of digital image processing, it has captured the importance in all the domain of engineering and all the fields irrespective of the division of the engineering, hence, in this research study an attempt is made to deal with the wall cracks which are found or searched during the building inspection process, in the present context in association with the unique U-net architecture is used with convolutional neural network method.FindingsIn the construction domain, the cracks may be common and usually fixed with the human inspection which is at the visible range, but for the cracks which may exist at the distant place for the human eye in the same building but can be captured with the camera. If the crack size is quite big can be visible but few cracks will be present due to the flaws in the construction of walls which needs authentic information and confirmation about it for the successful completion of the wall cracks, as these cracks in the wall will result in the structure collapse. Hence, for the modeling of the proposed system, it is considered with the image database from the Mendeley portal for the analysis. With the experimental analysis, it is noted and observed that the proposed system was able to detect the wall cracks, search the flat surface by the result of no cracks found and it is successful in dealing with the two phases of operation, namely, classification and segmentation with the deep learning technique. In contrast to other conventional methodologies, the proposed methodology produces excellent performance results.Originality/valueThe originality of the paper is to find the portion of the cracks on the walls using deep learning architecture.

Study on the brittle failure of flawed concrete-sandstone based on entropy theory and AE crack classification

Interfacial instability in fractured concrete–sandstone composite is frequently encountered in practical engineering applications. This study investigated the impact of various fracture angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°) on the fracture characteristics of concrete–sandstone composites under uniaxial compression. The real-time study of composite damage evolution during compression was conducted via the acoustic emission (AE) technique. By investigating the intrinsic relationship between entropy theory and AE parameters, the time-dependent evolution laws of AE counting entropy, AE energy entropy, and AE amplitude entropy are revealed. The frequency of the change in the AE entropy significantly increased prior to sample failure, serving as a reliable precursor signal for the failure of composites with varying fracture angles. Additionally, we have enhanced the crack classification methodology by incorporating elements from both the conventional RA/AF method and the dominant frequency approach. The cracks in the concrete–sandstone composite were classified via the Gaussian mixture model (GMM) clustering method. The proportions of tensile cracks with different crack angles were 80.4%, 18.8%, 68.9%, 65.2% and 71.8%, respectively. The experimental results show that the results of GMM clustering are in good agreement with the crack types of the samples, which indicates that the GMM clustering method has certain advantages and accuracy in the classification of crack types in composite materials.

A Mobius transformation-based liftoff effect reduction method for crack classification and prediction in eddy current testing

In eddy current (EC) defect evaluation, accurate determination of the crack depth is crucial. The lift-off signal on the complex impedance plane is not necessarily horizontal and mostly arc-shaped, which makes it difficult to separate from crack signals, which can have various orientations depending on probe characteristics and frequencies. Phase rotation is normally used to align the lift-off signal to the real axis and defect signal is read from the imaginary axis. However, this approach proves challenging to separate lift-off and defect signals within the complex plane in many cases.To address this issue, this study proposes and implements a Mobius transformation that linearizes the arc-shaped lift-off signals on the complex plane, enabling more accurate extraction of crack signals unaffected by lift-off signal height. Furthermore, it is demonstrated through k-nearest neighbors (kNN) that the transformed crack signals can still be effectively quantified.

Crack Detection, Classification, and Segmentation on Road Pavement Material Using Multi-Scale Feature Aggregation and Transformer-Based Attention Mechanisms

This paper introduces a novel approach to pavement material crack detection, classification, and segmentation using advanced deep learning techniques, including multi-scale feature aggregation and transformer-based attention mechanisms. The proposed methodology significantly enhances the model’s ability to handle varying crack sizes, shapes, and complex pavement textures. Trained on a dataset of 10,000 images, the model achieved substantial performance improvements across all tasks after integrating transformer-based attention. Detection precision increased from 88.7% to 94.3%, and IoU improved from 78.8% to 93.2%. In classification, precision rose from 88.3% to 94.8%, and recall improved from 86.8% to 94.2%. For segmentation, the Dice Coefficient increased from 80.3% to 94.7%, and IoU for segmentation advanced from 74.2% to 92.3%. These results underscore the model’s robustness and accuracy in identifying pavement cracks in challenging real-world scenarios. This framework not only advances automated pavement maintenance but also provides a foundation for future research focused on optimizing real-time processing and extending the model’s applicability to more diverse pavement conditions.

Concrete crack classification based on fourier image enhancement and convolutional neural network

This paper investigates the application of Fourier image enhancement combined with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for detecting cracks in concrete structures. Fourier enhancement is used to preprocess crack images, improving their clarity and reducing noise, which in turn enhances the performance of the CNN in accurately classifying cracks. The results demonstrate that this combination improves the classification accuracy, with the enhanced images achieving a higher accuracy compared to non-enhanced images. Additionally, the study examines the effects of this preprocessing on CNN training time. However, accuracy varies depending on the dataset used, with one dataset reaching a maximum accuracy of 95% after enhancement. These findings highlight the potential of using frequency-domain image enhancement techniques in conjunction with deep learning models for structural health monitoring.

Pavement Distress Detection Based on the Staged Deep Learning Classifier Approach

Pavement crack detection is a critical task that is essential to ensure the safety of roads and highways. Accurate detection and classification of pavement cracks can help transportation agencies to identify potential maintenance needs and plan appropriate interventions. In this project, we propose a staged deep learning classifier approach for pavement crack detection to provide accurate and comprehensive information about the pavement condition. In this proposed pavement crack detection model, there are four main phases: pre-processing, feature extraction, feature selection, and crack detection. Firstly, raw images are pre-processed through median filtering and histogram equalization for noise removal and contrast enhancement. Next, features such as the improved local binary pattern, gray-level co-occurrence matrix, and gray-level run length matrix are extracted from the pre-processed images. The optimal features are selected using a hybrid optimization model, the tuna customized honey badger optimization algorithm, which combines the honey badger algorithm and tuna swarm optimization. This new hybrid optimization model will enhance the search strategy for solving optimization problems. The loss function of an augmented convolutional neural network (A-CNN) is modified to compute the root mean square error instead of the entropy-based loss function. The final detected outcomes (presence or absence of cracks) are acquired from the A-CNN.

Computer vision-based cascade detection of peeling and cracking in masonry house walls

Self-built masonry structures are commonly used as houses in rural areas of the central plains of China. These structures pose significant safety risks due to the low level of self-building and non-standard designs. The primary type of damage to the walls of masonry houses is cracks, while the decorative layers of the walls may also experience peeling or cracking. The shapes, sizes, and surface characteristics of these damages are complex and unique to each type. To achieve fast identification of surface damage on masonry house walls, this paper proposes a cascade detection model that combines a multilevel cascade classifier with a parallel sub-segmentation network. The VGG16 neural network is used as the backbone for a multi-level series classifier. The model is trained by using a damage image set of the wall decorative layers in rural masonry houses. The classification of background and damage, as well as the classification of cracks and peels, are sequentially completed. Then, the parallel sub-segmentation model uses EfficientNet-B7 as the encoder and combines it with the U-Net framework skeleton to perform pixel-level segmentation of peeling and cracks. Finally, the output of parallel sub-segmentation networks is superimposed and fused to generate a complete image containing segmentation information of peeling and cracks. The cascade form network structure adopted in this model significantly reduces the training difficulty and enhances the model accuracy. Compared with Segformer and Deeplabv3+ network, the average IoU of the proposed method for on-site masonry wall images can be increased by 0.29 and 0.08, respectively.

A Review of Road Cracks Detection and Classification Based Image Processing and Intelligent Techniques

A Review of Road Cracks Detection and Classification Based Image Processing and Intelligent Techniques

A UAV Based Concrete Crack Detection and Segmentation Using 2-Stage Convolutional Network with Transfer Learning

This study explores a non-destructive testing (NDT) method for crack detection using a two-stage convolutional neural network (CNN) model, incorporating a combination of AlexNet and YOLO models through transfer learning. Crack detection is pivotal for assessing structural integrity and ensuring timely maintenance interventions. The developed model was rigorously tested in simulated environments and through physical experimentations with the use of a UAV to evaluate its effectiveness. A 2-stage model, based on AlexNet and YOLO, was developed for crack classification and segmentation. The developed model leveraged transfer learning to address limitations from traditional CNN models. A known dataset was used to evaluate the developed model, benchmarking it against other models. The classification network achieved an accuracy rate exceeding 90%, while the segmentation network successfully identified and delineated cracks in 85.71% of the images. Finally, the developed model was deployed using a UAV to perform crack detection and segmentation in a controlled environment. These results underscore the model's proficiency in both detecting and segmenting structural cracks, highlighting its potential as a reliable tool for enhancing the maintenance and safety of architectural structures. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2024-05-03-010 Full Text: PDF

Automated Crack Detection in Monolithic Zirconia Crowns Using Acoustic Emission and Deep Learning Techniques.

Monolithic zirconia (MZ) crowns are widely utilized in dental restorations, particularly for substantial tooth structure loss. Inspection, tactile, and radiographic examinations can be time-consuming and error-prone, which may delay diagnosis. Consequently, an objective, automatic, and reliable process is required for identifying dental crown defects. This study aimed to explore the potential of transforming acoustic emission (AE) signals to continuous wavelet transform (CWT), combined with Conventional Neural Network (CNN) to assist in crack detection. A new CNN image segmentation model, based on multi-class semantic segmentation using Inception-ResNet-v2, was developed. Real-time detection of AE signals under loads, which induce cracking, provided significant insights into crack formation in MZ crowns. Pencil lead breaking (PLB) was used to simulate crack propagation. The CWT and CNN models were used to automate the crack classification process. The Inception-ResNet-v2 architecture with transfer learning categorized the cracks in MZ crowns into five groups: labial, palatal, incisal, left, and right. After 2000 epochs, with a learning rate of 0.0001, the model achieved an accuracy of 99.4667%, demonstrating that deep learning significantly improved the localization of cracks in MZ crowns. This development can potentially aid dentists in clinical decision-making by facilitating the early detection and prevention of crack failures.

Introducing Methods for Analyzing and Detecting Concrete Cracks at the No. 3 Huaiyin Pumping Station in the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in China

Concrete cracks pose significant threats to concrete structures, causing immediate strength loss and leading to gradual erosion that compromises structural integrity. Therefore, accurate and automatic detection and classification of concrete cracks, along with the evaluation of their effects on target structures, are critically important. This study focuses on the No. 3 Huaiyin pumping station, a large-scale hydraulic structure on the Eastern Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in Jiangsu, China. First, relevant field test literature is reviewed, and the finite element method is applied to investigate the effects of an existing crack on the No. 2 supporting wall. Using thermomechanically coupled numerical simulations, the distribution of tensile stress in the supporting wall is reported in two cases: without a crack and with an existing crack. The findings indicate that the increase in tensile stress due to the existing crack is relatively small and can be considered negligible for the No. 2 supporting wall. Next, the pretrained YOLOX network for the detection and classification of three types of cracks is proposed and retrained using collected concrete crack datasets. The mean average precision of the retrained YOLOX network for all three types of cracks reaches 80%. Finally, the retrained YOLOX network is applied to detect and classify cracks at the No. 3 Huaiyin pumping station. This automatic detection and classification approach will enhance the high-quality management of the pumping station because it is labor-saving and easy to deploy.

Road surface crack detection and classification based on YOLOv5

The burgeoning need for sustainable urban transportation has magnified the importance of effective road infrastructure maintenance, particularly road crack detection. This study addresses the challenge of accurately detecting road surface cracks through automated methods. To accurately identify road surface cracks, we used the YOLOv5 image recognition algorithm, enhanced by comprehensive data augmentation and meticulous training strategies. The YOLOv5 proved superior to traditional methods in accuracy and recall while maintaining high computational speed and a smaller model size in experimental outcomes. The findings affirm that YOLOv5-based detection technologies significantly improve maintenance efficiency and traffic safety, with future work poised to further refine these approaches for greater robustness and integration into intelligent transportation systems.