Application of elastic wave tomography method for damage evaluation in a large-scale reinforced concrete structure

Abstract

Quality control of construction works and characterization of defects in newly built reinforced concrete structures is an important issue. Usually, these kinds of defects can be evaluated by means of visual inspection, however, there are cases, in which damage cannot be reliably evaluated visually. In this situation, Non-Destructive Testing methods can be used. In this study we report the results of application of Elastic Wave Tomography method for evaluation of a defect in a newly built reinforced concrete bridge pier. A large void located inside the bridge pier was detected using Elastic Wave Tomography method. Due to the presence of the large defect the structure was demolished. Elements of the demolished bridge pier were visually observed, which allowed to confirm the results of Elastic Wave Tomography method.

Keywords

• Concrete
• Damage
• Evaluation
• Non-destructive testing
• Elastic wave tomography