Non-destructive Testing for Concrete Structures

Demand for the development of non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques for
concrete structures has increased with the growing concern about the
deteriorating condition of the World's infrastructure. Efficient and accurate
imaging techniques are needed for a reliable evaluation of safety and
serviceability of concrete structures. Although, presently, imaging is routinely
used in various fields, implementation of these technologies in NDT of civil
engineering systems, especially of concrete structures, offers many challenges
and requires additional development due to the composite nature of the
concrete material and the complexities of reinforced or prestressed concrete
systems.
This lecture introduces the basic principles of various imaging techniques
associated with several NDT methods applicable to concrete structures. The
techniques considered are radiography, radioactive computerized tomography,
infrared   thermography,    radar   imaging  and   acoustic   imaging.   Special
considerations regarding the applicability and accuracy of these techniques for
the condition assessment of concrete structures are discussed, and examples
of imaging applications are given.

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