Detection of Delamination in Concrete Bridge Decks by Joint Amplitude and Phase Analysis of Ultrasonic Array Measurements
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 19, Issue 3
Abstract
The accuracy and precision of low-frequency (center frequency of approximately 55 kHz) ultrasonic testing for detection and characterization of delamination in concrete bridge decks were evaluated. A multiprobe ultrasonic testing system (with horizontally polarized shear-wave transducers) was used to detect built-in delamination defects of various size, depth, and severity (i.e., thickness) in a test specimen—a reinforced concrete slab-built to simulate a concrete bridge deck. The collected data sets were reconstructed applying synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT). The reconstructed measurement results were then used to assess the condition of the concrete slab at individual points [point-by-point data collection and two-dimensional (2D) reconstruction] as well as along lines, where data were collected at smaller steps and reconstructed in a three-dimensional (3D) format. The local-phase information was also calculated, superimposed on the reconstructed images and used as complementary information in condition assessment. The precision and accuracy of condition assessments were evaluated. The results indicated that, using the multiprobe ultrasonic array, delamination defects as small as could be reliably detected. Deep delaminations [i.e., those deeper than 150 mm (6 in.)] were directly detected and characterized, whereas shallow delaminations [shallower than 65 mm (2.5 in.)] were detected only indirectly. The precision of the measurements was demonstrated by comparing repeated measurements at several test points. Similar measurement results obtained on a delaminated portion of a real bridge deck support the conclusions of the validation study.
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Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to Dr. Soheil Nazarian, Dr. Deren Yuan, and Hoda Azeri from the University of Texas in El Paso (UTEP) for their help in arranging the validation test. Boris Milmann’s assistance in data analysis is greatly appreciated. The authors are also thankful to Dr. Martin Krause, who reviewed the manuscript and provided valuable comments.
References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 19 • Issue 3 • March 2014
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 24, 2012
Accepted: May 21, 2013
Published online: May 23, 2013
Published in print: Mar 1, 2014
Discussion open until: May 3, 2014
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