Title: Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) of Structural Concrete With Stress Waves

Author(s): Larry D. Olson

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 128

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 805-818

Keywords: bridges (structures); concrete construction; concrete dams; cracking (fracturing); nondestructive tests; quality assurance; stress waves; ultrasonic pulse velocity tests; General

DOI: 10.14359/3844

Date: 11/1/1991

Abstract:
Case histories are presented to illustrate applications of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods that use stress waves to characterize the conditions of concrete construction. The case histories discuss the following NDE methods and applications: (1) impact echo to evaluate cracking in a 1923 thin-arch concrete dam on the downstream face; (2) ultrasonic pulse velocity to define the severity of cracking damage in precast bridge segments and for quality assurance of epoxy injection repairs; and (3) ultrasonic crosshole sonic logging with PC-based instrumentation for quality assurance of the integrity of concrete placement in drilled shaft and slurry wall foundations. Comparisons of NDE results defined the extent and nature of sound and defective concrete conditions.