Title: Three-Dimensional Visualization of Concerete Structures

Author(s): M . Cl. A . T h o m a s , D . W i e s e , a n d H . Caratin

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 168

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 233-244

Keywords: concretes; nondestructive tests; soniscope; ultrasonic tests

DOI: 10.14359/5942

Date: 4/1/1997

Abstract:
This paper describes the application of geophysical tomography and scientific visualization techniques for evaluating the internal condition of massive concrete structures. The resulting output is a three dimensional representation of the structure showing the spatial distribution of ultrasound data. As various aspects of ultrasound data (e.g. velocity and attenuation) are related to concrete quality, the location and orientation of areas of inferior material or discontinties can be identified. In addition, specific features within the image can be highlighted and quantified. Results are presented from a preliminary study carried out to assess the potential application of this technique for evtiating the internal condition of large concrete elements. A large concrete block was constructed with a number of internal defects such as cracks, areas of poorly compacted concrete and uncemented aggregate, and large voids. A large number of measurements (ultrasonic pulse velocity) were taken to provide a network of velocities across a section. Algebraic tomographic techniques were then applied to reconstruct a two dimensional image. By taking a series of contiguous sections and stacking them together, a three dimensional model of the sample or structure was then created. Finally the three dimensional data set was visualized using advanced graphics techniques such as vohune rendering. Overall, the initial results are promising, and indicate that the presence and location of internal defects can be determined