Title: Nondestructive Characterization of Damaged and Repaired Areas of a Concrete Beam Using the SASW Method

Author(s): Michael E. Kalinski

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 168

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 111-136

Keywords: damage; repairs; nondestructive tests; prestressed concrete; velocity

DOI: 10.14359/5951

Date: 4/1/1997

Abstract:
An unidentified vehicle recently struck the bottom of a railroad overpass and damaged one of the concrete beams in the overpass. The damaged beam was taken intact to the University of Texas where the Spectral-Analysis- of-Surface-Waves (SASW) method was used to nondestructively delineate the damaged zones. SASW measurements performed on the beam revealed a significant velocity contrast between damaged and undamaged zones. These measurements were consistent with visual inspection of the beam and also indicated the presence of cracking that was not visibly detectable. In addition, SASW measurements taken while repairing the beam revealed how surface wave velocity measurements can be used to monitor improvements in the integrity of a beam after each repair step.