Imaging of the Elastic Wave Propagation in Concrete Using Scanning Techniques: Application for Impact-Echo and Ultrasonic Echo Methods

Acoustic NDT methods like ultrasonic echo and impact-echo are successfully used for NDT of concrete structures. This paper describes useful techniques for a detailed experimental study of the elastic wave propagation, which is highly relevant for the interpretation of the results obtained from practical measurement applications. By using a scanning laser vibrometer it becomes possible to obtain a 2D visualization of the elastic waves propagating along the surfaces of concrete specimens. Time slices are prepared so that the wave field becomes apparent. In order to visualize especially the surface wave propagation a similar technique using a scanning system with a piezoelectric sensor is applied. The results obtained provide an appropriate basis for the comparison with numerical results from 3-D Elastodynamic finite integration technique (EFIT) calculations, which is demonstrated here. Examples are presented for the application with phased array ultrasonic echo, air-coupled ultrasonic echo and impact-echo.