This paper presents the state-of-the-art of using non-destructive testing (NDT) methods based on elastic waves for the condition assessment of structural timber. Two very promising approaches based on the propagation and reflections of elastic waves are described. While the first approach uses ultrasonic echoes for the testing of wooden building elements, the second approach uses guided waves (GW) for the testing of timber pole and pile structures. The basic principle behind both approaches is that elastic waves induced in a timber structure will propagate through its material until they encounter a change in stiffness, cross-sectional area or density, at which point they will reflect back. By measuring the wave echoes, it is possible to determine geometric properties of the tested structures such as the back wall of timber elements or the underground length of timber poles or piles. In addition, the internal state of the tested structures can be assessed since damage and defects such as rot, fungi or termite attacks will cause early reflections of the elastic waves as well as it can result in changes in wave velocity, wave attenuation and wave mode conversion. In the paper, the principles and theory of using elastic wave propagation for the assessment of wooden building elements and timber pole/pile structures are described. The state-of-the-art in testing equipment and procedures is presented and detailed examples are given on the practical application of both testing approaches. Recent encouraging developments of cutting edge research are presented along with challenges for future research.
Opportunities and limitation of non-destructive testing in condition assessment of bridge structures
(2009)
Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) as a non-destructive (NDT)-method can be applied to obtain detailed information about the inner structure and condition of bridges without damaging the structure.
In this paper the capabilities and limitations of the application of the fast inspection technique GPR will be demonstrated.
In addition to GPR investigations, geoelectrical measurements, coring and petrophysical investigations have been carried out.
The investigated railway bridge in Olesnica is a typical European masonry arch bridge (age, construction and span length).
It shows typical damage to the masonry arches such as increasing salt concentration, destruction, material losses and longitudinal cracks.
Radar measurements were carried out with two main objectives: (1) Identification of basic geometric dimensions of the bridge and identification of construction details; (2) Evaluation of the condition of the masonry, such as mechanical damage (e.g. cracks) or variation of the moisture content.
Radar antennas of different frequencies (having different penetration depths) have been used to estimate the thickness of the walls.
Because of the high attenuation in the inner masonry structure the measurements have not produced satisfying results, but the radar measurements have been successfully applied to investigate the moisture distribution in the masonry.
These results have been verified by coring and through geoelectrical measurements.
Cracks were studied at two testing areas at one wing wall of the bridge using an automatic 2D radar scanning system.
The radar data were processed using advanced data processing tools like FT-SAFT reconstruction and data fusion.
The processing sequence allowed the creation of high-resolution depth sections (C-Scans).