Ultrasonic reconstruction by the synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) has a great potential to image concrete elements and detect embedded objects. Its algorithm focuses ultrasonic signals received at many aperture points by coherent superposition, yielding a high-resolution image of the region of interest. Using this approach, several problems caused by the strongly inhomogeneous structure of concrete are diminished, where scattering of transmitted pulses leads to disturbing phenomena such as attenuation and structural noise. This contribution is intended to review the work of the writers on the application of SAFT reconstruction to concrete testing. First, consequences of scattering of ultrasonic waves in concrete are qualitatively explained. Then the use of SAFT is discussed in comparison to traditional A-scan and B-scan techniques. Different reconstruction algorithms and implementations are presented for one-, two-, and three-dimensional SAFT. Pulse-echo measurement systems are described, which are able to acquire large sets of data on linear and planar apertures employing single transducer, transducer array, and scanning laser Doppler vibrometer arrangements. To illustrate the application of the SAFT techniques, examples from laboratory and field experiments are described comprising imaging of back walls, tendon ducts containing faults, layers, and reinforcement in concrete elements.
Validation of non-destructive testing methods is necessary to create a common basis where different systems can be compared and their applications and limitations be identified. This can be achieved through comparing the measurements taken by several systems used for a common diagnostic purpose under practical but controlled testing conditions. Well-designed small and large laboratory or field specimens promise such conditions.
The special concrete specimen (LCS) at BAM was constructed for validation purposes, in particular, to be used for evaluating the performance of echo methods. The thickness of the specimen is varying and it contains carefully designed built-in faults, such as voids, honeycombs and tendon ducts with various degrees of grouting defects. Since the geometry and condition of the defects are known, it can be used to compare the performance of radar, ultrasonic, impact-echo. The research was conducted within the Research group FOR384, sponsored by the German Research Society DFG.