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Non-destructive testing (NDT) of concrete structures is performed using pulse-echo methods. According to the type of the applied waves it can be classified as acoustic (Impact-Echo, Ultrasonics) and electromagnetic methods (Radar). The results are visualised through different imaging processes. This work is performed in the frame of a research project promoted by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (FOR384). The objective of data fusion is to use the complementary information of the different methods. Radar can detect metallic reflectors in concrete (metallic ducts and concrete reinforcement) very well. This method is not able to locate defects behind these reflectors (injecting defects, defects behind close concrete reinforcement), because the electromagnetic waves are completely reflected at metals. The acoustic methods are able to compensate this deficit i.e. Acoustic waves can penetrate through metal. But acoustic waves in the ultrasonic range are completely reflected by air layers. Air layers have smaller influence on radar propagation, so that both methods complement each other. In order to be able to combine the NDT-data from several methods records at the same volume, the different data setsmodes of signals must be adapted. The ultrasonic and radar data have to be reconstructed with programs based on the Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique (SAFT) before data fusion. Subsequently, a conversion of the data into a uniform format has to be carried out. This is a prerequisite in order to keep the data exchange between the project partners as simple as possible. After the data sets are imported and transferred into a common reference system, they can be processed with operations according to the purpose of the investigation. Results, which have been achieved in concrete test specimen with radar and ultrasonics, will be presented and will show the feasibility of the data fusion method.
In this work, the applicability of a new 3D micro X-ray fluorescence (3D Micro-XRF) laboratory spectrometer for the investigation of historical glass objects is demonstrated. The non-destructiveness of the technique and the possibility to measure three-dimensionally resolved fluorescence renders this technique into a suitable tool for the analysis of cultural heritage objects. Although absorption and resolution effects complicate qualitative analysis of the data, layered structures can be distinguished from homogeneous samples without the need for full quantification. Different manufacturing techniques were studied in this work with the help of hand-made reference samples. With the gained knowledge it could be shown for the investigated historical glass object, that black enamel as a stained glass contour colour was used in a cold painting. The object was not fired after the application of the black enamel, but instead the adhesion of the paint was solely provided through organic binding agents and the backing with metal foils. Thus, for the manufacturing of the object, a mixture of cold painting technique with a stained glass color was used. Quantitative measurements with a 3D Micro-XRF setup at the Berlin synchrotron BESSY II confirm the assumptions drawn on the basis of the qualitative investigation with the 3D Micro-XRF spectrometer with X-ray tube excitation.
Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a chemical reaction within concrete which can lead over time to cracking and spalling. Due to the complexity of the problem, it still causes damage to concrete constructions worldwide.
The publication aims to illustrate the interdisciplinary research of the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) within the last 20 years, considering all aspects of ASR topics from the macro to the micro level. First, methods for characterization and assessment of ASR risks and reaction products used at BAM are explained and classified in the international context. Subsequently the added value of the research approach by combining different, preferably nondestructive, methods across all scales is explained using specific examples from a variety of research projects. Aspects covered range from the development of new test-setups to assess aggregate reactivity, to analysis of microstructure and reaction products using microscopical, spectroscopical and X-ray methods, to the development of a testing methodology for existing concrete pavements including in-depth analysis of the visual damage indicator and the de-icing salt input using innovative testing techniques. Finally, research regarding a novel avoidance strategy that makes use of internal hydrophobization of the concrete mix is presented.
In this paper, a method is presented for the numerical computation of dispersion properties and mode shapes of guided waves in plate structures. The formulation is based on the Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method. The through-thickness direction of the plate is discretized in the finite element sense, while the direction of propagation is described analytically. This leads to a standard eigenvalue problem for the calculation of wave numbers. The proposed method is not limited to homogeneous plates. Multi-layered composites as well as structures with continuously varying material parameters in the direction of thickness can be modeled without essential changes in the formulation. Higher-order elements have been employed for the finite element discretization, leading to excellent convergence for complex structures. It is shown by numerical examples that this method provides highly accurate results with a small number of nodes while avoiding numerical problems and instabilities.
This data article presents characteristic acoustic and flow data of a fluidic ultrasonic transducer as well as acoustic data of a commercial piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer used in non-destructive testing for civil engineering. The flow data has been acquired using hot-wire anemometry and a Pitot tube. The three-dimensional acoustic data of both devices has been acquired using a calibrated microphone. The distribution of characteristic acoustic properties of both transducers are extracted and given in addition to the raw data. The data presented in the article will be a valuable source for reference and validation, both for developing fluidic and alternate ultrasound generation technologies. Furthermore, they will give additional insight into the acoustic-flow interaction phenomena of high speed switching devices. This article is accompanying the paper Experimental Analysis of the Acoustic Field of an Ultrasonic Pulse Induced by a Fluidic Switch (Bühling et al., 2021) published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, where the data is interpreted in detail and the rationale for characteristic sound properties of the fluidic transducer are given.
An approach to adhesive bond characterisation using guided acoustic waves in multi-layered plates
(2021)
An approach for the non-destructive characterisation of adhesive bonds using guided ultrasonic waves is presented. Pulsed laser radiation is used to thermoacoustically excite broadband ultrasonic waves in a multi-layered sample, consisting of a metal plate adhesively joined to a polymeric layer using synthetic resin. The resulting signals are received by a purpose-built piezoelectric transducer. Varying the distance between excitation and detection yields spatio-temporal measurement data, from which the dispersive properties of the propagating waves can be inferred using a two-dimensional Fourier transform, assuming the plates to act as coupled waveguides. Coupled multi-layered waveguides show an effect referred to as mode repulsion, where the distance between certain modes in the frequency-wavenumber domain is assumed to be a measure of coupling strength. Measurements at different stages of curing of the adhesive layer are performed and evaluated. A comparison of the results shows changes in the dispersive properties, namely an increased modal bandwidth for the fully cured sample as well as an increased modal distance.
Impulse-thermography is an active method for quantitative investigations of the near surface region of various structures. It has recently been applied and optimised to applications in civil engineering. By using either an internal or external heat source, parts of the structure under investigation are heated up and the transient heat flux is observed by recording the temperature change at the surface as a function of time. This method is very well suited for the detection of voids and honeycombing in concrete, up to concrete covers of 10 cm as well as for the location of delaminations in multi-layered systems (e.g. plaster on concrete, CFRP-laminates on concrete, asphalt on concrete). Also safety relevant defects like voids in tendon ducts and cracks in concrete could be recognised.
Application of synchrotron infrared radiation in the study of organic coatings in cross-sections
(2008)
We present a prototype for automated magnetic stray field testing of ferromagnetic roller bearings. For this purpose NDE-adapted GMR sensor arrays (giant magneto resistance) are used for the detection of surface breaking cracks. The sensors are miniaturized down to the lower µm-regime to achieve adequate spatial resolution. In doing so, sensor arrays with up to 48 elements are used to inspect the bearing surface within a few seconds only. In contrast to magnetic particle inspection (MPI), where the global magnetization requires a further inspection step and succeeding demagnetization, the presented prototype only locally magnetize the surface area in the vicinity of the GMR Sensors. For the local magnetization, the applied sub-surface magnetic field was simulated and proofed for detecting flaws with a depth of a few 10 µm. By multiplexing the sensor array with an adapted read out electronics we quasi simultaneously detect the normal field component of about 100µm above the surface. The detection of artificial notches with a depth of 40 µm and more could be resolved with a SNR better than 20 dB. The presented testing facility is fast and provides a step towards automated testing of safety relevant steel components.
Magneto resistance sensors like GMR (giant magneto resistance) or TMR (tunnel magneto resistance) are widely used in industrial applications, examples are position measurement and read heads of hard disk drives. However, in case of non-destructive testing (NDT) applications these sensors, although their properties are outstanding like high spatial resolution, high field sensitivity, low cost and low energy consumption, never reached a technical transfer to an application beyond sci-entific scope.
This paper deals with benefits of GMR/TMR sensors in terms of high spatial resolution testing for different NDT applica-tions. The first example demonstrates the preeminent advantages of MR-elements compared with conventional coils used in eddy current testing (ET). The probe comprises one-wire excitation with an array of MR elements. This led to a better spatial resolution in terms of neighboring defects.
The second section concentrates on MFL-testing (magnetic flux leakage) with active field excitation during and before test-ing. The latter illustrated the capability of highly resolved crack detection of a crossed notch. This example is best suited to show the ability of tiny magnetic field sensors for magnetic material characterization of a sample surface. Another example is based on characterization of samples after tensile test. Here, no external field is applied. The magnetization is only changed due to external load and magnetostriction leading to a field signature which GMR sensors can resolve. This gives access to internal changes of the magnetization state of the sample under test.
Trans-European corridors for transport of people and goods require strengthening of bridges to carry increased axle loads in terms of absolute axle loads and of their frequency. Most of the bridges along highways are reinforced or prestressed concrete bridges.
Since the late 1990s, CFRP laminates have been applied to box girder and T-beam bridges to increase the overall capacity. Although regular inspections are carried out, no special method was available to test the bond condition of CFRP laminates after being in Service for more than ten years. The German Center of Competence in Civil Engineering is aware of this need and funded a research project to investigate the bond condition by means of advanced non-destructive testing (NDT).
The paper presents an attempt for the calibration of an active
thermography method that is suitable for the non-destructive
evaluation of spot welds. Nowadays, the quality of spot welds is
commonly characterised by the application of random chisel tests,
which are time consuming, expensive and destructive. Recently a
non-destructive testing method by means of active thermography
was proposed that relies on the fact that the mechanical connection
formed by the spot weld also serves as a thermal bridge between
the two steel sheets joined in the welding process. It is shown in this
paper that this thermal bridge can be thermographically characterised
by extracting a measure for the spot weld diameter and hence the
quality of the spot weld. The determination of the absolute value
of the diameter hereby relies on a calibration of the testing system,
which is performed by means of X-ray computed tomography in this
study. The experiments were carried out using different experimental
approaches, namely transmission as well as reflection geometry
wSetup in reflectionith laser illumination. A comprehensive evaluation
of samples produced using different welding currents, hence different
quality, was carried out in order to validate the thermographic results.
Case studies
(2013)
In this paper, some quite different survey tasks are described, and it can be seen that corrosion surveys will follow a certain scheme of data acquisition (first NDT measurements, than detailed testing on suspect areas), but the individual scope of on-site measurements may have a vast variety according to the local circumstances, and the interpretation always has to refer to a wider set of information than the data readings only.
Single-pulse tests of the catastrophic optical damage (COD) are performed for three batches of diode lasers with different gain-regions. The tests involve in situ inspection of front, rear, and side of the devices by a thermocamera. Devices with an Al-containing gain-region show COD at the front facet, as expected for strong facet heating via surface recombination and reabsorption of laser light. In contrast, Al-free devices with low surface recombination rates tend to fail at the rear facet, pointing to a different heating scenario. The high carrier density at the rear facet favors heating and COD via Auger recombination processes.
To date, the destructive extraction and analysis of drilling cores is the main possibility to obtain depth information about damaging water ingress in building floors. The time- and costintensive procedure constitutes an additional burden for building insurances that already list piped water damage as their largest item. With its high sensitivity for water, a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) could provide important support to approach this problem in a non-destructive way. In this research, we study the influence of moisture damage on GPR signals at different floor constructions. For this purpose, a modular specimen with interchangeable layers is developed to vary the screed and insulation material, as well as the respective layer thickness. The obtained data set is then used to investigate suitable signal features to classify three scenarios: dry, damaged insulation, and damaged screed. It was found that analyzing statistical distributions of A-scan features inside one B-scan allows for accurate classification on unknown floor constructions. Combining the features with multivariate data analysis and machine learning was the key to achieve satisfying results. The developed method provides a basis for upcoming validations on real damage cases.
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.
Comparison of concepts for a point-shaped energy density detector after flash lamp excitation
(2016)
The paper describes investigations and Research work in order to develop a simple sensor for the quantification of spectral broadband energy Dissipation of flash lamps at any point in space. Such Flash lamps are often used as energy source during active thermography testing (TT). Here, the temperature transient of the sensor surface has to be recorded by the infrared camera that is already present. During the following data evaluation, the energy input into the investigated specimen can be determined. Two opposite concepts were considered: thermal thick and thermal thin probes. The direct comparison shows advantages for thermal thick probes based on the physics of thermal balance processes.
Moisture ingress is one of major damaging factors for masonry buildings. As the complex resistivity (CR) is sensitive to textural properties as well as to the pore fluid chemistry of wet porous media, its non-destructive application can provide helpful information for conservators. In a comprehensive laboratory study it has been shown that CR might even be able to distinguish between salt content and saturation degree in only one measurement. The combined use of electrical and electromagnetic measurement techniques in two field-scale flooding experiments has shown some unexpected differences. Possible reasons are discussed and it is shown that bringing together the information of both methods leads to a clearer picture.
Locating and sizing delaminations is a common inspection task in the maintenance and quality control of construction and rehabilitation. Their detection is an important area of application of nondestructive testing in civil engineering (NDT-CE). To improve this application, NDT test systems and test solutions must be compared, for which specimens containing well-defined delaminations are needed to serve as a reference. Currently, there are no widely accepted procedures available for creating such flaws locally and reproducibly. This study presents procedures for creating artificial delaminations repeatably and as close as possible to natural delaminations. To produce the discontinuities only substances were used which can occur in concrete components and do not affect the application of NDT-CE methods. Ultrasonic pulse-echo (UPE) was used to test the flaws in the specimens. The delaminations were created by applying expansive mortar in prepared through holes. Three specimens with two delaminations each were built and tested using UPE.
The multiaxial fatigue damage behaviour of short fibre reinforced polyamide 6 is analysed on injection moulded tube samples. In parallel with the fatigue tests, the damage state is evaluated
nondestructively by X-ray refraction analysis which detects inner surfaces by the variation of electron density. By applying X-ray refraction analysis and a model based on by GÜNZEL the micro damage evolution can be separated into fibre matrix debonding and matrix-Micro cracking.
Crack detection in steel bars at high surface temperatures is a critical problem in any manufacturing industry. Surface breaking cracks are the major problems during the billet casting. Many NDT techniques are proven its capability in crack detection at room temperature. Here, we are demonstrating the possibility of exposure of cracks using laser line thermography at higher surface temperatures (up to 600 °C). A continuous-wave (CW) laser is used to excite the sample kept at higher surface temperatures. The temperature distribution over the sample due to the laser line scanning is captured using a temperature calibrated infrared (IR) thermal camera. The response of the sample temperature in crack detection is investigated using a validated FE model. The impact of the oxide layer in crack detection is investigated by using two types of samples; one without any oxide layer and the second is with the oxide layer. The influence of laser power in the detection of defects at high temperatures is studied. 3D numerical models were developed for the cases; when the sample is with oxide layer and without any oxide layer for a better understanding of physics. The surface temperature rise due to laser heating is higher for the scaled sample compared to the no-scale sample. The presence of the oxide layer above the parent metal will reduce the reflectivity of the surface. Lower reflectivity will lead to increased absorption of incident energy so that the surface temperature rise will be higher than the surface with no scale. Thermal contrast linearly depends on laser power, which means higher laser power will increase the defect detectability even at a higher surface temperature.
Defect recognition in CFRP components using various NDT methods within a smart manufacturing process
(2018)
The manufacturing process of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) components is gaining a more and more significant role when looking at the increasing amount of CFRPs used in industries today. The monitoring of the manufacturing process and hence the reliability of the manufactured products, is one of the major challenges we need to face in the near future. Common defects which arise during manufacturing process are e.g. porosity and voids which may lead to delaminations during operation and under load. To find irregularities and classify them as possible defects in an early stage of the manufacturing process is of high importance for the safety and reliability of the finished products, as well as of significant impact from an economical point of view. In this study we compare various NDT methods which were applied to similar CFRP laminate samples in order to detect and characterize regions of defective volume. Besides ultrasound, thermography and eddy current, different X-ray methods like radiography, laminography and computed tomography are used to investigate the samples. These methods are compared with the intention to evaluate their capability to reliably detect and characterize defective volume. Beyond the detection and evaluation of defects, we also investigate possibilities to combine various NDT methods within a smart manufacturing process in which the decision which method shall be applied is inherent within the process. Is it possible to design an in-line or at-line testing process which can recognize defects reliably and reduce testing time and costs? This study aims to show up opportunities of designing a smart NDT process synchronized to the production based on the concepts of smart production (Industry 4.0). A set of defective CFRP laminate samples and different NDT methods were used to demonstrate how effective defects are recognized and how communication between interconnected NDT sensors and the manufacturing process could be organized.
Collecting different geophysical data sets at the same object and site offers the opportunity to reduce uncertainties and ambiguities in data analysis and interpretation. To be effective, the different available data sets should be linked during the model-generation process, e.g. by cooperative inversion. In this study, we apply a recently developed zonal cooperative inversion approach based on fuzzy c-means cluster analysis to a non-destructive testing experiment. After briefly reviewing the fundamentals of the inversion strategy, we present a synthetic study investigating the potential of the method to detect air-filled voids in masonry by using ultrasonic and georadar traveltime data. Then, we present and discuss laboratory experiments including the results of cooperatively inverted ultrasonic and georadar traveltimes collected at a masonry test specimen. The geometry of the specimen is known and is thus an ideal test object for a first-time real application of the novel zonal cooperative inversion procedure. Compared to the results of separate inversions of ultrasonic and georadar traveltimes, the zonal cooperative inversion allows for an improved delineation of the size and position of the cavities. The P-wave and georadar velocities determined for the model regions corresponding to the cavities are also improved.
This study investigates the non-destructive detection of delaminations in concrete plates using non-contact laser ablation, instead of the conventional hammer excitation, as part of the impact echo method. We performed tests on five concrete specimens of different sizes, two of which contained artificial delaminations. A range of steel ball hammers was used as reference impulse sources, the responses of which were compared with wave excitation generated by a 7 ns pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser with 150 mJ pulse energy. Signals were recorded by surface-mounted accelerometers and two contactless methods: microphones and a laser Doppler vibrometer. The laser generates frequencies across a broad range of frequencies (0 to 150 kHz) but with much less energy than the hammers' narrower frequency spectra; the laser pulse energy transferred into the specimen is 0.07 mJ, corresponding to about 0.5 ‰ of the impulse source energy. Because of this, the thick intact plates' characteristic thickness stretch resonance frequency can be reliably detected by the hammer excitations but not when using laser excitation. However, the laser can excite low-frequency flexural vibration modes over a shallow delamination at 3 cm depth. The low-frequency flexural vibration results are verified by numerical natural frequency analysis.
New thermography systems enable the application of active investigation techniques, i.e. the observation of the cooling down process after heating the surface of a structure under investigation. Defects like voids in concrete having a different thermal diffusivity in comparison to the bulk material are visualised by different surface temperatures. The differences between temperature transient curves above sound regions and above inhomogeneities are expected to include information about the defect parameters.
Experimental investigations with impulse thermography and radar on a concrete test specimen containing voids were analysed. Radar was used to determine the depth of the voids. The influence of size and depth of the voids on the temperature transient curves was studied for different heating times. The transient curves were also fitted with a simple semi-empirical model.
Determination of chloride content in concrete structures with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
(2005)
An important criterion for the evaluation of reinforced concrete structures is the measurement of the chloride content. This will normally be done by time consuming standard chemical methods. We propose the application of a spectroscopic technique, the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), which provides the advantages of a fast measurement, the potential for on-site application and the possibility to investigate a wide range of different measuring points. The surface can be scanned, or depth profiles are available from cores. Measurements can be performed directly on the sample surface and the results are available in near real time. We present LIBS results measured on concrete cores as well as on grinded and pressed material in comparison with the results of standard chemical methods. The optimum LIBS set-up and the experimental conditions to detect and measure chlorine in building materials are reported. The limits of detection were determined and calibration curves were measured.
Development of an Accurate and Robust Air-Coupled Ultrasonic Time-of-Flight Measurement Technique
(2022)
Ultrasonic time-of-flight (ToF) measurements enable the non-destructive characterization of material parameters as well as the reconstruction of scatterers inside a specimen. The time-consuming and potentially damaging procedure of applying a liquid couplant between specimen and transducer can be avoided by using air-coupled ultrasound. However, to obtain accurate ToF results, the waveform and travel time of the acoustic signal through the air, which are influenced by the ambient conditions, need to be considered. The placement of microphones as signal receivers is restricted to locations where they do not affect the sound field. This study presents a novel method for in-air ranging and ToF determination that is non-invasive and robust to changing ambient conditions or waveform variations. The in-air travel time was determined by utilizing the azimuthal directivity of a laser Doppler vibrometer operated in refracto-vibrometry (RV) mode. The time of entry of the acoustic signal was determined using the autocorrelation of the RV signal. The same signal was further used as a reference for determining the ToF through the specimen in transmission mode via cross-correlation. The derived signal processing procedure was verified in experiments on a polyamide specimen. Here, a ranging accuracy of <0.1 mm and a transmission ToF accuracy of 0.3μs were achieved. Thus, the proposed method enables fast and accurate non-invasive ToF measurements that do not require knowledge about transducer characteristics or ambient conditions.
Decades of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) for the quality assurance of concrete bridges revealed the necessity of developing procedures for building reference specimens for different defects. External objects have been widely used in specimen construction to represent defects. However, embedded materials can alter the actual defect characteristics, interrupting the NDE responses. This study proposes new approaches to fabricating reference specimens for reinforced concrete that feature substantial defects, including cracks, delamination, honeycombing and rebar corrosion, without external objects. As a result, realistic responses can be acquired to identify promising NDE methods for characterising actual deteriorations. The procedures were produced with the intent of being reproducible in any laboratory. Destructive and non-destructive testing methods were performed to verify the effectiveness of the processes in creating defects. This study provides research laboratories with techniques for
fabricating reference specimens for characterising defects and assessing the performance of NDE technologies.
The low-strain pile integrity testing method is used for quality control of new piles as well as length and integrity check for old piles. If no other methods for calibration are available, the accuracy and reliability of the techniques depend on a good estimation of the elastic wave velocity. In practice it is assumed that piles can be tested 7 days after casting and that the velocity is almost constant in all piles of one kind in a construction project. Recent measurements at the BAM test site in Horstwalde, Germany, showed that the 7 day criterion is not generally applicable.
The findings indicate that rolling contact fatigue with consecutive head checks develops preferentially in rail sections that have experienced operational work-hardening. Such hardening can be identified by instruments measuring the increased hardness values with respect to the base material. Eddy current testing was initially introduced with the aim to detect head checks and determine their damage depth. Because the material texture influences eddy current flow in the test objects very strongly, variations in hardness can easily be visualised using this method. Thus, in principle, it is possible to predict places where head checks will emerge later. This knowledge may be very helpful in improving our understanding of head check emergence under real conditions. This knowledge may also help in developing new and effective precautionary maintenance strategies.
Die Bestimmung der Belegreife von Estrichen erfolgt im Bauwesen meist unter Verwendung von zerstörenden Verfahren, die Probenentnahmen erfordern und nur punktuelle Daten liefern. Bei anhydritgebundenen Estrichen gelten 0,5 M% und bei zementgebundenen ca. 3,5 M% und höher als belegreifer Feuchtegehalt. Die Belegreife wird als Feuchtegehalt in Masseprozent (M%) bezogen auf die Trockenmasse des Baustoffes angegeben. Zur zerstörungsfreien Feuchtemessung existieren verschiedene einfach zu bedienende Handgeräte, die u. a. auf elektrischen, elektromagnetischen und kapazitiven Methoden beruhen. In dieser Arbeit wurden ein kapazitives (Kugelsonde), ein elektromagnetisches (Mikrowellensensoren) und ein elektrisches Messverfahren (Vierelektroden-Sonde) untersucht. Mit Ausnahme der Vierelektroden-Sonde weisen die Handgeräte keine ausreichende Sensitivität in Bereichen niedriger Feuchtegehalte unterhalb von 1 M% auf und scheinen somit nicht für anhydritgebundene Estriche geeignet zu sein. Für zementgebundene Estriche lassen sich hingegen mit allen getesteten Geräten Änderungen in dem Bereich der Belegreife erfassen. In dieser Arbeit wird zusätzlich die Wasserabgabe in g/m²/Tag als Bezugsgröße herangezogen. Die Wasserabgabe stellt ein geeigneteres Maß für die Schadensträchtigkeit dar und ermöglicht direkte Vergleiche unabhängig von der verwendeten Estrichart. Für alle getesteten Estriche konnte eine Wasserabgabe von ca. 8-10 g/m²/Tag als Belegreifegrenzwert bestimmt werden.
Unsafe tailings management facilities (TMFs) have caused serious accidents in Europe (e.g., Baia Mare, Romania, in 2000, Aznalcóllar, Spain, in 1998, and Stava, Italy, in 1985), threatening human health/life and the environment. While advanced design, construction and management procedures are available, their implementation requires greater emphasis. An integrated research project funded by the European Union was carried out between 2002 and 2005 with the overall goal of improving the safety of TMFs (Sustainable Improvement in Safety of Tailings Facilities-TAILSAFE, http://www.tailsafe.com/). The objective of TAILSAFE was to develop and apply methods of parameter evaluation and measurement for the assessment and improvement of the safety state of tailings facilities, with particular attention to the stability of tailings dams and slurries, the special risks inherent when such materials include toxic or hazardous wastes, and authorization and management procedures for tailings facilities. Aspects of tailings facilities design, water management and slurry transport, non-destructive and minimally intrusive testing methods, monitoring and the application of sensors, intervention and remediation options were considered in TAILSAFE. A risk reduction framework (the TAILSAFE Parameter Framework) was established to contribute to the avoidance of catastrophic accidents and hazards from tailings facilities. Tailings from the mining and primary processing of metals, minerals and coal were included within the scope of TAILSAFE. The project focused on the avoidance of hazards by developing procedures and methods for investigating and improving the stability of tailings dams and tailings bodies.
Experimental analysis of the acoustic field of an ultrasonic pulse induced by a fluidic switch
(2021)
Ultrasonic inspection is a common tool for non-destructive testing in civil engineering (NDT-CE). Currently, transducers are coupled directly to the specimen surface, which makes the inspection time-consuming. Air-coupled ultrasound (ACU) transducers are more time-efficient but need a high pressure amplitude as the impedance mismatch between the air and the concrete is high and large penetration depth is needed for the inspection. Current approaches aim at eliminating the impedance mismatch between the transducer and the air to gain amplitude; however, they hardly fulfill the NDT-CE requirements. In this study, an alternative approach for ultrasound generation is presented: the signal is generated by a fluidic switch that rapidly injects a mass flow into the ambience. The acoustic field, the flow field, and their interaction are investigated. It is shown that the signal has dominant frequencies in the range of 35–60 kHz, and the amplitude is comparable to that of a commercial ACU transducer.
Dielectric and electromechanical properties of the cellular polypropylene ferroelectret films (EMFIT), combining strong piezoelectric response with a low density and softness, evidence their high potential for the air-coupled ultrasonic applications. The disadvantage of the low coupling factor is compensated by the extremely low acoustic impedance, which provides excellent matching to air and promises efficient sound transmission through the airtransducer interface. The influence of the electrodes on the electromechanical properties was investigated. Electron beam evaporation technology was adapted to the EMFIT films, and films with both-sided Au and Al electrodes were prepared without reducing or suppressing of the electromechanical properties. Finally, prototype transducers based on the EMFIT films were developed. In spite of the simple construction and absence of matching layers, high sensitivity of the EMFIT transducers was proved in the air-coupled ultrasonic experiment. Amplitude and delay time scanned images of the polyethylene step wedge with holes, obtained in both pulse-echo and transmission modes, demonstrate that non-contact ultrasonic imaging and testing with EMFIT transducers is possible.
AbstractAir‐coupled ultrasonic testing (ACU) is a pioneering technique in non‐destructive testing (NDT). While contact testing and fluid immersion testing are standard methods in many applications, the adoption of ACU is progressing slowly, especially in the low ultrasonic frequency range. A main reason for this development is the difficulty of generating high amplitude ultrasonic bursts with equipment that is robust enough to be applied outside a laboratory environment. This paper presents the fluidic ultrasonic transducer as a solution to this challenge. This novel aeroacoustic source uses the flow instability of a sonic jet in a bistable fluidic switch to generate ultrasonic bursts up to 60 kHz with a mean peak pressure of 320 Pa. The robust design allows operation in adverse environments, independent of the operating fluid. Non‐contact through‐transmission experiments are conducted on four materials and compared with the results of conventional transducers. For the first time, it is shown that the novel fluidic ultrasonic transducer provides a suitable acoustic signal for NDT tasks and has potential of furthering the implementation of ACU in industrial applications.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
The majority of ultrasonic devices used for non-destructive testing in civil engineering require contact with the surface of the concrete (specimen), which significantly increases the time required for the measurement. This makes it impractical for extensive investigation of large-scale structures such as bridge decks, foundations, or tunnels.
In a pioneering approach, fluidic oscillators are used as contact free ultrasonic sources to overcome the aforementioned limitations. These robust and cost-effective actuators require only pressurised air and are ideally suited for harsh environments. At a constant supply pressure, they generate a continuous mono-frequent actuation signal. Further, varying the supply pressure via a fast pressure regulator was found to generate a frequency modulated signal which enabled time-of-flight measurement with an added advantage of increased signal to noise ratio. To demonstrate the feasibility of this novel idea of non-contact ultrasound, the results of the initial tests are presented.
The capabilities of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for defect detection in civil engineering are characterized by their different penetration depth, resolution and sensitivity to material properties. Therefore, in many cases multi-sensor NDT has to be performed, producing large data sets that require an efficient data evaluation framework. In this work an image fusion methodology is proposed based on unsupervised clustering methods. Their performance is evaluated on ground penetrating radar and infrared thermography data from laboratory concrete specimens with different simulated near-surface defects. It is shown that clustering could effectively partition the data for further feature level-based data fusion by improving the detectability of defects simulating delamination, voids and localized water. A comparison with supervised symbol level fusion shows that clustering-based fusion outperforms this, especially in situations with very limited knowledge about the material properties and depths of the defects. Additionally, clustering is successfully applied in a case study where a multi-sensor NDT data set was automatically collected by a self-navigating mobile robot system.
Visually detecting irregularities on components is a complex process, influenced by physical, technical, and human factors. Current standards mainly focus on illuminance, demanding highest accuracy for it, without providing scientific justification. In this research, 63 inspectors visually inspected forgings, with and without crack-like indications. The influence of illuminance on probability of detection was investigated. Therefore, illuminance was varied in three steps (200 lx, 350 lx, 500 lx). Human factors (e.g., experience, motivation) were recorded by using questionnaires. The results show no significant difference in probability of detection between the three illuminance levels. Equal probability of detection rates could be achieved at illuminances below and at the required threshold (500 lx). A difference in illuminance was found between the measurement point and the test area of the respective participant. This leads to higher assumed illuminance than present on the component. Compared with the measurement accuracy of the used illuminance meter, none of these deviations could be used to explain the similar results at different illuminance. The fact that illuminance has a significant influence in detecting indications has been disproven for this case. Whether human factors can provide explanation for the results remains unclear. This will be investigated in further research.
A new approach is discussed for characterizing the damage state of FRP with the appearance of micro cracking and its influence on the residual strength. For the quantitative analysis of micro cracking, X-ray refraction topography was used. Fatigue treatment of carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) laminates were performed to create defined damage states. With regard to real loading conditions of CFRP, studies on tube samples were performed to investigate two dimensional (tensiontorsion) loads. A rheological material model was presented which described the increase of micro cracking in ±45° CFRP laminates with a continuum mechanical approach. The correlation between the results of the X-ray refraction topography, the damage parameter of the rheological model and the decrease of residual strength were shown. The inter fibre fracture surface of the investigated CFRP materials was determined with tensiontorsion loaded tube specimens of 90°-laminate and a layer-wise strength analysis was done. Micro cracking occurs even at 50% inter-fibre fracture loading and can lead to a distinct strength reduction. The intralaminar fatigue effect itself seems to be an indication for the damage accumulation and the load history.
Learned block iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm for photothermal super resolution imaging
(2022)
Block-sparse regularization is already well known in active thermal imaging and is used for multiple-measurement-based inverse problems. The main bottleneck of this method is the choice of regularization parameters which differs for each experiment. We show the benefits of using a learned block iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm (LBISTA) that is able to learn the choice of regularization parameters, without the need to manually select them. In addition, LBISTA enables the determination of a suitable weight matrix to solve the underlying inverse problem. Therefore, in this paper we present LBISTA and compare it with state-of-the-art block iterative shrinkage thresholding using synthetically generated and experimental test data from active thermography for defect reconstruction. Our results show that the use of the learned block-sparse optimization approach provides smaller normalized mean square errors for a small fixed number of iterations. Thus, this allows us to improve the convergence speed and only needs a few iterations to generate accurate defect reconstruction in photothermal super-resolution imaging.
Light damage to selected organic materials in display cases: A study of different light sources
(2016)
The protection of works of art and cultural assets against light-induced aging is vital when planning exhibitions. Newly developed lighting systems render the selection of suitable light sources more difficult, not least in the context of energy–economical systems. This study accordingly examines different lighting systems (fluorescent tubes, halogen lamps, low-voltage metal halide lamps, and LED lamps) in terms of the damage potential they hold for the materials concerned. The changes in color were evaluated using the CIEDE2000 color-difference formula. This study focuses on selected organic materials and shows that changes in color already occur after only a brief exposure time. The color changes induced by the fluorescent tubes were consistently more intense than those induced by the other light sources. The results obtained with the remaining lamps show that the color changes depend more on the material under investigation than on the source used. The changes determined after a relatively short exposure period (five months) vividly demonstrate that exposing sensitive materials to light for longer terms (as is the case during a permanent exhibition) is most definitely a non-viable option.
The dataset presented contains ultrasonic data recorded in pulse echo mode. The investigated specimen is made of the isotropic homogeneous material polyamide and has a drill hole of constant diameter running parallel to the surface, which was scanned in a point grid using an automatic scanner system. At each measuring position, a pitch-catch measurement was performed using a sampling rate of 2 MHz. The probes used are arrays consisting of a spatially separated receiving and in-phase transmitting unit. The transmitting and receiving sides each consist of 12 point-shaped single probes. These dry-point contact (DPC) probes operate according to the piezoelectric principle at nominal frequencies of 55 kHz (shear waves) and 100 kHz (longitudinal waves), respectively, and do not require a coupling medium. The measurements are performed with longitudinal (100 kHz) and transverse (55 kHz) waves with different geometric orientations of the probe on the measurement surface. The data presented in the article provide a valid source for evaluating reconstruction algorithms for imaging in the low-frequency ultrasound range.
The dataset contains raw data gathered with the ultrasonic pulse-echo method on concrete specimens. The surfaces of the measuring objects were automatically scanned point by point. Pulse-echo measurements were performed at each of these measuring points. The test specimens represent two typical testing tasks in construction industry: the detection of objects and the determination of dimensions to describe the geometry of components. By automating the measurement process, the different test scenarios are examined with a high repeatability, precision and measuring point density. Longitu- dinal and transversal waves were used and the geometrical aperture of the testing system was varied. The low-frequency probes operate in a range of up to approximately 150 kHz. In addition to the specification of the geometrical dimensions of the individual probes, the directivity pattern and the sound field characteristics are provided. The raw data are stored in a universally readable format. The length of each time signal (A-scan) is two milliseconds and the sampling rate is two mega-samples per second. The provided data can be used for comparative studies in signal analysis, imag- ing and interpretation as well as for evaluation pur- poses in different, practically relevant testing scenarios.
Mechanisms and fast kinetics of the catastrophic optical damage (COD) in GaAs-based diode lasers
(2011)
COD diagram determined for a batch of broad-area AlGaAs diode lasers. The time to COD within a single current pulse is plotted versus the actual average optical power in the moment when the COD takes place. Full circles stand for clearly identified COD events (right ordinate), whereas open circles (left ordinate) represent the pulse duration in experiments, where no COD has been detected. A borderline (gray) exists between two regions, i. e., parameter sets, of presence (orange) and absence of COD (blue). This borderline is somewhat blurred because of the randomness in filamentation of the laser nearfield and scatter in properties of the involved individual devices.
Adopting X-ray computed tomography (XCT) for ex-situ characterization of battery materials has gained interest in the past decade. The main goal of this paper is to demonstrate the effectiveness of several X-ray computer tomography techniques to study commercial batteries. General guidelines are provided to select the most suitable imaging equipment and parameters for investigations of lithium-ion batteries, spanning the length scales from cell to electrode, down to particle level. Relevantly, such parameters would also be suitable for operando experiments.
Safety mechanisms and manufacturing inconsistencies at cell level as well as defects and inhomogeneity in cathode and anode is illustrated and quantified. Furthermore, relation of beam energy and sample-detector-distance on contrast retrieved from attenuation and phase shift is inspected using Synchrotron XCT.
Complex special inspection of an old masonry arch bridge according to the Guideline on Inspection and Condition Assessment of Railway Bridges and numerical analysis of the structure are presented. The guideline summarises recommendations for the step-by-step investigation of railway bridges applying enhanced methods developed during the EU-funded project Sustainable Bridges. For the investigation of the arch barrel, the ballast parameters and the inner structure of the backfill behind the arch barrel a number of various advanced non-destructive and minor-destructive testing methods were applied. Deformation of the structure during load tests was measured using three independent measuring systems: laser vibrometer, LVDT and microwave radar. Results of calculations performed with 2D and 3D models based on FEM are compared with the field load tests. Sensitivity of the ultimate load of the structure to investigated parameters is studied in FE model. Some general conclusions according to methods of testing and modelling of masonry arch bridges are presented and discussed.
Complex special inspection of an old masonry arch bridge according to the Guideline on Inspection and Condition Assessment of Railway Bridges and numerical analysis of the structure are presented. The guideline summarises recommendations for the step-by-step investigation of railway bridges applying enhanced methods developed during the EU-funded project Sustainable Bridges. For the investigation of the arch barrel, the ballast parameters and the inner structure of the backfill behind the arch barrel a number of various advanced non-destructive and minor-destructive testing methods were applied. Deformation of the structure during load tests was measured using three independent measuring systems: laser vibrometer, LVDT and microwave radar. Results of calculations performed with 2D and 3D models based on FEM are compared with the field load tests. Sensitivity of the ultimate load of the structure to investigated parameters is studied in FE model. Some general conclusions according to methods of testing and modelling of masonry arch bridges are presented and discussed.