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- Non-destructive testing (5) (entfernen)
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.
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.
This paper presents the progress of successful location of grouting faults in tendon ducts with ultrasonic imaging. The examples were obtained in the research group FOR 384 funded by DFG (German Research Foundation). The co-operation of experimental research and modeling allowed imaging and identification of grouted and ungrouted areas of tendon ducts (including strands) in a large test specimen (40 m²). In addition to the criteria for indicating grouting faults in post-tensioned ducts known until now the phase evaluation of reflected ultrasonic pulses is described. Experiments and modeling of wave propagation are presented for reflections at metal plates in concrete (thickness range 0.5 mm to 40 mm) and for tendon ducts including strands.
The main part of the progress was achieved by automated measurements using dry contact transducers, 3D-SAFT reconstruction including phase evaluation and modeling considering wave propagation for typical elastic parameters and exact experimental site conditions. The results for shear waves as well as for pressure waves are compared in the frequency range from 50 kHz to 120 kHz.
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.