Open Access

Imaging methods like Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique (SAFT) are based on the principle of propagation of the measured ultrasonic wave field back to field sources. In the case of a pulse-echo measurement, this back propagation under some approximating conditions leads to an image of the scattering object with well known properties and imperfections. The back propagation through the object which is under concern needs the knowledge of material properties in respect of the wave propagation. If these properties are known, we can use imaging algorithms like SAFT with all their advantages (computational speed and robustness) not only for isotropic but also for anisotropic material; moreover, the inverse ropagation concept allows crossing boundaries between materials, even if the materials are anisotropic. Examples of this concept are given with modelled and measured data for tendon duct imaging in concrete structures, for 3D imaging of air cavities in wood specimens and for imaging of defects in anisotropic welds.

Inhalt ist die zerstörungsfreie Detailuntersuchung von Holzbauteilen mit einem dreidimensional abbildenden Ultraschall-Echoverfahren. Das neu entwickelte 3D-Verfahren berücksichtigt den anisotropen Aufbau des Holzes. Die Bildschnitte und Projektionen werden aus flächigen Ultraschallaufnahmen berechnet. Die Messungen erfolgen an Probekörpern sowie an Bauteilen aus der Praxis. In dem Forschungsvorhaben wird die für Holz neue 3D-Rekonstruktionsrechnung verwendet und mit dem Ziel weiterentwickelt, unter Berücksichtigung der anisotropen Struktur des Holzes eine dreidimensional aufgelöste Abbildung von Reflektoren im Inneren der Holzbauteile zu ermöglichen. Damit werden die bisher für Holzbauteile zur Verfügung stehenden Verfahren entscheidend ergänzt, weil nun eine hochgenaue dreidimensionale Abbildung erreichbar ist (Auflösung: 20 mm und besser).

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.