Chemie und Prozesstechnik
Filtern
Dokumenttyp
- Vortrag (127)
- Zeitschriftenartikel (84)
- Beitrag zu einem Tagungsband (49)
- Posterpräsentation (38)
- Sonstiges (9)
- Forschungsdatensatz (8)
- Buchkapitel (5)
- Dissertation (2)
- Beitrag zu einem Sammelband (1)
- Handbuch (1)
Sprache
- Englisch (232)
- Deutsch (92)
- Mehrsprachig (1)
Schlagworte
- Concrete (83)
- Ultrasound (57)
- LIBS (56)
- Non-destructive testing (33)
- Beton (25)
- NDT (22)
- Monitoring (21)
- Ultraschall (20)
- Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung (20)
- Nondestructive testing (17)
Organisationseinheit der BAM
- 8.2 Zerstörungsfreie Prüfmethoden für das Bauwesen (325) (entfernen)
Paper des Monats
- ja (1)
Eingeladener Vortrag
- nein (127)
"Die effiziente Verwendung von Messergebnissen bei der Nachrechnung und von Ergebnissen aus zerstörungsfreien Prüfungen im Speziellen setzt voraus, dass die Relevanz der messbaren Informationen beziffert, die Qualität der gemessenen Information berechnet und die Anforderungen an die Genauigkeit der Inspektionen aus der statischen Berechnung abgeleitet werden können. Der Vergleich der Anforderungen an eine zu messende Information mit der Qualität der gemessenen Information wird in diesem Aufsatz als Validierung eines Messverfahrens aufgefasst. Es wird gezeigt, wie zerstörungsfreie Prüfverfahren für die Nachrechnung validiert werden können. Die Methodik wird anhand einer mit der Ultraschallecho- und Impulsradarmethode untersuchten Spannbetonbrücke demonstriert."
Die Alterung bestehender Brückenbauwerke fällt mit dem sich verschlechternden Zustand und zunehmenden Anforderungen an die Bausubstanz zusammen, die eine Folge von steigenden Verkehrszahlen und der Zulassung des Schwerlastverkehrs sind. Der daraus erwachsende Bedarf an Beurteilungen von bestehenden Brücken ist national und international fortwährend groß. Die Grundlage für Nachrechnungen sind die über das System verfügbaren Informationen. Sowohl die rechnerische Zuverlässigkeit eines Tragwerks als auch die Validität der Ergebnisse hängen im Wesentlichen vom Zustand, also von der Qualität und der Relevanz dieser Informationen ab. Die gezielte Messung von gütebewerteten, relevanten Informationen kann die Urteilsfähigkeit des Beurteilenden über die Zuverlässigkeit eines Tragwerks signifikant steigern. Wünschenswert ist die Erhebung derartiger Informationen ohne signifikante Eingriffe in die Bausubstanz.
Das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist die Entwicklung und Erprobung einer Vorgehensweise für die probabilistische Beurteilung von bestehenden Bauwerken mit zerstörungsfrei gemessenen Daten und einer Methodik zum objektiven Nachweis der Eignung von zerstörungsfreien Messverfahren zur Anwendung im Zuge einer Nachrechnung. Herausgestellt wird die Eignung der im Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) publizierten Regeln zur Bewertung der Qualität der gemessenen Informationen, die später im statischen Nachweis verwendet werden sollen. Die Anforderungen an die Basisvariablen, d. h. an die Eingangsgrößen im probabilistischen Nachweis, werden aus den Vorschriften zur Zuverlässigkeitsanalyse mit dem probabilistischen Näherungsverfahren FORM, der First Order Reliability Method, abgeleitet. Darauf basiert die Entwicklung der Schnittstelle zwischen der Messtechnik und der Nachrechnung. Im Kern werden die messdatenbasierten Basisvariablen explizit als Zufallsgrößen bei der Zuverlässigkeitsanalyse berücksichtigt. Die entwickelte Vorgehensweise wird am Beispiel von zwei Spannbetonbrücken und vier Basisvariablen erprobt. In die Nachweise der Biege- und der Querkrafttragfähigkeit sowie in einen Nachweis der Dekompression fließen geometrische Messergebnisse ein, die mithilfe von Radar- und Ultraschallmessungen generiert werden. Ein wichtiger Bestandteil ist die Bildung von Modellen zur Auswertung der Messungen und zur Berechnung der Messergebnisse.
Es wird gezeigt, dass die Einbeziehung der zerstörungsfrei generierten Messergebnisse die Unsicherheit in den Berechnungsmodellen reduzieren und den Grad der Annäherung der Modelle
an die Realität steigern kann. Die Messergebnisse sind zuverlässig und vergleichbar. Umfassende Sensitivitätsanalysen geben Aufschluss über sinnvollerweise zu messende Bauwerksparameter, die einen maßgeblichen Einfluss auf die Tragwerkszuverlässigkeit ausüben. Auf diese Weise wird die Relevanz der Informationen ermittelt. Das Potential derartiger Analysen für die gezielte Planung und Beauftragung von Messungen sowie für die bedarfsgerechte Zuschärfung von initial unzureichenden Berechnungsmodellen erscheint groß. Die messdatenbasierten Modelle können darüber hinaus die Robustheit einer Tragwerksanalyse steigern. Die Berücksichtigung von Messergebnissen ist dann besonders nützlich, wenn zur Beurteilung erforderliche Informationen fehlen oder Zweifel an den verfügbaren Informationen aufgekommen sind. Im besten Fall resultiert daraus die Verlängerung von rechnerischen Restnutzungsdauern, die Steigerung der Verfügbarkeit der Infrastruktur, die Optimierung des Ressourcenverbrauchs und insgesamt eine realitätsnahe Bauwerksbewertung.
Die ZfP ist im Bauwesen bisher deutlich weniger reguliert (und auch akzeptiert) als in anderen Industriebereichen. Zum Beispiel gibt für die meisten Prüfverfahren weder Normen noch ein allgemein akzeptiertes Ausbildungs- und Zertifizierungssystem.
Dies hat auch Konsequenzen für die Digitalisierung. Im Gegensatz dazu wird im Bauwesen derzeit für viele Bereiche verbindlich ein neues Verfahren zur Unterstützung von Design, Planung, Herstellung und Betrieb eingeführt: BIM (Building Information Modeling). Der Vortrag beleuchtet das Spannungsfeld zwischen dem geringen Organisations- und Standardisierungsgrad und den neuen digitalen Möglichkeiten und stellt den neuen Arbeitskreis zur ZfP 4.0 im Bauwesen vor. Er beleuchtet auch, in welchen Bereichen die ZfP im Bauwesen von Entwicklungen aus „Industrie 4.0“ und der zerstörungsfreien Prüfung in anderen Anwendungsbereichen profitieren kann - z. B. bei Datenformaten, Datenarchivierung und Schnittstellen.
Die ZfP ist im Bauwesen bisher deutlich weniger reguliert (und auch akzeptiert) als in anderen Industriebereichen. Zum Beispiel gibt für die meisten Prüfverfahren weder Normen noch ein allgemein akzeptiertes Ausbildungs- und Zertifizierungssystem.
Dies hat auch Konsequenzen für die Digitalisierung. Im Gegensatz dazu wird im Bauwesen derzeit für viele Bereiche verbindlich ein neues Verfahren zur Unterstützung von Design, Planung, Herstellung und Betrieb eingeführt: BIM (Building Information Modeling). Der Vortrag beleuchtet das Spannungsfeld zwischen dem geringen Organisations- und Standardisierungsgrad und den neuen digitalen Möglichkeiten und stellt den neuen Arbeitskreis zur ZfP 4.0 im Bauwesen vor. Er beleuchtet auch, in welchen Bereichen die ZfP im Bauwesen von Entwicklungen aus „Industrie 4.0“ und der zerstörungsfreien Prüfung in anderen Anwendungsbereichen profitieren kann - z. B. bei Datenformaten, Datenarchivierung und Schnittstellen.
Messen heißt wissen. Dieses Wissen spiegelt die Realität wider und soll den Statiker eines bestehenden Bauwerkes bei der Entscheidungsfindung über die Sicherheit und Zuverlässigkeit der Konstruktion unterstützen. Gegenüber dem Neubauentwurf können bei der Bewertung von bestehender Bausubstanz Sicherheitsreserven genutzt werden, da Unsicherheiten, die beim Bau auftreten können, besser bekannt oder nicht mehr vorhanden sind. Können solche Unsicherheiten genauer bewertet werden, z. B. durch die Feststellung der genauen Lage der Spannglieder bei einer Spannbetonbrücke, so können Sicherheitsbeiwerte reduziert werden, ohne dass es dabei zu Auswirkungen auf das normativ festgelegte Zuverlässigkeitsniveau kommt. Mittlerweile sind Prüfmethoden an Bauwerken wirtschaftlich einsetzbar und auch so leistungsfähig, dass die für die Tragfähigkeit und Gebrauchstauglichkeit wesentlichen Parameter identifiziert werden können. Ein wesentlicher Punkt ist hierbei die Integration derartiger Messergebnisse in Rechenmodelle, die für die Nachrechnung des Bauwerks verwendet werden. Dies können sowohl semiprobabilistische Rechenmodelle als auch vollprobabilistische Modelle sein. Bei semiprobabilistischen Methoden können aus den Messergebnissen Teilsicherheitsbeiwerte berechnet und abgeleitet werden, die dann in den bekannten Nachweisformaten gemäß den Eurocodes und der Nachrechnungsrichtlinie berücksichtigt werden. Bei vollprobabilistischen Nachweisen können die Messdaten in Form von Verteilungsdichtefunktionen mit gemessenen Variationskoeffizienten direkt in das Rechenmodell eingehen.
Dieses erste Memorandum zur Lehre und Forschung an deutschsprachigen Hochschulen auf dem Gebiet der zerstörungsfreien Prüfung im Bauwesen gibt einen Überblick hinsichtlich der akademischen Ausbildung und zeigt mögliche Schwerpunkte vor allem in der Lehre auf. Diese Schwerpunkte berücksichtigen auch aktuelle Entwicklungen und Themen auf dem Gebiet der Forschung. Es werden Anregungen zur Entwicklung bzw. Weiterentwicklung der Lehr-Curricula im Hinblick auf eine umfassende und solide fachliche Ausbildung der Studierenden des Bauwesens und angrenzender Fachrichtungen gegeben. Inhaltlich und formal lehnt sich der Beitrag an dem Memorandum der Hochschullehrer im Fachgebiet „Werkstoffe im Bauwesen“ (Breit et al., 2012) an und beruht auf einer Initiative des Unterausschusses Ausbildung – Arbeitsgruppe Ausbildung in der Hochschule – des Fachausschusses ZfP im Bauwesen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für zerstörungsfreie Prüfung (DGZfP). Die Hauptredaktion wurde übernommen von Prof. Christian U. Grosse (TU München) und Prof. Ralf W. Arndt (FH Erfurt).
Inhalt der Präsentation:
- Einführung in das Prinzip der Laufzeitmessung
- Vorteile bei der Anwendung von Volumenverfahren an Spannbetonbrücken
- Möglichkeiten zur Beurteilung der Leistungsfähigkeit von ZfP-Verfahren und zur Verwendung der Messergebnisse in probabilistischen Nachweisen von Bestandstragwerken
Nuklear magnetische Resonanz (NMR) etabliert sich zunehmend im Bauingenieurwesen als eine alternative Methode zur zerstörungsfreien Feuchtebestimmung in Baustoffen. Schäden, die durch einen zu hohen Anteil an Flüssigwasser auftreten können, sind Ablösungen, Korrosion, Frostschäden, Induktion von Salzkristallisationen, etc. Aufgrund der Sensitivität für 1H-Protonen, ist NMR eine geeignete Methode zur Feuchtedetektion. Dabei kann laut Theorie zwischen frei, chemisch oder physikalisch gebundenem Wasser differenziert werden, während in der Praxis abhängig von der Messtechnik und Probengröße größtenteils nur das freie Wasser detektierbar ist. Mithilfe der NMR Relaxometrie lassen sich nicht nur Relaxationsabklingkurven ermitteln, sondern auch Relaxationszeitenverteilungen, sowie bei Vollsättigung ggf. eine Porengrößenverteilung ableiten. Darüber hinaus lassen sich erste Annahmen über die Entwicklung der Porensättigung bei Teilsättigung der Probe treffen.
Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Untersuchung der zeitlichen Entwicklung der Porensättigung während des natürlichen Trocknungsprozesses (Teilsättigung) sowie die Ermittlung der Porengrößenverteilung an Beispiel von zementgebundenen Estrichen. Für den Versuch wurden zwei zementgebundene Estrichproben nach abgeschlossener Hydratation wieder aufgesättigt. Während des anschließenden natürlichen Trocknungsprozesses wurden regelmäßig NMR-Messungen durchgeführt sowie die Massenentwicklung observiert. Hauptfokus lag auf der zeitlichen und tiefenabhängigen Entwicklung der Relaxationszeitenverteilungen. Bei fortschreitender Trocknung der Proben konnte eine Verschiebung des Maximums der Relaxationszeitenverteilung zu kleineren Zeiten beobachtet werden. Die Ursache liegt zum einen in dem abnehmenden Anteil an freiem Wasser in größeren Poren und zum anderen in dem verhältnismäßig zunehmenden Signalanteil durch Wasser in kleineren Poren.
Durch den Vergleich mit Quecksilberporosimetrie und Gas-Adsorptions-Ergebnissen, konnte aus den NMR-Daten eine unimodale Porengrößenverteilung mit einer dominanten Porengröße von 0,08 bis 0,1 µm und eine effektive Oberflächenrelaxivität von ca. 10 bis 30 µm/s abgeleitet werden.
Until the 1980s radiography was used to inspect civil structures in case of special demands and showed a much better resolution than other NDT techniques. However, due to safety concerns and cost issues, this method is almost never used anymore. Meanwhile, non-destructive techniques such as ultrasound or
radar have found regular, successful practical application but sometimes suffer from limited resolution and accuracy, imaging artefacts or restrictions in detecting certain features when applied to reinforced or prestressed concrete inspection.
Muon tomography has received much attention recently. Muons are particles generated naturally by cosmic rays in the upper atmosphere and pose no risk to humans. Novel detectors and tomographic imaging algorithms have opened new fields of application, mainly in the nuclear sector, but also in spectacular cases such as the Egyptian pyramids.
As a first step towards practical application in civil engineering and as a proof of concept we used an existing system to image the interior of a reference reinforced 600 kg concrete block. Even with a yet not optimized setup for this kind of investigation, the muon imaging results have been at least of similar quality compared to ultrasonic and radar imaging, potentially even better. Recently, the research was expanded to more realistic testing problems such as the detection of voids in certain structural elements. However, before practical implementation, more robust, mobile, and affordable detectors would be required as well as user-Friendly imaging and simulation software.
X-rays without X-rays: Can muon tomography provide pictures from within concrete and other objects?
(2024)
Until the 1980s radiography was used to inspect civil structures in case of special demands and showed a much better resolution than other NDT techniques. However, due to safety concerns and cost issues, this method is almost never used anymore. Meanwhile, non-destructive techniques such as ultrasound or
radar have found regular, successful practical application but sometimes suffer from limited resolution and accuracy, imaging artefacts or restrictions in detecting certain features when applied to reinforced or prestressed concrete inspection.
Muon tomography has received much attention recently. Muons are particles generated naturally by cosmic rays in the upper atmosphere and pose no risk to humans. Novel detectors and tomographic imaging algorithms have opened new fields of application, mainly in the nuclear sector, but also in spectacular cases such as the Egyptian pyramids.
As a first step towards practical application in civil engineering and as a proof of concept we used an existing system to image the interior of a reference reinforced 600 kg concrete block. Even with a yet not optimized setup for this kind of investigation, the muon imaging results have been at least of similar quality compared to ultrasonic and radar imaging, potentially even better. Recently, the research was expanded to more realistic testing problems such as the detection of voids in certain structural elements. However, before practical implementation, more robust, mobile, and affordable detectors would be required as well as user-Friendly imaging and simulation software.
The talk also discusses other applications , such as volcanology, mining and geothermal exploration.
Im Jahre 2011 wurde in Deutschland nach 50 Jahren der Ausstieg aus der kommerziellen Kernenergie beschlossen. Fünf Jahre später war Deutschland mit 80.000 GWh immer noch unter den zehn größten Atomstromproduzenten. Im darauffolgenden Jahr wurden weltweit 2.500.000 GWh Atomstrom produziert. Durch die Atomstromproduktion fallen große Mengen an radioaktiven Reststoffen an, die bis zu mehrere tausend Jahre für einen vollständigen Abbau benötigen. Aus dieser Problematik geht die Debatte über den Verbleib der Reststoffe hervor. Die Endlagerung in tiefen Gesteinsschichten ist eine Lösung für das Problem. Voraussetzung ist hierbei allerdings die Gewährleistung eines dauerhaften Schutzes vor ionisierender Strahlung, die durch Verschlüsse der tiefen Gesteinsschichten in Form von Verschlussbauwerken erzielt werden sollen. Es gilt die bauliche Integrität sowie die Dichtwirkung der Verschlussbauwerke dauerhaft zu überwachen und zu prüfen, um eine langfristige Verzögerung der Radionuklidfreisetzung zu gewährleisten.
This contribution attempts to shed light on the application of POD analyses and measurement uncertainty calculations in nondestructive testing of concrete structures to provide useful and quality-assured information for reliability assessments of our built environment - with an emphasis on ground penetrating radar. It is shown that signal processing techniques affect POD analysis results to varying degrees, that measurement uncertainties are useful to validate PODs, and that the utilization of both POD analysis and measurement uncertainty calculations can pave the way to NDT-based reliability assessment, which will be exemplarily demonstrated in conclusion – generally aiming to derive those maintenance strategies and actions that are in line with actual demands.
Vortrag über die Berechnung von Messunsicherheiten und die POD-Analyse zur Aufbereitung von ZfP-Ergebnissen für die Zuverlässigkeitsbewertung bestehender Bauwerke.
Zerstörungsfreie Prüfverfahren (ZfPBau-Verfahren) sind auch im Bauwesen stets an praxisrelevante Prüfaufgaben gekoppelt. Die Ermittlung beispielsweise eines Ist-Zustandes im Vorfeld einer Betoninstandsetzung oder die Ermittlung von Schadensursache und Schadensumfang als Folge wiederkehrender Untersuchungen von Brücken nach DIN 1076 sind etablierte Anwendungsgebiete der ZfPBau. Mit der Einführung der Nachrechnungsrichtlinie für Straßenbrücken im Jahr 2011 hat die Nachfrage nach ZfPBau-Dienstleistungen einerseits stark zugenommen, andererseits eröffnet sie Möglichkeiten, in statischen Nachweisen die tatsächlichen Eigenschaften bestehender Konstruktionen rechnerisch anzusetzen. Dazu aber müssen Messergebnisse statistisch bewertet werden können. Dies geschieht durch eine einheitliche Ermittlung der Messunsicherheit, mit der die Voraussetzungen geschaffen werden, um Messergebnisse von ZfPBau-Verfahren in statischen Berechnungen verwenden zu können. Im folgenden Beitrag wird gezeigt, wie Messgrößen der ZfPBau als (stochastische) Basisvariablen in probabilistische Nachweise zur Berechnung der Zuverlässigkeit einfließen können, indem Grenzzustandsgleichungen modifiziert werden. Mit dieser Vorgehensweise sind weitere Schlussfolgerungen aus den Ergebnissen möglich.
Validation of novel ultrasonic phased array borehole probe by using simulation and measurement
(2022)
Low-frequency ultrasonic testing is a well-established non-destructive testing (NDT) method in civil engineering for material characterization and the localization of cracks, reinforcing bars and delamination. A novel ultrasonic borehole probe is developed for in situ quality assurance of sealing structures in radioactive waste repositories using existing research boreholes. The aim is to examine the sealing structures made of salt concrete for any possible cracks and delamination and to localize built-in components. A prototype has been developed using 12 individual horizontal dry point contact (DPC) shear wave transducers separated by equidistant transmitter/receiver arrays. The probe is equipped with a commercially available portable ultrasonic flaw detector used in the NDT civil engineering industry. To increase the sound pressure generated, the number of transducers in the novel probe is increased to 32 transducers. In addition, the timed excitation of each transducer directs a focused beam of sound to a specific angle and distance based on the previously calculated delay time. This narrows the sensitivity of test volume and improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the received signals. In this paper, the newly designed phased array borehole probe is validated by beam computation in the CIVA software and experimental investigations on a half-cylindrical test specimen to investigate the directional characteristics. In combination with geophysical reconstruction methods, it is expected that an optimised radiation pattern of the probe will improve the signal quality and thus increase the reliability of the imaging results. This is an important consideration for the construction of safe sealing structures for the safe disposal of radioactive or toxic waste.
Validation of artificial defects for Non-destructive testing measurements on a reference structure
(2018)
Non-destructive testing was established over the last decades as an important tool for assessing damages, material characterization and quality assurance in civil engineering. For example, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) can be used to scan large areas of concrete structures to determine the spatial position of the reinforcement. With the ultrasonic echo method, the thickness of concrete structures can be easily determined even if a high density of reinforcement is given. Various methods and processes have been developed for the validation of NDT procedures aiming at ensuring the quality of measurements in practical use. The Probability of Detection (POD) for example, is an available method to compare different technical devices with each other quantitatively regarding their performance. With this method, the best suited testing device for a specific inspection task under defined boundary conditions can be selected. By using the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM), it is possible to quantify the measurement uncertainty of an inspection procedure for a specific task. Another important aspect to improve the acceptance of non-destructive testing methods is the development of reference specimens.
Reference specimens serve for the calibration and further development of NDT methods under realistic conditions in different laboratories under the same conditions. This is an essential prerequisite for round robin tests. A particular challenge here is the most realistic representation of a damage that can occur at building sites. Possible damages include for example horizontal and vertical cracks or honeycombs in concrete. Such a reference structure was built for the development of a new design of power plant constructions. Comparative studies on the manufacturing of realistic honeycombs and delaminations were carried out in advance on a test specimen. The results of this study are presented here.
Validation of artificial defects for non-destructive testing measurements on a reference structure
(2018)
Non-destructive testing was established over the last decades as an important tool for assessing damages, material characterization and quality assurance in civil engineering. For example, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) can be used to scan large areas of concrete structures to determine the spatial position of the reinforcement. With the ultrasonic echo method, the thickness of concrete structures can be easily determined even if a high density of reinforcement is given. Various methods and processes have been developed for the validation of NDT procedures aiming at ensuring the quality of measurements in practical use. The Probability of Detection (POD) for example, is an available method to compare different technical devices with each other quantitatively regarding their performance. With this method, the best suited testing device for a specific inspection task under defined boundary conditions can be selected. By using the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM), it is possible to quantify the measurement uncertainty of an inspection procedure for a specific task. Another important aspect to improve the acceptance of Non-destructive testing methods is the development of reference specimens.
Reference specimens serve for the calibration and further development of NDT methods under realistic conditions in different laboratories under the same conditions. A particular challenge here is the most realistic representation of a damage that can occur at building sites. Possible damages include for example horizontal and vertical cracks or honeycombs in concrete. Such a reference structure was built for the development of a new design of power plant constructions. Comparative studies on the manufacturing of realistic honeycombs and delaminations were carried out in advance on a test specimen. The results of this study are presented here.
The corner echo is a well-known effect in ultrasonic testing, which allows detection of surface breaking cracks with predominantly perpendicular orientation to the surface as, for example, corrosion cracks in metal pipes or shafts. This echo is formed by two planes, the surface of the crack and the surface which the crack breaks. It can also be classified as a half-skip method, since a reflection of the pulse occurs on the backwall before the reflection at the defect takes place. In combination with the diffraction from the crack tip, the corner echo also allows crack sizing. As shown in this paper, the corner reflection can be used in civil engineering for nondestructive inspection of concrete. Commercially available low frequency ultrasonic arrays with dry point contact sources generate SH transversal waves with sufficient divergence of the sound field in order to detect corner reflections. Ultrasonic line-scans and area-scans were acquired with a linear array on flat concrete specimens, and the data were reconstructed by the Synthetic aperture focusing technique. If the angles and the area of reconstruction are chosen accordingly, the corner echo reflection can be distinguished from other ultrasonic information. The corner echo can thus be used as a method for deciding whether a crack is a partial-depth crack or a full-depth crack and thus for obtaining a statement about crack depth. This paper presents corresponding experimental results obtained on concrete specimens with artificial test defects and cracks induced under controlled conditions.
Ultrasonic testing is a widely applied measurement method in materials research and medicine. Commonly, a transducer is coupled to the specimen directly or via a liquid coupling agent. While reducing acoustic transmission losses significantly, this procedure is time-consuming and cannot be used for sensitive specimens. Air-coupled ultrasound is a viable alternative in such cases, although suffering from very high acoustic transmission losses between transducer, air and specimen. The recently introduced fluidic transducer (FT) generates ultrasound by utilizing the instability of a supersonic air jet switched inside a fluidic amplifier. Since only air is used as the working medium and no vibrating surfaces are used for ultrasound generation, the transducer is able to efficiently generate large acoustic pressure amplitudes. The resulting acoustic field shares its directivity with the ejected high-velocity air jet. Thus, the acoustic energy needs to be redirected from the jet axis in order to make the fluidic transducer applicable to sensitive specimens. In this study, the effectivity of using sonic crystals (SCs) for this redirection is investigated using acoustic and flow measurements. SCs are air-permeable while being reflective to large acoustic frequency bands. It was shown that both a defect waveguide and a mirroring strategy successfully redirected the acoustic field from the air jet. Furthermore, the interaction of flow and SC showed strong acoustic quenching if the SC was placed too close to the FT outlet. Blockage of the jet entrainment due to the SC may result in slightly higher off-axis flow velocities locally, which should be considered in sensitive applications.
In ultrasonic testing, the time of flight (ToF) of a signal can be used to infer material and structural properties of a test item. In dispersive media, extracting the bulk wave velocity from a received signal is challenging as the waveform changes along its path of propagation. When using signal features such as the first peak or the envelope maximum, the calculated velocity changes with the propagation distance. This does not occur when picking the signal onset. Borrowing from seismology, researchers used the Akaike information criterion (AIC) picker to automatically obtain onset times. In addition to being dependent on arbitrarily set parameters, the AIC picker assumes no prior knowledge of the spectral properties of the signal. This is unnecessary in ultrasonic through-transmission testing, where the signal spectrum is known to differ significantly from noise. In this contribution, a novel parameter-free onset picker is proposed, that is based on a spectral entropy criterion (SEC) to model the signal using the AIC framework. Synthetic and experimental data are used to compare the performance of SEC and AIC pickers, showing an improved accuracy for densely sampled data.
Ultrasonic transmission measurements are used to monitor concrete elements mostly on a laboratory scale since decades. Recently, coda wave interferometry, a technique adapted from seismology, has been introduced to civil engineering experiments. It can be used to reveal subtle changes in concrete samples and even large construction elements without having a transducer directly at the location where the change is taking place. The methodology works best with embedded transducers to avoid coupling issues or excessive environmental influence. These transducers can be used for newly built and existing structures. Recently, large concrete beams have been equipped with a network of transducers and loaded until failure. Using code wave interferometry, it was possible to visualize stress fields and damaged areas. This paper gives an overview of the state of the art, recent results achieved at BAM and a task list for further results and development.
Ultrasonic transmission measurements are used to monitor concrete elements mostly on a laboratory scale since decades. Recently, coda wave interferometry, a technique adapted from seismology, has been introduced to civil engineering experiments. It can be used to reveal subtle changes in concrete samples and even large construction elements without having a transducer directly at the location where the change is taking place. The methodology works best with embedded transducers to avoid coupling issues or excessive environmental influence. These transducers can be used for newly built and existing structures. Recently, large concrete beams have been equipped with a network of transducers and loaded until failure. Using code wave interferometry, it was possible to visualize stress fields and damaged areas. This paper gives an overview of the state of the art, recent results achieved at BAM and a task list for further results and development.
Ultrasonic coda wave interferometry can detect small changes in scattering materials like concrete. We embedded ultrasonic transducers in the Gänstorbrücke Ulm, a monitored road bridge in Germany, to test the methodology. Since fall 2020, we've been monitoring parts of the bridge and comparing the results to commercial monitoring systems. We calculate signal and volumetric velocity changes using coda waves, and long-term measurements show that the influence of temperature on strains and ultrasound velocity changes can be monitored. Velocity change maps indicate that different parts of the bridge react differently to environmental temperature changes, revealing local material property differences. A load experiment with trucks allows calibration to improve detectability of possibly damaging events. Our work focuses on measurement reliability, potential use of and distinction from temperature effects, combination with complementary sensing systems, and converting measured values to information for damage and life cycle assessment.
Ultrasonic coda wave interferometry can detect small changes in scattering materials like concrete. We embedded ultrasonic transducers in the Gänstorbrücke Ulm, a monitored road bridge in Germany, to test the methodology. Since fall 2020, we've been monitoring parts of the bridge and comparing the results to commercial monitoring systems. We calculate signal and volumetric velocity changes using coda waves, and long-term measurements show that the influence of temperature on strains and ultrasound velocity changes can be monitored. Velocity change maps indicate that different parts of the bridge react differently to environmental temperature changes, revealing local material property differences. A load experiment with trucks allows calibration to improve detectability of possibly damaging events. Our work focuses on measurement reliability, potential use of and distinction from temperature effects, combination with complementary sensing systems, and converting measured values to information for damage and life cycle assessment.
Previous work has shown that ultrasonic monitoring using externally applied or embedded transducers and imaging methods based on coda wave interferometry are able to detect subtle changes in concrete elements. In this study, a limited number of embedded transducers has been used to monitor changes in several 12 m long two-span concrete beams subjected to point or linear loads until failure.
The ultrasonic results showed the high sensitivity to stress changes and the nonlinear character of the associated effects. However, the ultrasonic features showed a very good correlation to several conventional monitoring parameters. For higher loads (significant amount of cracking), the technique had to be modified to cope with large wave velocity variations and high decorrelation compared to the reference signal.
Using a very simple imaging procedure, the 2D stress field inside the beam has been visualized including inhomogeneities and artifact at places where cracking occurred at higher loads. The technique has the potential to be included in real time monitoring systems.
Ultrasonic transmission measurements are used to monitor concrete elements mostly on a laboratory scale since decades.
Recently, coda wave interferometry, a technique adapted from seismology, has been introduced to civil Engineering experiments. It can be used to reveal subtle changes in concrete samples and even large construction elements without having a transducer directly at the location where the change is taking place. The methodology works best with embedded transducers to avoid coupling issues or excessive environmental influence. These transducers can be used for newly built and existing structures. Recently, large concrete beams have been equipped with a network of transducers and loaded until failure. Using code wave interferometry, it was possible to visualize stress fields and damaged areas.
Ultrasonic non-destructive testing methods have found various applications in quality assurance and condition assessment of nuclear concrete structures. This includes but is not limited to the localization of construction features (thickness measurements, reinforcement, tendon ducts, and others) and damage detection (e. g. corrosion or cracks). However, there are still limitations, e. g. limited penetration depth and resolution, issues when testing hybrid steel/concrete structures as well as absence of standards and regulations.
This presentation will show progress in some of these issues and will focus on advanced instrumentation and validation of ultrasonic NDT for concrete structures.
Ultrasonic echo testing has been limited to a penetration depth of less than one meter in reinforced concrete. The development of the LAUS (Large Aperture Ultrasonic System), using a large array of ultrasonic transducers and wider offsets between transmitter and receiver, allows to reach up to 5 m in reinforced concrete and 9 m in unreinforced concrete. This capability has been demonstrated by collecting data from an engineered salt concrete barrier in an underground nuclear waste storage facility. Due to an increasingly competitive environment, commercial manufacturers will continue to develop equipment with enhanced penetration and/or increased resolution.
To quantify the capabilities and reliability of ultrasonic tests, validation mockups with engineered flaws are required. EPRI and BAM have built a large-scale mockup at a test site close to Berlin (BAM-TTS, Horstwalde) using a design which is repeated at other places. This presentation will also cover the methods deployed on engineered flaws and the repeatability of the test results.
In the framework of non-destructive-testing advanced seismic imaging techniques have been applied to ultrasonic echo data in order to examine the integrity of an engineered test-barrier designed to be used for sealing an underground nuclear waste disposal site. Synthetic data as well as real multi-receiver ultrasonic data acquired at the test site were processed and imaged using Kirchhoff prestack depth migration reverse time migration (RTM). In general, both methods provide a good Image quality as demonstrated by various case studies, however deeper parts within the test barrier containing inclined reflectors were reconstructed more accurately by RTM. In particular, the image quality of a specific target reflector at a depth of 8 m in the test-barrier has been significantly improved compared to previous investigations using synthetic aperture Focusing technique, which justifies the considerable computing time of this method.
Ultrasonic monitoring, making use of the sensitivity of the coda of repeated transmission meas-urements to changes in stress, temperature, moisture, as well as localized or distributed damage, has gotten at-tention in structural health monitoring (SHM) research recently. Analysis methods such as coda wave inter-ferometry (CWI), including its nonlinear extension, have been shown to be able to measure ultrasonic wave velocity changes with a 1∙10-5 resolution, while indicators such as cross-correlation or cross-coherence have been used to distinguish between reversible and irreversible changes. Several small- and large-scale laboratory experiments have demonstrated that stress changes in structures can be captured or damage detected in a very early stage. The use of this technique for pre-warning before failure are currently under investigation, as well as detailed research on the physical causes and the connection between ultrasonic wave properties and materi-al/structural behavior. Recently, several of large-scale laboratory and real structures have been instrumented with embedded ultrasonic transducers to gather experience and evidence on how to use this technology in re-al-world applications. Preliminary results from installations on a new bridge, an existing bridge, a tunnel, a la-boratory earthquake test as well as a historic stadium in Germany, Poland, and the United States, respectively, are presented. Environmental influences (mainly temperature) and validation by load tests are discussed.
Ultrasonic monitoring, making use of the sensitivity of the coda of repeated transmission meas-urements to changes in stress, temperature, moisture, as well as localized or distributed damage, has gotten at-tention in structural health monitoring (SHM) research recently. Analysis methods such as coda wave inter-ferometry (CWI), including its nonlinear extension, have been shown to be able to measure ultrasonic wave velocity changes with a 1∙10-5 resolution, while indicators such as cross-correlation or cross-coherence have been used to distinguish between reversible and irreversible changes. Several small- and large-scale laboratory experiments have demonstrated that stress changes in structures can be captured or damage detected in a very early stage. The use of this technique for pre-warning before failure are currently under investigation, as well as detailed research on the physical causes and the connection between ultrasonic wave properties and materi-al/structural behavior. Recently, several of large-scale laboratory and real structures have been instrumented with embedded ultrasonic transducers to gather experience and evidence on how to use this technology in re-al-world applications. Preliminary results from installations on a new bridge, an existing bridge, a tunnel, a la-boratory earthquake test as well as a historic stadium in Germany, Poland, and the United States, respectively, are presented. Environmental influences (mainly temperature) and validation by load tests are discussed.
Zu jedem Endlager gehört die Entwicklung eines Verschlusskonzept. Im Endlager Morsleben und an anderer Stelle werden in Abhängigkeit vom Wirtsgestein verschiedene Materialien und Bauweisen für Streckenverschlüsse entwickelt und in großem Maßstab erprobt. Hierzu gehören auch Maßnahmen der Qualitätssicherung, die Informationen über Ausführung und Zustand der Versuchsbauwerke liefern. Hierzu werden von der Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) für verschiedene Forschungsvorhaben und Prüfaufträge Methoden und Geräte getestet, verbessert und vor Ort unter Tage eingesetzt Die hier beschriebenen Verfahren lassen sich auch zu Untersuchungen im Wirtsgestein anwenden.
Zu jedem Endlager gehört die Entwicklung eines Verschlusskonzept. Im Endlager Morsleben und an anderer Stelle werden in Abhängigkeit vom Wirtsgestein verschiedene Materialien und Bauweisen für Streckenverschlüsse entwickelt und in großem Maßstab erprobt. Hierzu gehören auch Maßnahmen der Qualitätssicherung, die Informationen über Ausführung und Zustand der Versuchsbauwerke liefern. Hierzu werden von der Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) für verschiedene Forschungsvorhaben und Prüfaufträge Methoden und Geräte getestet, verbessert und vor Ort unter Tage eingesetzt. Die hier beschriebenen Verfahren lassen sich auch zu Untersuchungen im Wirtsgestein anwenden.
Ultraschallmessverfahren werden seit Langem erfolgreich für Prüfaufgaben im Bauwesen eingesetzt. Die dauerhafte Überwachung und frühzeitige Erkennung von Schäden an komplexen Neubauten und alternder Infrastruktur kann mittels Ultraschall-Transmissionsmessungen und speziellen Auswertemethoden, wie z. B. Korrelationverfahren und Codawelleninterferometrie, realisiert werden. Für die Dauerüberwachung wurde ein kompaktes System entwickelt, das Ultraschall-Messdaten erfassen und ins Internet auf einen FTP-Server übertragen kann. Es können hierbei alle angeschlossenen Prüfköpfe für jede Messung wahlweise als Sender oder Empfänger geschaltet werden. Es wurden Vorverstärker entwickelt, bei denen die Versorgung mit Strom über die Messleitung erfolgt. Dadurch können die Verstärker nahe am Prüfkopf positioniert werden. Durch Änderungen in den Ultraschall-Signalen können Schädigungen des Bauteils, wie z.B. Risse, in Echtzeit erkannt werden.
Ultraschall-Echoverfahren an Betonbauteilen mit geneigten Rückwänden - Entwicklung von Testkörpern
(2019)
Mit dem Ultraschall-Echoverfahren können geometrische Abmessungen von Betonbauteilen bestimmt werden. Es hat sich gezeigt, dass die Bauteilrückwand bei der Messung an Massivbrücken häufig nicht planparallel zur Messfläche ausgeführt ist. Es wird erwartet, dass der Einfluss einer Neigung der Rückwand gegenüber der Messfläche auf die Messunsicherheit bei der Dickenbestimmung nicht vernachlässigbar ist. In diesem Beitrag werden die fünf konzipierten Betonprobekörper und ausgewählte Messergebnisse zur Bestimmung dieses Einflusses gezeigt.
A major advantage in the reassessment of existing structures is the possibility of including measured data that describe the actual properties and the current condition of the structure to be reassessed. Currently, the incorporation of such measured information is mostly unregulated. However, the use of measurement results is vitally important, since a measured data-based improvement of the computation models level of approximation can lead at least to more meaningful results, possibly to extended remaining life times of the structure and in the best case to a saving of resources. Conversely, not appreciating well measurable and relevant information can be equated with a waste of resources. In this paper, a concept for the comparable use of non-destructively measured data as basic variables in probabilistic reliability assessments is outlined and examined using a typical prestressed concrete road bridge as a case-study. An essential requirement is the calculation of measurement uncertainties in order to evaluate the quality of the measurement results comparably. In conclusion, the example of ultrasonic and radar measurement data is used to demonstrate the effects that the incorporation of the measured information has on the reliability of the structure.
Half-Cell-Potential Mapping (HP) is the most popular non-destructive testing (NDT) method for the detection of active corrosion in reinforced concrete. HP is influenced by parameters such as moisture and chloride gradients in the component. The sensitivity to the spatially small, but dangerous pitting is low. In this study we show how additional measurement information can be used with multi-sensor data fusion to improve the detection performance and to automate data evaluation. The fusion is based on supervised machine learning (SML). SML are methods that recognize relationships in (sensor) data based on given labels. We use SML to distinguish "defective" and "intact" labeled areas in our dataset. It consists of 18 measurement - each contains HP, ground radar, microwave moisture and Wenner resistivity data. Exact labels for changing environmental conditions were determined in a laboratory study on a reinforced concrete slab, which deteriorated controlled and accelerated. The deterioration progress was monitored continuously and corrosion was generated targeted at a predefined location. The detection results are quantified and statistically evaluated. The data fusion shows a significant improvement over the best single method (HP). We describe the challenges of data-driven approaches in nondestructive testing and show possible solutions.
The LAUS: First applications of a new system for ultrasonic imaging of very concrete structures
(2018)
The LAUS (Large Aperture Ultrasonic System) has been developed to image very thick concrete structures, which are not accessible for commercial systems. The device and the corresponding software is the result of joint research of BAM, an ultrasonic instrument manufacturer and University of Kassel, Germany. It consists of 12 separate arrays of 32 point-contact shear wave transducers each, which can be deployed in flexible configurations. Each array is combined with battery and transmitter, receiver and wireless communication electronics.
Three case histories are presented. First the system was deployed on a 5-m thick heavily reinforced foundation slab. The reflection of the slab’s bottom was imaged clearly. In addition, a multiple reflection was registered, thus giving hope that even thicker elements might be imaged by the instrument. Second, the LAUS was used to investigate a massive bridge girder where a heavy rainstorm during concreting had led to imperfections that were visible after removing the formwork was removed. The LAUS could image tendon ducts in 1.8m depth and the backwall closely behind them. Some limited areas showed blurred reflections and were checked by drill holes; these areas were affected by diffuse damage which could be repaired by injections. Third, a large retaining wall was checked for thickness.
Meanwhile, the LAUS has been used in underground waste deposits (nuclear and other) for quality assurance of sealing plugs. A confirmed penetration depth of about 7 m has been reached.
The LAUS: First Applications of a New System for Ultrasonic Imaging of Very Concrete Structures
(2019)
The LAUS (Large Aperture Ultrasonic System) has been developed to image very thick concrete structures, which are not accessible for commercial systems. The device and the corresponding software is the result of joint Research of BAM, an ultrasonic instrument manufacturer and University of Kassel, Germany. It consists of 12 separate Arrays of 32 point-contact shear wave transducers each, which can be deployed in flexible configurations. Each array is combined with battery and transmitter, receiver and wireless communication electronics.
Three case histories are presented. First the system was deployed on a 5-m thick heavily reinforced foundation slab.
The reflection of the slab’s bottom was imaged clearly. In addition, a multiple reflection was registered, thus giving hope that even thicker elements might be imaged by the instrument. Second, the LAUS was used to investigate a massive bridge girder where a heavy rainstorm during concreting had led to imperfections that were visible after removing the formwork was removed. The LAUS could image tendon ducts in 1.8m depth and the backwall closely behind them. Some limited areas showed blurred reflections and were checked by drill holes; these areas were affected by diffuse damage which could be repaired by injections. Third, a large retaining wall was checked for thickness.
Meanwhile, the LAUS has been used in underground waste deposits (nuclear and other) for quality assurance of sealing plugs. A confirmed penetration depth of about 7 m has been reached.
Corrosion of concrete reinforcement is one of the major damage mechanisms affecting both the load-bearing capacity and the serviceability of re-inforced concrete structures significantly. When externally discernible damages are observed during visual inspections on the structure, the extent of the damage inside the concrete is often already significant. Corrosion caused by carbonation often leads to severe discoloration of the surface or even large-area spalling of the concrete cover. In contrast, chloride-induced corrosion is usually difficult to observe visually but can cause much more serious damage in less time. The effect occurs locally and can lead to weakening of the cross-section of the reinforce-ment. This, in turn, can cause sudden structural collapses without prior notice.
In the meanwhile, various non-destructive and minimally invasive testing methods are available to evaluate the resistance to penetration of corrosion-pro-moting pollutants and to detect active corrosion. In this paper, a bridge crossing the river Regen is used as a case-study to demonstrate how the information ob-tained applying different testing methods can be combined and evaluated in the context of structural reassessments. Both the results of the permeability testing and the electrical resistance measurement are considered, as well as active corro-sion areas are localized using the half-cell potential mapping combined with the concrete cover measurement with the eddy current method and ground penetrat-ing radar. The results are evaluated using drill cores and in addition laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy was applied to obtain information about possible chlo-ride ion transport into the concrete.
Corrosion of concrete reinforcement is one of the major damage mechanisms affecting both the load-bearing capacity and the serviceability of reinforced concrete structures significantly. The challenge of detecting corrosion is that the corrosion process in its various forms is not immediately visible, especially in the corrosion initiation phase inside the concrete. When externally discernible damages are observed during visual inspections on the structure, the extent of the damage inside the concrete is often already significant. Corrosion caused by carbonation often leads to severe discoloration of the surface or even large-area spalling of the concrete cover. In contrast, chloride-induced corrosion is usually difficult to observe visually, but can cause much more serious damage in less time. The effect occurs locally and can lead to weakening of the cross-section of the reinforcement. This, in turn, can cause sudden structural collapses without prior notice. Therefore, it is important to investigate whether there is protection against corrosion of the reinforcement in the concrete and to detect active corrosion in the structure at an early stage.
In the meanwhile, various non-destructive and minimally invasive testing methods are available to evaluate the resistance to penetration of corrosion-promoting pollutants and to detect active corrosion. In this paper, a bridge crossing the river Regen (Germany) is used as a case-study to demonstrate how the information obtained applying different testing methods can be combined and evaluated in the context of structural reassessments. Both the results of the permeability testing (Torrent tester) and the electrical resistance measurement (Wenner probe) are considered, as well as active corrosion areas are localized using the half-cell potential mapping combined with the concrete cover measurement with the eddy current method and ground penetrating radar (GPR). The results are evaluated using drill cores and in addition laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied to obtain information about possible ion transport in the concrete.
The process of ensuring reliability of NDT applications contains various aspects, such as determining the performance and probability of success, the uncertainty in measurement, the provision of clear and functional procedures and ensuring the correct application accordingly. Test specimens have become powerful elements in supporting many of these aspects. Within the committee for NDT in Civil Engineering (NDT-CE) of the German Society for Nondestructive Testing (DGZfP), the subcommittee on Quality Assurance (UA-QS) therefore addresses the design and the integration of test specimens in the quality assurance process. Depending on the specific purpose, the requirements on test specimens can vary significantly based on the defined simulated scenario. The most prominent purposes of test specimens might be seen in providing references for inspection systems in regard to function control, calibration and validation. Further aspects can be parametric studies, basic investigation of physical principles related to NDT or a simplified and therefore comprehensive demonstration of inspection concepts (e.g. for teaching purposes). The specific purpose of a test specimen dictates the requirements regarding its conception, including the exact design, the material or the fabrication accuracy and the conditioning. In the development of a general guideline by the UA-QS for application-specific procedures and their validation, the use of test specimens is addressed and specific concepts for the design of test specimens are made. This includes the analysis of the measurement process regarding any given application, deriving an adequate calibration approach for it and designing test specimens (calibration specimens) accordingly. Furthermore, it includes the validation of the procedure taking into account all conditions related to the specific application in the field. The validation requires a statistically sufficient number of trials. Thorough evaluation of each trial can only be established if the ground-truth is known. Therefore, test specimens providing a realistic but controlled simulation of the inspection problem are valuable and indispensable elements in the validation process. The requirement of being fully realistic will often not be possible to fulfill due to practical restrictions. Any aspect that cannot be included in the simulation realistically needs to be simulated conservatively. This again, requires a sufficient understanding of the inspection principle and technique to ensure conservativeness. Among other quality-assurance-related aspects, the UA-QS establishes concepts and guidelines regarding sound and efficient approaches for the specific purposes of test specimens. This subcommittee brings together representatives of different Groups along the entire value chain of NDT-CE, including researchers, practitioners, manufacturers and clients. They all work together in establishing a common understanding and level of quality assurance in the industry.
In civil engineering, the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy has been applied as a fast and reliable method for a quantitative evaluation of concrete cores. Due to a two-dimensional scanning, the heterogeneity of concrete can be evaluated and elements like Cl, Na, and S are related to the cement matrix only. This study deals with the temporal evaluation and imaging of laser-induced plasmas on cement-based materials, in order to investigate the impact of aggregates with diffrent grain size on the spectral response in LIBS.
Air-coupled ultrasonic testing is widely used in the industry for the non-destructive testing of compound materials. It provides a fast and efficient way to inspect large concrete civil infrastructures for damage that might lead to catastrophic failure. Due to the large penetration depths required for concrete structures, the use of traditional piezoelectric transducer requires high power electric systems. In this study, a novel fluidic transducer based on a bistable fluidic amplifier is investigated. Previous experiments have shown that the switching action of the device produces a high-power broadband ultrasonic signal. This study will provide further insight into the switching behaviour of the fluidic switch. Therefore, parametric CFD simulations based on compressible supersonic RANS simulations were performed, varying the inlet pressure and velocity profiles for the control flow. Switching times are analyzed with different methods, and it was found that These are mostly independent of the slope of the velocity profile at the control port. Furthermore, it was found that an inversely proportional relationship exists between flow velocity in the throat and the switching time. The results agree with the theoretical background established by experimental studies that can be found in the literature.
Measuring means knowing. The structural engineer’s Knowledge about structures is vitally important for the assessment of their structural safety. This contribution shows, how non-destructive testing methods can be used to collect valuable Information about existing structures. This value is expressed in this paper by the usability in probabilistic assessments and thus by the reliability of the information. The development of non-destructive testing methods in civil-engineering allows the realistic measurement and visualization of inner constructions of concrete components with a minimum of destructive interventions.
The evaluation of the quality of measurement data is of fundamental importance for quantitative measurements in order to ensure the objectivity of testing and evaluation and to assess the reliability of the knowledge acquired. Both systematic and random deviations must be identified, quantified and taken into account to obtain statistically sound data. The Focus of this contribution is on the methodical path, how displayed measurement data can be processed into reliable knowledge.
It is not about developing assessment methods but about providing
necessary knowledge to increase their operational usability.
Measuring means knowing. The structural engineer’s Knowledge about structures is vitally important for the assessment of their structural safety. This contribution shows, how non-destructive testing methods can be used to collect valuable Information about existing structures. This value is expressed in this paper by the usability in probabilistic assessments and thus by the reliability of the information. The development of non-destructive testing methods in civil-engineering allows the realistic measurement and visualization of inner constructions of concrete components with a minimum of destructive interventions.
The evaluation of the quality of measurement data is of fundamental importance for quantitative measurements in order to ensure the objectivity of testing and evaluation and to assess the reliability of the knowledge acquired. Both systematic and random deviations must be identified, quantified and taken into account to obtain statistically sound data. The Focus of this contribution is on the methodical path, how displayed measurement data can be processed into reliable knowledge.
It is not about developing assessment methods but about providing
necessary knowledge to increase their operational usability.
The durability and the lifetime of reinforced concrete structures can be drastically reduced by the influence of damage processes. One of the most common causes is chloride-induced corrosion, which is triggered by increased chloride content near the reinforcement. In a study, the chloride content should be determined directly at corrosion areas. The LIBS system used consists of a micro-chip laser (3 mJ, 100 Hz, 1.5ins) and two compact spectrometers covering the wavelength range of 177-355 nm (UV) and 750-940 nm (NIR). The analysis of the chloride content was carried out via the atomic chlorine spectral line 837.59 nm, using helium for signal amplification. Calibrations were carried out for quantitative chlorine measurements with 15 reference samples in the working range of 0.05 to 6.00 wt% chlorine. The calibration of the LIBS system was done according to DIN 32 645 and was tested for linearity. The determination of the quantitative chlorine contents was carried out on samples which were broken and thus have a high surface roughness. This requires real time correction of the focus point to compensate for the roughness of the samples. The poster shows spatially resolved element distributions and determined quantitative chloride concentrations near the corrosion Areas.
In this study, the wavefield radiated from a building to its surroundings is identified and extracted from M4.6 earthquake recordings collected by sensors installed in a building and on the nearby athletic field in Matera (Italy) using a new approach for soil-structure interaction assessment. The proposed approach for earthquake data analysis combines in an innovative way two methods already used in seismology and engineering seismology: deconvolution and polarization analysis. The approach enables the identification, reconstruction, and characterization of the wavefield radiated from a vibrating building into its surroundings, and the estimation of the amount of energy associated with it. The approach consists of four steps: estimation of the resonant frequencies of the building, deconvolution of the earthquake recordings from a building and its surroundings, identification of the seismic phases, reconstruction of the signal transmitted from the building to its surroundings, and estimation of its energy, and polarization analysis. Analysis of recordings of the M4.6 event highlighted that the motion related to the wavefield radiated from the building to the ground was mostly linearly polarized in the radial and transverse planes, while a clear ellipticity was observed only in the horizontal plane. The wavefield radiated from the building might be dominated by unconventionally polarized surface waves, i.e., quasi-Rayleigh waves or a combination of quasi-Rayleigh and quasi-Love waves. The results indicated that the energy transmitted from the analyzed vibrating building to its surroundings was significant and decreased the ground motion shaking due to the out-of-phase motion.
In civil engineering, many structures are made of reinforced concrete. Most Degradation processes relevant to this material, e.g., corrosion, are related to an increased level of material moisture.
Therefore, moisture monitoring in reinforced concrete is regarded as a crucial method for structural health monitoring. In this study, passive radio frequency identification (RFID)-based sensors are embedded into the concrete. They are well suited for long-term operation over decades and are well protected against harsh environmental conditions. The energy supply and the data transfer of the humidity sensors are provided by RFID. The sensor casing materials are optimised to withstand the high alkaline environment in concrete, having pH values of more than 12. Membrane materials are also investigated to identify materials capable of enabling water vapour transport from the porous cement matrix to the embedded humidity sensor. By measuring the corresponding relative humidity with embedded passive RFID-based sensors, the cement hydration is monitored for 170 days.
Moreover, long-term moisture monitoring is performed for more than 1000 days. The Experiments show that embedded passive RFID-based sensors are highly suitable for long-term structural health monitoring in civil engineering.
The duraBASt area at the highway intersection “Köln-Ost” is a large test field for road testing.
It includes the duraBASt test bridge which is approximately 66 m long and 14.25 m broad. This bridge is part of the “road in the 21st Century” project and is equipped with several sensors for structural health monitoring. This feasibility study is carried out to investigate the prerequisites necessary for the constraction of intelligent bridges in the foture. Embedded sensors are able to measure quantities such as temperature, strain, moisture, corrosion, etc. In the presented work, the focus is set on passive RFID-based sensors. The communication and energy supply are realised by a mobile transmitter through the concrete cover. Hence, no cables or batteries are required. The sensors are designed to withstand the alkaline environment in concrete. Thus, moisture and corrosion values are measurable for several decades.
Das vorliegende Arbeitspapier stellt den Stand des Wissens und der Forschung zum Einsatz von Sensorik in Straßenbefestigungen zur Erfassung von Eingangsgrößen und Merkmalen für die Substanzbewertung zusammenfassend dar. Unter Sensorik versteht dieses Arbeitspapier ganz allgemein technische Einrichtungen, mit denen man die Werte von physikalischen Größen erfassen und zur Interpretation darstellen kann.
Seismic methods are increasingly used to improve ultrasonic imaging and monitoring of concrete. At BAM, we are research mainly the use of Reverse Time Migration to get better images from ultrasonic echo data of thick, complex concrete structures. Coda wave interferometry is used to detect subtle changes in concrete constructions, e. g. using embedded ultasonic transducers.
Die Laserinduzierte Plasmaspektroskopie (engl.: Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, kurz: LIBS) ist eine Kombination aus Laserablation mittels eines energiereichen Laser-Pulses, der Erzeugung eines Plasmas auf der zu untersuchenden Oberfläche und dem quantitativen Nachweis der Elementzusammensetzung durch spektroskopische Untersuchung der vom Plasma emittierten Strahlung. Ein LIBS-Gerät liefert dem sachkundigen Planer Daten für die Bewertung des Ist-Zustandes von Bauwerken unserer Infrastruktur durch die zweidimensionale Erfassung von Elementverteilungen. Typische Anwendungen sind die Erfassung von Chlor, Schwefel, Kohlenstoff, Natrium, Kalium und Lithium in Beton oder als – Qualitätssicherung – der Nachweis der mit einem Marker versehenen Tiefenhydrophobierung.
In Zusammenarbeit zwischen Industriepartnern und der BAM wurden ein Labor und ein mobiles LIBS-System für die Vor-Ort-Messungen entwickelt. Die Analyse erfolgt vollautomatisch. Die Ortsauflösung beträgt bis zu 0,1 mm x 0,1 mm. Es können Messflächen von 140 mm x 170 mm gescannt werden. Die Erstellung von 2D-Elementverteilungen im Beispiel unten benötigt weniger als 10 Minuten.
Die Laserinduzierte Plasmaspektroskopie (engl.: Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, kurz: LIBS) ist eine Kombination aus Laserablation mittels eines energiereichen Laser-Pulses, der Erzeugung eines Plasmas auf der zu untersuchenden Oberfläche und dem quantitativen Nachweis der Elementzusammensetzung durch spektroskopische Untersuchung der vom Plasma emittierten Strahlung. Ein LIBS-Gerät liefert dem sachkundigen Planer Daten für die Bewertung des Ist-Zustandes von Bauwerken unserer Infrastruktur durch die zweidimensionale Erfassung von Elementverteilungen. Typische Anwendungen sind die Erfassung von Chlor, Schwefel, Kohlenstoff, Natrium, Kalium und Lithium in Beton oder als – Qualitätssicherung – der Nachweis der mit einem Marker versehenen Tiefenhydrophobierung.
In Zusammenarbeit zwischen Industriepartnern und der BAM wurden ein Labor und ein mobiles LIBS-System für die Vor-Ort-Messungen entwickelt. Die Analyse erfolgt vollautomatisch. Die Ortsauflösung beträgt bis zu 0,1 mm x 0,1 mm. Es können Messflächen von 140 mm x 170 mm gescannt werden. Die Erstellung von 2D-Elementverteilungen im Beispiel unten benötigt weniger als 10 Minuten.
Schnelle ortsaufgelöste Chloridbestimmung mit der laserinduzierten Plasmaspektroskopie (LIBS)
(2020)
Im Zuge der Ist-Zustandserfassung von Stahl- und Spannbetonbauwerken spielt die chemische Analyse von Beton eine zentrale Rolle. Durch den externen Eintrag von schädigenden Substanzen wie Chlorid oder Alkalien aus Tausalzen oder Meerwasser, kann u.U. der Beton und/oder die Stahlbewehrung angegriffen werden. Bei Überschreitung kritischer korrosionsauslösender Chloridgehalte, z.B. bei Stahlbeton 0,4 M.-% (bzw. 0,5 M.-%) und Spannbeton 0,2 M.-% bezogen auf den Zement, erhöht sich das Risiko für eine Chlorid-induzierte Korrosion. Für die Beurteilung eines Instandsetzungsbedarfs und, sofern notwendig, der Erarbeitung eines Instandsetzungskonzeptes muss nach der Rili-SIB1 ein sachkundiger Planer herangezogen werden. Standardmäßig werden für die chemische Analyse Bohrkerne bzw. Bohrmehlproben aus dem zu untersuchenden Bauwerk entnommen und nach aufwendiger Probenvorbereitung nasschemisch analysiert (nach DAfStb Heft 401 oder DIN 14629). Dabei wird der Gesamtchloridgehalt bezogen auf die Einwaage angegeben. Eine Umrechnung auf den Zementgehalt erfolgt i.d.R. durch Schätzwerte. Der Einsatz der laserinduzierten Plasmaspektroskopie (LIBS) wird seit Mitte der 90er Jahren an der Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung erforscht, um den Chloridgehalt durch eine ortsaufgelöste Elementanalyse an einer Betonprobe möglichst genau zu ermitteln. Die zweidimensionale LIBS-Messung mit einer lateralen Auflösung von 100 µm x 100 µm erlaubt die Berücksichtigung der Heterogenität von Beton. Dabei lassen sich die Bindemittelmatrix und die Gesteinskörnung separat betrachten, wodurch sich die Aussagekraft der Ergebnisse und somit die Sicherheit der chemischen Zustandserfassung erhöht. Durch die stetige Weiterentwicklung von Komponenten wie Laser, Spektrometer und analytischer Auswerteroutinen sind mittlerweile automatisierte Systeme für die schnelle LIBS-Analyse auf dem Markt verfügbar. In diesem Vortrag wird der aktuelle Stand der Technik anhand von Praxisbeispielen präsentiert und entscheidende Vorteile gegenüber dem Standardverfahren herausgestellt. Aufgrund der Möglichkeit für eine simultane Multielementanalyse mit LIBS werden weitere Anwendungen, wie z.B. die Ermittlung der Karbonatisierungstiefe, Untersuchungen von Transportprozessen, Chlorideintrag entlang von Rissen oder Untersuchungen von Elementverteilungen im Kontext einer AKR vorgestellt.
Im Zuge der Ist-Zustandserfassung von Stahl- und Spannbetonbauwerken spielt die chemische Analyse von Beton eine zentrale Rolle. Durch den externen Eintrag von schädigenden Substanzen wie Chlorid oder Alkalien aus Tausalzen oder Meerwasser, kann u.U. der Beton und/oder die Stahlbewehrung angegriffen werden. Bei Überschreitung kritischer korrosionsauslösender Chloridgehalte, z.B. bei Stahlbeton 0,4 M.-% (bzw. 0,5 M.-%) und Spannbeton 0,2 M.-% bezogen auf den Zement, erhöht sich das Risiko für eine Chlorid-induzierte Korrosion. Für die Beurteilung eines Instandsetzungsbedarfs und, sofern notwendig, der Erarbeitung eines Instandsetzungskonzeptes muss nach der Rili-SIB1 ein sachkundiger Planer herangezogen werden. Standardmäßig werden für die chemische Analyse Bohrkerne bzw. Bohrmehlproben aus dem zu untersuchenden Bauwerk entnommen und nach aufwendiger Probenvorbereitung nasschemisch analysiert (nach DAfStb Heft 401 oder DIN 14629). Dabei wird der Gesamtchloridgehalt bezogen auf die Einwaage angegeben. Eine Umrechnung auf den Zementgehalt erfolgt i.d.R. durch Schätzwerte. Der Einsatz der laserinduzierten Plasmaspektroskopie (LIBS) wird seit Mitte der 90er Jahren an der Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung erforscht, um den Chloridgehalt durch eine ortsaufgelöste Elementanalyse an einer Betonprobe möglichst genau zu ermitteln. Die zweidimensionale LIBS-Messung mit einer lateralen Auflösung von 100 µm x 100 µm erlaubt die Berücksichtigung der Heterogenität von Beton. Dabei lassen sich die Bindemittelmatrix und die Gesteinskörnung separat betrachten, wodurch sich die Aussagekraft der Ergebnisse und somit die Sicherheit der chemischen Zustandserfassung erhöht. Durch die stetige Weiterentwicklung von Komponenten wie Laser, Spektrometer und analytischer Auswerteroutinen sind mittlerweile automatisierte Systeme für die schnelle LIBS-Analyse auf dem Markt verfügbar. In diesem Vortrag wird der aktuelle Stand der Technik anhand von Praxisbeispielen präsentiert und entscheidende Vorteile gegenüber dem Standardverfahren herausgestellt. Aufgrund der Möglichkeit für eine simultane Multielementanalyse mit LIBS werden weitere Anwendungen, wie z.B. die Ermittlung der Karbonatisierungstiefe, Untersuchungen von Transportprozessen, Chlorideintrag entlang von Rissen oder Untersuchungen von Elementverteilungen im Kontext einer AKR vorgestellt.
The built infrastructure ages and requires regular inspection and, when in doubt, monitoring. To ensure that older concrete bridges showing signs of deterioration can be used safely, several innovative monitoring tools have been introduced, including but not limited to optical, fiber-optic, or acoustic emission techniques. However, there are gaps in the portfolio. A sensing technique that covers a wide range of damage scenarios and larger volumes, while still being sensitive and specific, would be beneficial.
For about 15 years, research has been conducted on ultrasonic monitoring of concrete structures that goes beyond the traditional ultrasonic pulse velocity test (PV test), mostly using a very sensitive data evaluation technique called coda wave interferometry. At BAM we have developed sensors and instrumentation specifically for this method.
We have instrumented a 70-year-old, severely damaged prestressed concrete bridge in Germany in addition to a commercial monitoring system. We have now collected data for almost 3 years. We can show that we can provide information about the stress distribution in the bridge. We have also been able to confirm that there has been no significant additional damage to the bridge since the installation.
This presentation summarizes recent developments within the scope of the national pre-standardization project “ZfPStatik”, which aims to prepare a guideline about NDT-supported structural analyses. The focus is on the purposeful and explicit utilization of geometrical tendon and reinforcement bar positions measured on-site in reliability analysis — shown by means of a prestressed concrete bridge as case study.
Making optimal decisions about the reliability of existing structures requires that the information used in assessment adequately represents the properties and the condition of the structures. The knowledge gap regarding a structure to be assessed can be successively filled by individually purposeful observations on site. This paper gives an overview of an approach for utilizing nondestructively gathered measurement results in reliability assessment of existing structures. An essential part of measurement-based stochastic modeling of basic variables is the calculation of measurement uncertainties, which serves to establish confidence in measurement, to ensure the comparability of unambiguously expressed measurement results, and to quantify the quality of the measured information. Regarding the current discourse on how to treat information collected on-site in the context of assessment, the authors recommend that measurement uncertainty becomes an uncertainty component mandatorily to be represented in measurement-based stochastic models. The main steps of the proposed concept are presented, and the advantages of its application are emphasized by means of a prestressed concrete bridge as case study. The bridge is assessed regarding the serviceability limit state decompression using ultrasonic and radar data measured at the structure.
Reliability assessment of existing concrete bridges with geometrical NDT results - Case studies
(2023)
The results of and the validity in reliability assessment of existing bridges essentially depend on the information available about the considered system. Information about the actual condition as well as structural and material characteristics can be observed on-site to refine the computation models used in assessment. Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for concrete structures are capable of reconstructing missing, questioned, or inconsistent as-built plans. This contribution summarizes recent developments within the scope of the national pre-standardization project “ZfPStatik”, which aims to prepare a guideline about NDT-supported structural analyses. The focus is on the purposeful and explicit utilization of geometrical tendon and reinforcement bar positions (measured on-site using the ultrasound echo and ground penetrating radar (GPR) techniques) in probabilistic reliability analyses — shown by means of real case studies. The well-established first order reliability method is applied to different concrete bridges, which are typical for the German road bridge stock, to demonstrate the utility of incorporating quality-evaluated NDT-results in terms of changes in structural reliability.
The non-destructive testing methods available for civil engineering (NDT-CE) enable the measurements of quantitative parameters, which realistically describe the characteristics of existing buildings. In the past, methods for quality evaluation and concepts for validation expanded into NDT-CE to improve the objectivity of measured data. Thereby, a metrological foundation was developed to collect statistically sound and structurally relevant information about the inner construction of structures without destructive interventions. More recently, the demand for recalculations of structural safety was identified. This paper summarizes a basic research study on structural analyses of bridges in combination with NDT. The aim is to use measurement data of nondestructive testing methods as stochastic quantities in static calculations. Therefore, a methodical interface between the guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement and probabilistic approximation procedures (e.g. FORM) has been proven to be suitable. The motivation is to relate the scientific approach of the structural analysis with real information coming from existing structures and not with those found in the literature. A case study about the probabilistic bending proof of a reinforced concrete bridge with statistically verified data from ultrasonic measurements shows that the measuring results fulfil the requirements concerning precision, trueness, objectivity and reliability.
Reliability assessment of existing bridge constructions based on results of non-destructive testing
(2018)
The non-destructive testing methods available for civil engineering (NDT-CE) enable the measurements of quantitative parameters, which realistically describe the characteristics of existing buildings. In the past, methods for quality evaluation and concepts for validation expanded into NDT-CE to improve the objectivity of measured data. Thereby, a metrological foundation was developed to collect statistically sound and structurally relevant information about the inner construction of structures without destructive interventions. More recently, the demand for recalculations of structural safety was identified. This paper summarizes a basic research study on structural analyses of bridges in combination with NDT. The aim is to use measurement data of nondestructive testing methods as stochastic quantities in static calculations. Therefore, a methodical interface between the guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement and probabilistic approximation procedures (e.g. FORM) has been proven to be suitable. The motivation is to relate the scientific approach of the structural analysis with real information coming from existing structures and not with those found in the literature. A case study about the probabilistic bending proof of a reinforced concrete bridge with statistically verified data from ultrasonic measurements shows that the measuring results fulfil the requirements concerning precision, trueness, objectivity and reliability.
With a goal to improve our understanding of the relationships between microstructural features and ultrasonic signal behavior, concrete specimens of varying water-to-cement ratio were imaged using X-ray computed tomography (CT), and subsequently subjected to ultrasonic testing. From the CT scans, measurements were made of cement paste density and number of interfaces. Ultrasonic signals produced using a through-transmission configuration were analyzed and fit to a diffusion model to separate absorption from scattering attenuation. The results showed that at the frequencies tested, ultrasonic dissipation rate correlated weakly with paste density, while diffusivity correlated well with number of interfaces, but only if entrained air is considered separately. Cement paste density was found to be very well predicted by diffusivity, leading to a clear power-law relationship between diffusivity and compressive strength.
Increasing requirements on the infrastructure caused by more and heavier traffic coincide with both the aging and the progressive degradation of bridge constructions. These exemplary issues lead to a non-negligible need for reassessments of existing bridges. Compared to the new building design, safety reserves can be used in the evaluation of such existing structures, since uncertainties that may arise during the design, construction and previous Service time are better known or no longer present. Uncertainties can be evaiuated more precisely by measurements. In the meantime, the application of advanced NDT-methods on concrete structures have become so capable, that crucial structure Parameters like certain material properties or geometrical dimensions can be quantified without significant destructive interventions. The measured data can be explicitly incorporated into the probabilistic computation models used for the bridge reassessment in form of random variables. Therewith, a previously insufficient model can be refined to achieve a higher level of approximation. This contribution emphasises two fundamental steps of the measured data based probabilistic reassessment: The sensitivity analyses to identify the cruciai Parameters and the needed accuracy of the related information as well as the comparison with expected uncertainties of non-destructively measured Parameters.
Increasing requirements on the infrastructure caused by more and heavier traffic coincide with both the aging and the progressive degradation of bridge constructions. These exemplary issues lead to a non-negligible need for reassessments of existing bridges. Compared to the new building design, safety reserves can be used in the evaluation of such existing structures, since uncertainties that may arise during the design, construction and previous Service time are better known or no longer present. Uncertainties can be evaiuated more precisely by measurements. In the meantime, the application of advanced NDT-methods on concrete structures have become so capable, that crucial structure Parameters like certain material properties or geometrical dimensions can be quantified without significant destructive interventions. The measured data can be explicitly incorporated into the probabilistic computation models used for the bridge reassessment in form of random variables. Therewith, a previously insufficient model can be refined to achieve a higher level of approximation. This contribution emphasises two fundamental steps of the measured data based probabilistic reassessment: The sensitivity analyses to identify the cruciai Parameters and the needed accuracy of the related information as well as the comparison with expected uncertainties of non-destructively measured Parameters.
Ultrasonic measurement technology has become indispensable in NDT. In order to reduce measurement time and extend the application to other materials, contactless ultrasound is the subject of many different research groups. Department 8 has been researching successfully in this field for years. A novel approach is based on so-called fluidic devices. These devices can be used to perform binary logic operations with the help of natural flow instabilities. Hence the abbreviated name, Fluidic (FLUID+LogIC). Only a pressure reservoir of the used fluid is required as energy supply. This enables the production of very robust actuators that generate ultrasonic signals in an extremely energy efficient way.
The presentation includes the research results of the ZIM innovation project OsciCheck. The original idea will be presented and its application on different building materials is validated. Beyond this, the possible application areas are much larger and a detailed outlook is given to discuss the future potential of fluidic ultrasonic actuators.
In addition to already established structural monitoring methods such as deformation, inclination or strain gauges or acoustic emission sensors, sonic or ultrasonic monitoring might provide valuable information about the condition or alteration of a structure. Sensors such as geophones, recording ambient noise in the sonic and subsonic frequency range can provide information beyond modal analysis by using interferometric methods. Wave velocities determined by this method are related to the elastic properties and stiffness of material and structure and can be converted into damage indicators. Embedded active ultrasonic transducer networks can provide more detailed insight about deterioration or damages again, using interferometric technologies. This approach is extremely sensible, detecting relative change in velocity on down to 10-5. These methods, including benefits and remaining challenges, are demonstrated using data from a test structure at BAM’s test site demonstrating the case of prestress loss, and data from an actual bridge still under traffic.
Die Idee des Dissertationsprojekts ist der parallele Einsatz des Radarverfahrens und der Neutronensonde zur Lokalisierung von Feuchteschäden in Fußbodenaufbauten. Hierbei soll die integrale Messweise der Neutronensonde durch die vertikale Information des Radarsignals ergänzt werden, um zukünftig auf zerstörende Sondierungsbohrungen verzichten zu können. Primäres Ziel ist eine automatisierte und zerstörungsfreie Klassifizierung und Quantifizierung verschiedener Schadensfälle im Fußboden, welche zur Abschätzung und Auswahl des Sanierungsaufwands dienen soll. In systematischen Laborstudien an modular aufgebauten Referenzprobekörpern werden die Nachweisgrenzen der beiden Verfahren für unterschiedliche, häufig anzutreffende Fußbodenaufbauten untersucht. Hierfür wurde ein Satz verschiedenster Estrichprobekörper gefertigt und deren Hydratisierungsprozess gravimetrisch und mit den benannten Feuchtemessverfahren beobachtet. In der laufenden Auswertung konnten bereits signifikante Signalmerkmale der Radarmessungen extrahiert, sowie dessen Korrelation zum Feuchteverlauf der Proben gezeigt werden. Der modulare Aufbau der Fußbodenschichten zur Simulation von gängigen Feuchteschäden folgt im Anschluss. Über Datenfusion und Signalverarbeitung sollen so innovative Auswertungsansätze entwickelt und deren Validität an realen Schadensfällen geprüft werden.
Quantitative on-site analysis of harmful elements in building structures with a mobile LIBS-System
(2018)
Environmental influences and damage processes drastically reduce the durability of concrete and reinforced concrete structures. Much of this damage can be traced back to the penetration of harmful elements into the concrete. These elements cause damage processes such as the chlorine-induced corrosion, the alkali-silica reaction or the carbonization. For the maintenance the knowledge of the element concentration and the penetration depth of these harmful elements is essential. Based on this data, a maintenance concept can be developed and an estimation of the remaining service life-time can be carried out.
Typically, chemical analyzes are used to determine harmful elements in concrete, which are costly and time consuming. As an alternative method LIBS is used. On-site measurements were carried out with a mobile LIBS-System to determine harmful elements in a parking garage. A scanner is used to obtain a two-dimensional element mapping. For the quantitative analysis, a calibration of the system is carried out with 15 reference samples based on cement with NaCl with a concentration range of chlorine of 0.05 to 2.5 wt.%. To determine the penetration profile of the harmful element chlorine, concrete cores were drilled, split and analyzed directly on-site.
The effective gas diffusion coefficient describes the process of gas diffusion in porous materials. Several materials have a significant number of micropores in the lower nanometre range leading to a reduction of gas diffusion (Knudsen effect). In the case of partial pore saturation during adsorption, the available pore space is further reduced, as is the gas diffusion. In this study, the influence of partially saturated pores on the Knudsen effect and on the gas diffusion is quantified. Three different pore geometries are investigated (slit, cylindrical and spherical pores) and three different types of pore size distribution, including a broad equal distribution, three narrow normal distributions and two measured distributions of concrete.
Besides the intensive computation of the exact pore saturation, a simplified model with low computational requirements is suggested. This study shows that the influence of the water layer thickness on the effective diffusion becomes significant for pore radii below 50 nm and the assumed pore geometry is important. At the end, the overall effect is quantified for an amorphous material with most pore
radii below 30 nm. At a moisture level of 50% relative humidity, the effective diffusion is reduced by 35% due to partial saturation.
Zur Versiegelung von Endlagern für radioaktive oder chemische Abfälle in ehemaligen Salzbergwerken werden Verschlussbauwerke aus Salzbeton auf ihre Eignung geprüft. Seit einigen Jahren werden durch die Bundesgesellschaft Endlagerung (BGE) und der Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) an Versuchsbauwerken Erfahrungen mit der Ultraschalltechnik zur Qualitätssicherung unter Tage gesammelt. Hierbei kommen sowohl kommerzielle und experimentelle Geräte zur Echoprüfung als auch eigens entwickelte Bohrlochsonden zum Einsatz. Alle Geräte basieren auf niederfrequenten s-Wellen-Punktkontaktprüfköpfen (25 kHz– 50 kHz), die in unterschiedlichen Arrays kombiniert werden. In mehreren Versuchsreihen gelang es, unverfüllte und teilverfüllte Risse über mehrere Meter zu verfolgen und in ihrer Lage abzubilden. Technische Einbauten konnten bis in ca. 8 m Tiefe im Bauwerk detektiert werden. Mit Hilfe aus der Geophysik adaptierte Abbildungsverfahren gelang es, einige bisher nicht detektierbare Features sichtbar zu machen.
Die Ergebnisse dienen sowohl der Analyse des Versuchsbauwerks als auch der Entwicklung eines Qualitätssicherungssystems für zukünftige reale Verschlussbauwerke.
Stahlbetontragwerke sind eine wichtige Konstruktionsweise im Bauwesen und ein wachsendes Anwendungsfeld für die Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung (ZfP).
Zur Sicherung der Tragsicherheit, strukturellen Integrität, Bestimmung von Geometrien und zur Detektion konstruktiver Elemente wie z.B. Bewehrung, Verankerungen und Spannkanälen besitzen zerstörungsfreie Prüfverfahren in diesem Bereich inzwischen große Relevanz. Durch den bislang erreichten Fortschritt in der Forschung und Entwicklung haben moderne akustische und elektromagnetische Verfahren eine beachtliche Leistungsfähigkeit erreicht. Von Geräteherstellern sind diese in kommerziellen Produktserien umgesetzt worden und finden eine zunehmend breite Anwendung in der Praxis. In einigen anderen Anwendungsgebieten, in denen die ZfP bereits fester Bestandteil von Überwachungen ist, wie z.B. im Maschinenbau und insbesondere in der Kerntechnik und der Luftfahrt, existieren umfangreiche Qualitätssicherungssysteme für die konforme Anwendung und zuverlässige Einbeziehung der ZfP. Dem relativ jungen Entwicklungsstadium moderner ZfP für Stahlbetonbauteile entsprechend müssen solche Konzepte im Bauwesen erst noch entwickelt bzw. implementiert werden.
Dementsprechend hat sich der Unterausschuss Qualitätssicherung (UA- S) des Fachausschusses ZfP im Bauwesen (ZfPBau) die Definition und Verbesserung der Qualität von ZfP-Anwendungen sowie insbesondere die verfahrensunabhängige Standardisierung von Prüfprozeduren und statistische Absicherung der Prüfergebnisse zum Ziel gemacht.
Die aktuellen Arbeitsfelder beinhalten die Entwicklung praxisgerechter Konzepte für Prüfprozeduren und deren Erprobung in einem Ringversuch sowie die Konzeption von Testkörpern hinsichtlich unterschiedlicher Aspekte wie Parameterstudien, Validierung, Kalibrierung und Simulation. Dabei werden Ansätze anderer Branchen durchaus einbezogen, die Anpassung an die spezifischen Bedürfnisse und Gegebenheiten des Bauwesens wird jedoch als wesentlich angesehen und stellt somit eine wichtige Vorgabe dar.
Da die Tätigkeiten nicht auf einzelne Verfahren begrenzt sind, müssen generelle Vorgehensweisen entwickelt werden, die sich auf die jeweiligen Verfahren konkretisieren lassen. Der Vortrag gibt hierzu erste Einblicke in die Arbeit des Ausschusses.
This poster provides an overview of ultrasonic investigations of an engineered test barrier at ERAM Morsleben, which were completed as part of contractual work with the Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung mbH (BGE). This includes both experiments with the Large Aperture Ultrasound System (LAUS) and the ultrasonic borehole array. Also included in the poster is a description of the planned BAM thematic project “SealWasteSafe”. In particular, the proposed geopolymer materials are described and future research requirements are detailed.
Processing ultrasonic data by coda wave interferometry to monitor load tests of concrete beams
(2018)
Ultrasonic transmission measurements have been used for decades to monitor concrete elements, mostly on a laboratory scale. Recently, coda wave interferometry (CWI), a technique adapted from seismology, was introduced to civil engineering experiments. It can be used to reveal subtle changes in concrete laboratory samples and even large structural elements without having a transducer directly at the place where the change is taking place. Here, several load tests until failure on large posttensioned concrete beams have been monitored using networks of embedded transducers. To detect subtle effects at the beginning of the experiments and cope with severe changes due to cracking close to failure, the coda wave interferometry procedures had to be modified to an adapted step-wise approach. Using this methodology, we were able to monitor stress distribution and localize large cracks by a relatively simple technique. Implementation of this approach on selected real structures might help to make decisions in infrastructure asset management.
Existing concrete structures were usually designed for lifetimes of several decades. The current and urgently required efforts to increase sustainability and protect the environment will likely result in extended service lives up to 100 years. To achieve such objectives, it is required to assess structures over their entire lifecycles. Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods can reliably support the assessment of existing structures during the construction, operational, and decommissioning phases. One of the most important and safety-relevant components of a prestressed concrete structure are the tendons. NDT methods such as the ultrasonic echo method are suitable for both the detection and the localization of the tendons, i.e., the measurement of their geometrical position inside the component. The uniqueness of structures, concrete heterogeneity, and varying amounts of secondary components such as the reinforcement represent obstacles in the application of these methods in practice. The aim of this contribution is to demonstrate a practicable procedure, that can be used in the field to determine the parameters required for the measuring data analysis without extensive knowledge about the investigated components. For this purpose, a polyamide reference specimen is used to show which steps are required to obtain reliable imaging information on the position of tendons from the measurement data. The procedure is then demonstrated on a concrete test specimen that covers various relevant and practice-oriented test scenarios, such as varying tendon depths and component thicknesses.
Existing concrete structures were usually designed for lifetimes of several decades. The current and urgently required efforts to increase sustainability and protect the environment will likely result in extended service lives up to 100 years. To achieve such objectives, it is required to assess structures over their entire lifecycles. Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods can reliably support the assessment of existing structures during the construction, operational, and decommissioning phases. One of the most important and safety-relevant components of a prestressed concrete structure are the tendons. NDT methods such as the ultrasonic echo method are suitable for both the detection and the localization of the tendons, i.e., the measurement of their geometrical position inside the component. The uniqueness of structures, concrete heterogeneity, and varying amounts of secondary components such as the reinforcement represent obstacles in the application of these methods in practice. The aim of this contribution is to demonstrate a practicable procedure, that can be used in the field to determine the parameters required for the measuring data analysis without extensive knowledge about the investigated components. For this purpose, a polyamide reference specimen is used to show which steps are required to obtain reliable imaging information on the position of tendons from the measurement data. The procedure is then demonstrated on a concrete test specimen that covers various relevant and practice-oriented test scenarios, such as varying tendon depths and component thicknesses.
The relevance of chloride measurements in practice for durability condition assessment and a description of the working principle of LIBS will be given. A comparison of chloride profiles obtained by the common wet chemical analysis and results from LIBS measurements are shown to demonstrate the accuracy of the LIBS-technique. In addition, an example on the extra information resulting from measurements performed with LIBS for improvement of condition assessment and prediction will be shown.
This paper will address the relevance of chloride measurements in practice for durability condition assessment and a description of the working principle of LIBS will be given. Examples of chloride profiles obtained by the common wet chemical analysis will be shown and compared with results from LIBS measurements as to demonstrate the accuracy of the LIBS-technique. The latter will be supported by clear graphs. In addition examples on the extra information resulting from measurements performed with LIBS for improvement of condition assessment and prediction will be shown.
The Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is an useful analytical technique for the chlorine detection in building materials, specifically in the reinforcement concrete. If chlorine exceeds a specific concentration threshold, the result can be pitting corrosion of the reinforcement, which affects the stability and lifetime of building structures like marine constructions, bridges or parking decks. The critical chlorine content based to cement is 0.4 wt.-% based to the cement for reinforced concrete. The ingress of chlorides from sea water or de-icing salt leads to corrosion of the reinforcement.
The chlorine spectral line Cl I at 837.59 nm shows a good performance in helium atmosphere. For measurements without helium we used a electric discharge setup to reheat the Laser-induced plasma with a voltage below 100 V. In this case the reheating shows an increasing chlorine emission in air atmosphere.
This work shows chlorine calibration curves with LIBS in a helium flow and LIBS with electric discharge reheating in air atmosphere. The determination of the limit of detection (LOD) for both setups and the measurement results of a drill core sample with a quantitative chlorine ingress profile will be presented.
Ultrasonic measurement technology has become indispensable in NDT-CE. Air-coupled ultrasonic (ACU) measurement techniques promise to reduce measurement time. However, the signal quality suffers from large specific impedance mismatch at the transducer-air and air-specimen interface. Additionally, large pressure amplitudes are necessary for the penetration depth required in NDT-CE applications. To address the specific requirements of ultrasonic testing in NDT-CE, a robust ACU transducer was developed, that generates ultrasound by quickly switching a pressurized air flow. The simple design of the fluidic transducer makes the device maintenance free and resilient against harsh environmental conditions. Since the signal is generated by aeroacoustics, there is no specific impedance mismatch between the transducer and the surrounding air. The ultrasonic signal exhibits frequencies in the 30-60 kHz range and is therefore well suited to penetrate heterogenous materials such as concrete. This contribution gives an introduction in the working principle and signal characteristics of the fluidic transducer. Its applicability to measurements in concrete is verified. A detailed outlook is given to discuss the future potential of fluidic ultrasonic actuators.
Ultrasonic measurement technology has become indispensable in NDT-CE. Air-coupled ultrasonic (ACU) measurement techniques promise to reduce measurement time. However, the signal quality suffers from large specific impedance mismatch at the transducer-air and air-specimen interface. Additionally, large pressure amplitudes are necessary for the penetration depth required in NDT-CE applications.
To address the specific requirements of ultrasonic testing in NDT-CE, a robust ACU transducer was developed, that generates ultrasound by quickly switching a pressurized air flow. The simple design of the fluidic transducer makes the device maintenance free and resilient against harsh environmental conditions. Since the signal is generated by aeroacoustics, there is no specific impedance mismatch between the transducer and the surrounding air. The ultrasonic signal exhibits frequencies in the 30-60 kHz range and is therefore well suited to penetrate heterogenous materials such as concrete. This contribution gives an introduction in the working principle and signal characteristics of the fluidic transducer. A detailed outlook is given to discuss the future potential of fluidic ultrasonic actuators.
Zahlreiche Schädigungsprozesse in Baustoffen stehen im engen Zusammenhang mit Feuchteeintrag und Feuchtetransport. Als Beispiel sind die schädigende Alkali-Kieselsäurereaktion (AKR) von Beton sowie Frost-Tauwechsel induzierte Gefügeschäden genannt. Zur zerstörungsfreien, ortsaufgelösten Feuchtemessung eignet sich die im Bereich der Geophysik etablierte, aber im Bauingenieurwesen noch wenig verbreitete, Messmethode der Nuklear Magnetischen Resonanz (NMR). Unter Verwendung der NMR-Relaxometrie sind sowohl Aussagen zum Feuchtegehalt und dessen räumliche Verteilung als auch die Charakterisierung der Porengrößen möglich, die das Transportverhalten eines porösen Materials maßgeblich beeinflussen.
Zur Erfassung der Mikro- und Mesoporen in Baustoffen ist dabei die Auflösung von kurzen T2 Relaxationszeiten unabdingbar. Bisher ist es mit gängigen NMR-Laborgeräten nur begrenzt möglich, solche kurzen T2-Zeiten schichtselektiv zu erfassen. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurde ein speziell für die Messung an mineralischen Baustoffen optimierter NMR-Tomograph beschafft. Dieser ermöglicht sowohl schichtselektive Messungen von Bohrkernen mit Durchmessern von bis zu 70 mm als auch bildgebende Untersuchungen an Proben mit Durchmessern ≤ 40 mm.
Erste Untersuchungsergebnisse an Sandstein, Tuffstein und Beton zeigen die Leistungsfähigkeit des neuen NMR-Tomographen zur Erfassung der porengrößenspezifischen Feuchteverteilung. In diesem Beitrag werden erste Ergebnisse verschiedenartiger Laborversuche exemplarisch dargestellt.
Für Sandsteine mit unterschiedlichsten Porengrößenverteilungen wurden mit dem neuen NMR-Tomographen und einem herkömmlichen NMR-System vergleichbare T2 Zeitenverteilungen ermittelt. Am sehr heterogenen Tuffstein konnten unterschiedlich poröse (und feuchte) Bereiche räumlich aufgelöst werden. Im Beton ließ sich der Feuchtetransport im Zementstein porengrößenspezifisch, schichtselektiv und zeitlich aufgelöst verfolgen.
Die bisher gewonnenen Ergebnisse zeigen das breite Anwendungsspektrum des neuen NMR Tomographen auf und ermöglichen ein besseres Verständnis des Feuchtetransports und der oft damit einhergehenden Schädigungsprozesse in Baustoffen.
To conduct a reliable, repeatable and accurate LIBS analysis, the optimization of the experimental setup is an important task. Hardware parameters of lasers and spectrometers used in the setup as well as additionally required components such as optics or process gas pipes must be carefully aligned and adjusted because factors like (i) focal conditions of the optics, (ii) alignment of the sample, (iii) process purge gas (types, flow rate) or (iv) measurement settings (integration time, accumulation of pulses) have a big impact on the signal quality. Therefore, in most cases the effect of different factors is evaluated empirically due to changing one factor at a time while keeping the overall configuration the same. In the end, the optimal configuration is selected based on the best parameters for each influencing factor. During optimization, a configuration of the experimental setup is aimed at, which allows e.g. the highest signal intensity or the lowest variation. In most cases, cross-correlation, interference and interaction among the various factors are not considered. For this reason, the possibilities of using Design of Experiment (DoE) to optimize a LIBS experiment will be shown and advantages of (i) reduction of testing plans using a feature space, (ii) identifying and considering cross-correlations and interactions, (iii) evaluating individual impacts on the measurement (e.g. contour and surface plots) as well as (iv) multivariate models for prediction of impacts will be presented.