ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: In reinforced concrete structures concrete cracking is an aspect to be further analyzed, because concrete cracking often results in stiffness loss and also in corrosion of the steel reinforcement. The corrosion rate strongly depends on the crack width and the crack depth so there is the need to measure and to characterize its dimensions. The impact-echo technique is a useful non-destructive test method for the detection of diverse faults in concrete structures. Unfortunately, the existing instruments and analysis tools designed for measurements were lacking of several features in the past detaining the extensive use. A new concept for impact-echo testing systems is presented in this paper. A new device was developed, which is small, robust and easy to handle. The system utilizes advanced impact generation for fast scanning techniques and reproducible impacts. The data acquisition, filtering and visualization of data are optimized for the inspection of large structures with a large number of measurement points. A new option is the estimation of crack parameters like crack depth. In this paper fundamental principles and the combination of the different measurement techniques as well as details of the measurement system are described and some test results are shown.
