There are several structures all around the globe that have been in existence for quite some time. Due to the continued ageing processes that occur on these buildings, renewal and maintenance must be carried out periodically. Our article goes into some of the most common concrete inspection technology that are used.

In order to keep everyone safe, maintenance must be carried out to diagnose, evaluate and even implement measures to ensure continued safety. When it comes to inspecting structures that were built and reinforced, there is a specific way that in which they are tested. Typically, strength tests are carried out with the highest precision along with material analysis of any existing structure. However, this method only works for a portion of the structure; hence it has become quite difficult to use any assumptions or even results to classify the entire structure.

If structures such as tunnels are under evaluation, it is also difficult to properly determine the condition of the entire structure. However, when non-destructive measures are carried out, they can be applied to the entire structure and they are highly accurate and efficient. Additionally, there have also been new development with the use of electromagnetic and ultrasound waves. In cases where a ultrasound method is used, it goes on to generate sound waves in the presence of a transmitter.

However, the transmitter is typically placed on the structures surface in order to measure the waves that are received. And they also readily determine the location of any internal defect along with the dimension of the defect. A defect is usually measured by a set of parameters. These can include the travel time as well as the phase, frequency and even the waveform.

When electromagnetic waves are used, they are emitted with the use of a specialised transmitting antenna. The waves are then reflected on the boundary that separates the concrete from other materials which tend to possess a variety of electromagnetic properties. These properties can be conductivity as well as relative permittivity and they aid in finding the correct position of any damages.

Additionally, there are also several lab exercises being carried out that make use of the new and improved macroscopic ultrasound method. Several industries have already employed this method as a main method for inspecting concrete. However, it has been known to use its own parameter for measurement. Most of the common methods that are already used irradiate ultrasonic waves.

The waves emitted travel into materials and properly diagnose the conditions that are located on the inside of the structures. There are also a set of sound waves generated which can be used to make assumptions of the elastic properties of the structure as they travel. When these waves are irradiated, they are typically scattered by a number of factors such as gravel, voids, water and basically anything else that is contained within the concrete. This therefore creates the noise that is received.

However, it has been said to be quite difficult when it comes to identifying the waves from certain places such as a structure that has been reinforced with steel. As a result, extreme high precision measurements haven’t been possible as yet. Due to the macroscopic method coming on stream for new and improved concrete inspection technology, it has been known to actually supress the noises heard from the waves.