Non-destructive measurements of crack assessment and defect detection in concrete structures

Non-destructive testing is essential in the inspection of alteration, repair and new construction in the building industry. This method is sensitive to parameters allowing assessment of concrete structures conditions. The testing procedures described in this paper are based on the dynamic response of the cracked or flawed concrete structures subjected to impact loading and on analyzing the ability of the resistivity measurement to detect and to locate cracks and spalling with in situ measurements on a damaged concrete slab. Experimental and analytical studies conducted on the concrete specimens containing artificial defects and cracks with varying lengths, and depths are compared. The comparison of the experimental and analytical results shows that each of the newly proposed methods applied to civil structures is an efficient tool allowing assessment and detection of structural damage.