This paper provides a follow up to prior works [1,2,3,4] describing the theory and method associated with an innovative microwave based NDE method for inspection of HDPE thermal and electro fusion pipe joints. The method employs a first of a kind apparatus that is based on the creation of an image using electromagnetic energy in the microwave frequency range.This paper presents the results of a series of field and laboratory trials of the HDPE thermal and electro-fusion inspections and the corresponding mechanical test of the joint. A close correlation between the inspection results and the mechanical test results are shown. The data presented provides definitive evidence of the ability of the inspection method to detect numerous typical defect types in HDPE fusion joints.
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