Development of a Finite Element Code forNon-Destructive Evaluation of Concrete Structures by Means of Ultrasonic Waves

摘要

Non-Destructive Evaluation techniques are of great relevance nowadays and are extensively employed in many areas of engineering to detect defects in products and structures, or to point out deteriorations in industrial plants. This paper focuses on techniques which make use of transient ultrasonic waves, the aim being numerical modelling and simulation of their propagation in concrete structures affected by defects, possibly in the presence of material inhomogeneities and/or voids. For this purpose a fully three-dimensional finite element code has been developed by the authors, who have validated and used it to perform numerous simulations, the results of which are presented and discussed.