Non-destructive testing of concrete material properties and concrete structures

摘要

To keep a high level of structural safety, durability and performance of the infrastructure in each country, an efficient system for early and regular structural assessment is urgently required. The quality assurance during and after the construction of new structures and after reconstruction processes and the characterisation of material properties and damage as a function of time and environmental influences is more and more becoming a serious concern. Nondestructive testing (NDT) methods have a large potential to be part of such a system. NDT methods in general are widely used in several industry branches. Aircrafts, nuclear facilities, chemical plants, electronic devices and other safety critical installations are tested regularly with fast and reliable testing technologies. A variety of advanced NDT methods are available for metallic or composite materials. In recent years, innovative NDT methods, which can be used for the assessment of existing structures, have become available for concrete structures, but are still not established for regular inspections. Therefore, the intention of this issue is to raise awareness within the civil engineering community about the applicability, performance, availability, complexity and restrictions of NDT.