2D-and 3D-visualisation of NDT-data using data fusion technique

Non-destructive testing (NDT) of concrete structures plays an increasing role in civil engineering. At present there are several acoustic and electromagnetic methods which cover a large area of application and which can be used complementarily. But in most cases, only one method is applied to solve a distinct problem. In this contribution, results will be presented based on the networked research project FOR384, funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). Among others, the combination of NDT methods, and thus the application of data fusion techniques, has been investigated to demonstrate synergetic effects by merging complementary results and amplifying information about concrete structures. In order to be able to combine NDT-data from several methods recorded from the same volume, the different data sets must be adapted. After the data sets are reconstructed and transferred into a common reference system, they can be processed in different ways according to the purpose of the investigation. The results, which have been achieved in concrete test specimens and on the carriageway of a bridge with radar, ultrasonic echo and impact echo, will be presented and will show the feasibility of the data fusion method. (c) 2005 RILEM. All rights reserved.