Damage Characterisation of Inhomogeneous Materials: Experiments and Numerical Simulations of Wave Propagation

Elastic waves are commonly used for characterisation of concrete. To produce reliable results, wave propagation needs a lot of understanding. Therefore, combined study through experiments and simulations is deemed essential. In the present paper, the case of concrete with flakey inclusions, serving as micro-cracks, is investigated both in laboratory experiments and computer simulation. The results suggest new wave features suitable for characterisation. Parameters like wave dispersion and frequency dependent attenuation prove to be more sensitive to damage than the traditionally used pulse velocity and can improve characterisation when employed in situ. The monitoring of a cracked concrete bridge before and after repair is discussed as a case study.