Non-destructive Damage Assessment and Environmental Measurement Methods

Ultrasonic echo measurement with two transducers for non-destructive testing on concrete structures

The prime topic of Division 8.2 is the promotion, improvement and enhancement of practical applications of non-destructive testing methods in civil engineering (NDT-CE). The compilation of standards for these applications is supported.

Non-destructive testing methods are typically applied in specific situations where damage or accidents have occured. In addition, they can be very efficient tools in quality assurance and thus support the creation of durable and safe structures. Increased interest of industry and public administration is expressed through the number of joint research projects. The area on environmental measurement methods is in creation and will address relevant topics of environmental interest in civil engineering and geotechniques. The available technology will be applied to new thematic areas and methods will be transferred from adjoining disciplines.

Working areas

• Development of measurement methods

In cooperation with other BAM departments, industry, public administration and universities the projects, all of them additionally funded by third parties, are being executed.

• Building diagnosis

Field tests on numerous structures of different types (reinforced concrete structures, post-tensioned concrete structures, e. g. bridges, roads, foundations, dams, railroads, housing and industrial buildings, masonry, historic monuments, etc.) are performed within research cooperations or test contracts. For this purpose, up-to-date and effective facilities are available. The combination of methods is becoming inceasingly important. In addition, on the campus of BAM two large scale specimens are located: one large reinforced concrete slab and a wall made of historic masonry.

• Consulting and information

Consulting and information about non-destructive testing methods is carried out intensively, promoting the application of NDT-CE methods. The NDT-CE Compendium is readily available to the public, describing appr. 120 different testing methods. It is freely available in the internet and is updated frequently and expanded. An English version is in preparation.
Standardisation of NDT-CE methods is actively supported through participation in and cooperation with national and international standardisation organisations.

Fields of competence

• Electromagnetic Methods for the Assessment of Structures; Development and Validation
• Acoustic Methods for Testing Building Structures
• Methods of Geophysics, Geotechnique and Spectroscopy
• Combination and Automatisation of Non-destructive Testing of Buildings

Special topics

• Validation of NDT-methods
• Endoscopy
• Microwave borehole method
• Impact echo method
• Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)
• Building survey and documentation
• Automation
• Radar (ground penetrating radar)
• Ultrasonic echo method
• Laser scanning doppler vibrometer
• Pile testing
• Spectral induced polarization (SIP)
• Time domain reflectometry (TDR)
• Data processing and -visualisation of NDT-data sets

Test specimen and test facilities

• Large concrete specimen
• Wall from historic masonry
• Test and Validation Center for Non-destructive Testing in Civil Engineering

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