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Non-destructive-detection of chlorides and moisture in multi-layer-structural elements such as concrete bridge decks using high frequency electromagnetic waves

English title Non-destructive-detection of chlorides and moisture in multi-layer-structural elements such as concrete bridge decks using high frequency electromagnetic waves
Applicant Hugenschmidt Johannes
Number 119797
Funding scheme Project funding (Div. I-III)
Research institution Mobilität, Energie und Umwelt Empa
Institution of higher education Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology - EMPA
Main discipline Other disciplines of Engineering Sciences
Start/End 01.05.2008 - 30.09.2011
Approved amount 206'725.00
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Keywords (8)

non-destructive-testing; ground penetrating radar; bridge decks; chlorides; corrosion; concrete; non-destructive testing; radar

Lay Summary (English)

Lead
Lay summary
Corrosion of re-bar within reinforced concrete is a major problem in countries where salt is applied to roads for de-icing and in marine environments. Concrete structures are periodically inspected in order to monitor possible damage caused by chloride induced corrosion of the rein-forcement. However, bridge decks covered with asphalt pavements are not accessible for visual inspection and probing is limited. As a result, the planning of rehabilitation of bridge decks is usually based on a small number of probes. Consequently, the condition of bridge decks can only be assessed with low certainty. Therefore, a method enabling to study the conditions of concrete bridge decks covered by asphalt pavements is desirable.
Work carried out by Empa and other institutions suggests the applicability of Ground-Penetrating-Radar to the inspection of chloride contamination of bridge decks. Different approaches have been suggested and several studies have been carried out on real bridges. However, results are far from uniform. Some authors found that radar results compare favourably with results obtained by other methods while others came to the conclusion that results do not compare very well.
This project aims at a profound investigation of the influence of various parameters on the propagation of electromagnetic waves in concrete and their exploitation for the non-destructive detection of chlorides in concrete. The project will be carried out within the framework of a PhD-thesis and will involve three partners (Empa, EPFL, ETHZ) to ensure that all relevant aspects are covered and supported by specialists.
This proposal aims at a unique combination of theoretical aspects, modeling, laboratory experiments and a field test. This will not only answer several questions currently discussed by the radar community but will also have a beneficial effect on the application of innovative inspection methods in civil engineering.
Direct link to Lay Summary Last update: 21.02.2013

Responsible applicant and co-applicants

Employees

Publications

Publication
Chlorides and moisture assessment in concrete by GPR full waveform inversion
Kalogeropoulos Alexis (2011), Chlorides and moisture assessment in concrete by GPR full waveform inversion, in Near Surface Geophysics, 9, 277-286.
Processing strategies for high-resolution GPR concrete inspections
Hugenschmidt J, Kalogeropoulos A, Soldovieri F, Prisco G (2010), Processing strategies for high-resolution GPR concrete inspections, in NDT & E INTERNATIONAL, 43(4), 334-342.
The inspection of retaining walls using GPR
Hugenschmidt J, Kalogeropoulos A (2009), The inspection of retaining walls using GPR, in JOURNAL OF APPLIED GEOPHYSICS, 67(4), 335-344.

Scientific events

Active participation

Title Type of contribution Title of article or contribution Date Place Persons involved
SMAR 2011 19.01.2011 Dubai
IWAGPR 2011 19.01.2011 Aachen, Germany
SHMII-4 19.09.2009 Zurich, Switzerland
IWAGPR 2009 19.05.2009 Granada, Spain


Associated projects

Number Title Start Funding scheme
137517 Non-destructive-detection of chlorides and moisture in multi-layer- structural elements such as concrete bridge decks using high frequency electromagnetic waves 01.10.2011 Project funding (Div. I-III)

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