Application of correlation analysis techniques to surface wave testing for the evaluation of reinforced concrete structural elements

• Published in: NDT & E international : independent nondestructive testing and evaluation 2019-03, Vol.102, p.68-76
• Main Authors: Rodríguez-Roblero, M.J., Ayon, J.J., Cascante, G., Pandey, M.D., Alyousef, R., Topper, T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0963-8695; 1879-1174
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ndteint.2018.11.003

An experimental study using surface wave testing to monitor the progression of fatigue damage in five natural scale reinforced concrete beams is presented. The work presented innovates in the manner the results from the surface wave testing is analyzed. Instead of evaluating the velocity and attenuation of the surface waves, the determination of the damage results from the correlation analysis between the recorded signals. Three correlation analysis techniques were assessed: the Pearson correlation coefficient, the power spectral correlation index and the coherence spectrum. From the results obtained, the coherence spectrum showed potential to monitor the progression of incremental damage. •Five natural scale reinforced concrete beams were studied under fatigue loading.•The study relied on the application of surface waves to monitor fatigue damage.•A new manner of analyzing the surface wave testing results is proposed.•The surface waves results are evaluated in terms of correlation between the signals.•The results suggest that correlation techniques have potential for damage monitoring.