Influence of the Pre-Existing Defects on the Strain Distribution in Concrete Compression Stress Field by the AE and DICM Techniques

Abstract

This research investigates the influence of the pre-existing defects within concrete taken from the in-service irrigation structure on the strain distribution. The X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) technique is employed to investigate the internal concrete matrix and evaluate the defect distribution in it. The cracking system in a concrete matrix is detected as a damage type caused by the severe environment, and it is varied by the different degrees in all samples. The geometric properties of defects and their spatial location are obtained by image processing of CT images. The compression test with Acoustic Emission (AE) and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) measurements is conducted to analyze the fracture processes and acquire the damage spatial information. The AE signal descriptors are effective parameters for real-time detection and potential local damage monitoring. Moreover, the analysis of the DICM strain and displacement fields reveals the most potential fracture zones. The AE source location analysis indicated a connection between pre-existing defects and strain localization. The AE events and strain are high in the defect areas. Additionally, the amplitude and frequency of the AE events correlated with the location of the defects indicating that the structure weakness at that point leads to concentrated deformation development.