Non Destructive Characterization of Concrete Joints Using the Scaling Subtraction Method

Abstract

The evolution of concrete behavior in the proximity of a joint under the effect of varying external pressures is studied by means of a novel nonlinear ultrasonic technique denoted as Scaling Subtraction Method. The results obtained show that the proposed method is effective in describing the occurrence of micro-structural changes near the joint and detect potential conditions for crack opening and damage initiation.