Effects of concrete non-homogeneity on Rayleigh waves dispersion

Abstract

This article presents the spectral analysis of surface waves (SASW) technique and describes an experimental investigation concerning its ability to non-destructively assess the variation of elastic properties within Portland cement concrete structures. SASW tests were conducted on three concrete slabs, 1·4 m × 1 m × 0·5 m in size, and having different compressive strength (f′c: 17·5, 27 and 53 MPa). Tests were also conducted on a layered concrete slab, 2 m × 2 m × 0·7 m in size, and made up of a base layer, an intermediate layer and a top layer having compressive strength of 53, 27 and 17.5 MPa, respectively. The results show that the propagation velocity of Rayleigh waves is very sensitive to variations in concrete quality and that the SASW technique offers a practical tool to determine the extent of near-surface damage observed in in-service concrete structures.