Correlation Analysis of 2D Tomographic Images for Flaw Detection in Pavements

Abstract

Ultrasonic tomography is an emerging method of non destructive concrete pavement diagnostics which can be used for improved quality assurance/quality control during concrete pavement construction and assist in rehabilitation decision making. Detection of flaws using ultrasonic tomography requires significant effort and user expertise. To address these limitations, a quantitative method for determining the presence of defects in concrete pavements was developed. The proposed method is an adaptation of the recently developed impact-echo signature analysis method (IESA), which is used for comparison of impact-echo signals. The proposed two-dimensional ultrasonic tomography signature analysis (2D-UTSA) method was used to compare two-dimensional B-scans obtained using a commercial test system in field trials at the Minnesota Road Research Facility and the Federal Aviation Administration's National Airport Pavement Test Facility. Analysis of the results showed that the 2D-UTSA method is capable of identifying subsurface defects.

Non-destructive ultrasonic tomography for concrete pavement evaluation: signal processing and image analysis of crucial parameters

“…However, sunlight may also affect the infrared techniques masking the real material temperature (Park et al [12]). Another study, while highlighting the technique successful potential to find delaminations in concrete, yields attention to the interference of climate conditions in the results (Hoegh and Khazanovich, [13]). Furthermore, the temperature influence on the readings is much more concise on the material surface, thus deeper assessments are difficult to interpret (Hoegh et al [2]).…”

“…These difficulties led to the use of rudimentary methods such as chain dragging and impact echo. However, the former is much influenced by the operator and the second only correctly evaluates flat and uniform structures and distresses being both slow and unproductive (Hoegh and Khazanovich, [13]). …”

Emprego de Ensaios Não Destrutivos para Inspeção de Estruturas de Concreto

“…Contudo, a detecção de falhas através da tomografia requer um esforço significativo e experiência do usuário [10].…”

Quantitative ultrasonic evaluation of concrete structures using one-sided access

“…While Schubert and Koehler stated that a priori knowledge of a reference signal where no scatterers are present is not generally available, the Kirchoff migration methods described in section 4 provide intuitive reference scans. It is proposed to generalize the IESA method for use with SAFT reconstructions Pearson's correlation coefficient is adapted for comparison of reconstructed intensity matrices as follows using the SAFT-IA B-scan variables [29]: To evaluate the robustness of the UTSA method in identifying subsurface distresses, a series of tests were conducted at the Minnesota Road Research Facility (MnROAD). Various defects were fabricated and embedded in the concrete at a fully bonded two-lift concrete pavement construction test site.…”