Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) for Concrete Structure Applications: A Review

Abstract

Electrical resistance tomography (ERT) is gaining recognition as an effective, affordable, and nondestructive tool for monitoring and imaging concrete structures. This paper discusses ERT’s applications, including crack detection, moisture ingress monitoring, steel reinforcement assessment, and chloride level profiling within concrete. Recent advancements, such as time-lapse ERT and artificial intelligence (AI) integration, have enhanced image resolution and provided detailed data for infrastructure monitoring. However, challenges remain regarding the need for better spatial resolution, concrete-compatible electrodes, and integration with other nondestructive testing techniques. Addressing these issues will expand the applicability and reliability of the current ERT, making it an invaluable tool for infrastructure maintenance and monitoring.