Multi-sensing NDT for damage assessment of concrete masonry walls

Abstract

This paper presents a hybrid non-destructive testing (NDT) approach based on (non-contact) infrared thermography (IRT), (passive) acoustic emission (AE), and (active) ultrasonic (UT) techniques for effective damage assessment of partially grouted concrete masonry walls (PGMW). This hybrid monitoring approach could be implemented for the health monitoring of concrete masonry structures. The implementation of this system assists the cross validation of in-situ recorded information for structural damage assessment. NDT was performed on PGMW subjected to cyclic horizontal loading. The obtained IRT, AE, and UT results successfully monitored the progressive damage process throughout the loading history. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.