Non-destructive evaluation of the spatial variability of reinforced concrete structures

Abstract

Spatial variability of concrete is an important characteristic, which qualifies the non-homogeneity of concrete properties within structural components. Assessing it can be of great interest for damaged areas localization and for reliability analysis of structures. A two-stage experimental program was carried out using non-destructive testing (NDT) on laboratory concrete slabs in outdoor environment and on an existing bridge. The spatial variability was quantified at three scales: point (repeatability), local and global, for several NDT techniques (ultrasonic pulse velocity, electrical resistivity, radar and rebound hammer). The experimental results were analyzed using statistical and geostatistical tools.