Application of ultrasonic tomography to detection of damages in concrete

Slice images of a structure are very interesting information in order to evaluate damages. In this context the analysis of propagation of ultrasonic waves in a solid may provide a tomographic reconstruction of its interior allowing the detection of cracks, voids and heterogeneity. This paper presents a study of tomography reconstruction from results of ultrasonic tests in concrete prisms. Measurements of time-of-flight (TOF) of ultrasonic waves are carried out in three concrete prisms with different compressive strength and one concrete prism cast with two distinct concrete compositions. Prisms are tested before and after an imposed damage. Heterogeneity of concrete is evaluated and the tomographic image is obtained using some techniques of image reconstruction implemented in new software. Results show that ultrasonic tomography may be an interesting tool to evaluate damaged structures.