Damage characterization of inhomogeneous materials: Experiments and numerical simulations of wave propagation

Elastic waves have long been used for characterization of concrete. In order to produce reliable results, wave propagation needs a lot of understanding. Therefore, combined study through experiments and simulations is deemed essential. In the present paper the case of concrete with flakey inclusions, serving as micro-cracks, is investigated both in laboratory and computer simulation. The results suggest new wave features suitable for characterization. Parameters like wave dispersion, attenuation or experimental variation prove to be more sensitive to damage than traditionally used pulse velocity and can improve characterization when employed in-situ. The monitoring of a cracked concrete bridge before and after repair is discussed as a case study.