Impact-echo techniques for non-destructive inspection of concrete structures

The impact-echo technique is a useful tool for the detection of different faults in structures. Unfortunately, the existing instruments and analysis tools designed for measurements were lacking in several features in the past, restricting their extensive use. For many applications such as inspections of large structures like buildings, bridges or tunnels, it is essential that the equipment for impact-echo measurements along profiles uses a scanning technique and fast and reliable data acquisition. A new concept for impact-echo testing systems is presented, including a new device, small and easy to handle, robust and unproblematic regarding transportation. The system utilizes advanced impact generation for fast scanning techniques and reproducible impacts. The data acquisition, filtering and visualization of data are optimized for the inspection of large structures obtaining data at many measurement points. Regarding the software, state-of-the-art requirements were implemented for both scientific applications and field-tests. A new option is the automatic estimation of crack parameters like crack depth. Some results will be presented obtained at bridges and test specimens to measure the structure depth and the extension of voids.