Analysis of the Acoustic Emission in a Reinforced Concrete Beam Using a Four Points Bending Test

In the present work, the mechanical behaviour of a reinforced concrete beam was evaluated in a four points bending test. For this purpose, a configuration of two Acoustic Emission (AE) sensors, tuned in 150 kHz, was set and at the same time. The load-displacement curve was implemented by using a load cell and a LVDT. The characterized concrete beam corresponds to a type of high performance H80 without shear reinforcement. Different levels of damage in function of the AE parameters measured were evaluated in function of load percentage. The aim of this study is to identify parameters of EA such as b-value, RA, that could be relevant in the mechanical behaviour of the beam.