Experimental validation of concrete crack identification and location with acoustic emission method

The work aims to experimentally validate the identification and location of destructive processes in reinforced concrete structures using the method based on the measurements of acoustic emissions generated by those processes. The system that employs the method was presented in works Gołaski et al. (2010) [3], Gołaski et al. (2006) [4] and Świt (2008) [11]. As it is very difficult to document the results obtained with the acoustic emission (AE) method, the validation of the process was conducted. The tests involved reinforced concrete beams loaded until failure. The measurements of acoustics emission were taken continuously, at the same time the strains in the beam lateral surface were recoded using 3D optical scanner (Aramis). The comparison of the results demonstrated that the recorded acoustic emission signals really correspond to the process of crack initiation and development. It was shown that the AE method not only identifies the process of formation of cracks, but also makes it possible to locate them.