Non-destructive evaluation of concrete using a capacitive imaging technique: Preliminary modelling and experiments

• Published in: Cement and concrete research Vol. 40; no. 12; pp. 1734 - 1743
• Main Authors: Yin, X., Hutchins, D.A., Diamond, G.G., Purnell, P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2010; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Cements; Concretes; Concretes. Mortars. Grouts; Crack detection (B); Cracks; Electric fields; Electrical properties (C); Exact sciences and technology; Imaging; Imaging techniques; Materials; Mathematical models; Modelling (E); Non-destructive evaluation; Reinforced concrete; Reinforcement; Reinforcement (D); Crack detection (B); Reinforcement (D); Modelling (E); Electrical properties (C); Non-destructive evaluation; Electrical properties; Construction materials; Two dimensional model; Experimental study; Modeling; Reinforced concrete; Finite element method; Image analysis; Experimental result; Reinforcement; Detection; Non destructive test; Crack
• ISSN: 0008-8846; 1873-3948
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2010.08.015

This paper describes the application of capacitive imaging to the inspection of concrete. A two-dimensional finite-element method was employed to model the electric field distribution from capacitive imaging probe, and how it interacts with concrete samples. Physical experiments with prototype capacitive imaging probes were also carried out. The proof-of-concept results indicated that the capacitive imaging technique could be used to detect cracks on the surface of concrete samples, as well as sub-surface air voids and steel reinforcement bars.