Acoustic Emissions detection and analysis during a 4 points bending test on a reinforced concrete beam.

The Acoustic Emissions (AE) technique is gaining more and more importance in the non-destructive testing research area, especially for reinforced concrete elements. The ultrasonic signals produced by damage to the concrete can be detected by proper piezoelectric sensors, both resonant or broadband, and can be further processed with dedicated software, to calculate single event parameters, as well as collective variables. The online and/or offline analysis of these parameters allows for the detection of defects and to monitor of the integrity of elements without damaging the specimen, which is of great importance for structural health assessment. In this paper, the authors present a four-point bending test on a Reinforced Concrete Beam, performed at the STRENGTH Laboratory of the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Salerno, in which an AE detection and analysis system is used. The data processing will show how the AE technique is useful to localize the fractures in the specimen and highlight the area in which the final failure will occur at about 60% of the maximum load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]