Journal Published Online: 14 December 2015
Volume 44, Issue 6

Acoustic Emission During Flexural Deformation of Reinforced Concrete Under Incremental Cyclic Loading

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

Acoustic emissions (AE) released during the flexure tests of reinforced concrete (RC) beams under incremental cyclic loading conditions in the laboratory were subjected to improved b-value (Ib-value) analysis. Ib-value has been reported to be useful to detect, track, and investigate the various stages of micro-cracking and macro-crack damage in concrete. Further, Ib-value has been found to be free from the influence of monitoring conditions. We observed in the present study that the Ib-value began to decrease with the beginning of the formation of new micro-cracks, and then stabilized (∼1.0) and finally dropped down sharply to a very low value marking the onset of macro-crack damage and its growth in concrete. Additionally, when the Ib-value decreased, AE with steep rise angle (RA) values were noticed with the formation and growth of micro-cracks in concrete. On the contrary, the average frequency (AF) of AE events was found to decrease during the micro- and macro-cracking stages of the test beams. These experimental observations of AE-based Ib-value combined with RA and AF were useful for the detailed study of flexural deformation and the failure of concrete at various stages in the laboratory and, perhaps, in situ conditions as well.

Author Information

Vidya Sagar, R.
Dept. of Civil Engineering, Indian Inst. of Science, Bangalore, IN
Rao, M.
NGRI, Uppal, Hyderabad, IN
Pages: 17
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JTE20140507
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE20140507