Multisensory Spatial Analysis and NDT Active Magnetic Method for Quick Area Testing of Reinforced Concrete Structures

Abstract

This paper aims to present multisensory spatial analysis (MSA). The method was designed for the quick, simultaneous identification of concrete cover thickness h, rebar diameter, and alloys of reinforcement in large areas of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, which is a complex and unsolved issue. The main idea is to divide one complex problem into three simple-to-solve and based on separate premises tasks. In the transducers designed with the MSA, sensors are arranged spatially. This arrangement identifies each RC parameter separately based on the different waveforms/attributes. The method consists of three steps. All steps are described in the paper and supported by simulations and statistical analysis of the measurement. The tests were carried out using an Anisotropic Magneto-resistance (AMR) sensor. The AMR sensors can measure strong DC magnetic fields and can be combined in spatial transducers because of their small size. The selection of the sensor was extensively justified in the introduction section. The spatial transducer and the identification’s simplicity can allow for high accuracy in the real-time area testing of all three parameters. The risk of misclassification of discrete parameters was strongly reduced, and the h parameter can be identified with millimeter accuracy.