Investigation of Tendon Ducts by Means of Ultrasonic Echo Methods: A Comparative Study

Post-tensioned tendon ducts in test specimens were investigated with scanning ultrasonic echo methods. For the same arrangement the propagation of elastic waves was calculated with 3D-EFIT in order to understand the wave propagation in such a multilayer system and for the interpretation of the results. The results are compared with the aim to improve the reliability of localising tendon ducts in prestressed concrete structures and to indicate grouting faults inside. The experiments and modelling were performed in the frame of the FOR 384 research group funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Council).