Concrete Structures

Implementation of Non-destructive Evaluation (NDE) procedures in concrete structures seems to be the only way towards a safe and economic infrastructure management. Since concrete structures have reasonably ceased to be regarded as maintenance-free, periodic inspection is deemed necessary. Although destructive techniques can provide information on the strength of the material, this is only based on sampling and cannot be performed in a wide basis. Therefore, NDE methodologies, especially with the capability of visualizing the interior of the structure, have been developed and applied in structures to answer a question that cannot be addressed destructively. This chapter focuses on the current trends of elastic wave and general techniques that are used and new trends with some examples of how NDE assists in the identification of damage and maintenance of concrete structures are highlighted.