Practical procedure for the precise measurement of geometrical tendon positions in concrete with ultrasonic echo

Existing concrete structures were usually designed for lifetimes of several decades. The current and urgently required efforts to increase sustainability protect the environment will likely result in extended service lives up 100 years. To achieve such objectives, it is assess over their entire lifecycles. Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods can reliably support assessment existing during construction, operational, decommissioning phases. One most important safety-relevant components a prestressed structure are tendons. NDT as ultrasonic echo method suitable both detection localization tendons, i.e., measurement geometrical position inside component. uniqueness structures, heterogeneity, varying amounts secondary reinforcement represent obstacles application these practice. aim this contribution demonstrate practicable procedure, that be used field determine parameters measuring data analysis without extensive knowledge about investigated components. For purpose, polyamide reference specimen show which steps obtain reliable imaging information on tendons from data. procedure then demonstrated test covers various relevant practice-oriented scenarios, tendon depths component thicknesses.