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Ultrasonic Ndt Methods For The Evaluation Of Post-Tensioned Systems With Flexible Fillers, Denis Mcdonald

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Non-destructive evaluation of post-tensioned structures with flexible fillers is desperately needed due to their rapid implementation in the State of Florida, primarily in roadway structures. This study provides an overview of existing evaluation methods for traditional post-tensioned structures with cementitious grouts and further explores two promising methods to be applied to flexible filler systems. The first method, diffuse ultrasound spectroscopy, indirectly evaluates posttensioned structures by quantifying the severity of microcracking in the structure. Microcrack detection is accomplished by processing received waveforms generated with a pitch-catch transducer configuration. The second method, coda-wave interferometry, measures the velocity variation at the tail end …