Ultrasonic Tomography of Brick Columns Based on FEM Calculations

Abstract

Ultrasonic tomography is one of the most developed method of non-destructive testing. Despite being used mainly in medicine, it is becoming more and more popular as a method for monitoring of structural elements. It allows to examine the internal structure and technical condition of the tested element. This paper investigates the influence of crosssectional geometry on an obtained tomographic image. Wave propagation signals were obtained using finite element method (FEM). The analysis was conducted on six models of solid brick columns with a square section. The first one constituting a reference model was made in the form of a full column. The other models contained internal inclusions affecting propagating waves such as: a hole or a steel plate, circular bar and square pipe adhesively bonded with mortar. The obtained results of the analysis presented in the study allowed to assess the ultrasonic tomography usability for masonry structures.