Comparison of 2D and 3D ultrasonic pulse echo imaging techniques for structural assessment

Abstract

The use of ultrasonic waves in the medical field is quite advanced, especially in the area of three-dimensional (3D) imaging of the human body and is quite common. Also, in Non-Destructive Testing of metal (for example weld checking), flaw detection with reliable 3D imaging is already in use. In the past 1 -2 years, the construction industry has made significant advances in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) imaging of concrete structures, for finding problems, or irregularities inside, or just for confirming the quality of the construction work. This paper describes the principles of the different types of scan, A Scan, B Scan etc and how the scans can be combined to make 3D images. The advantages of multi head array systems in providing more detail and revealing depth information are shown. This paper will show the advantages of this development and how it can ease workflow.