The use of ultrasonic method and image analysis in the evaluation of near-surface cracks and the investigation of the structural stability of buildings in the National Capital Region

• Main Authors: De Luna, Edmarc E., Manuel, Pauline Malou C., Tayag, Alexis Angela M.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2013
• Subjects: Structural stability; Ultrasonic testing; Civil Engineering
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/11599
• Institution: De La Salle University

The primary purpose of the study was aimed at developing a standardized flowchart for the evaluation of near-surface cracks of basement columns. A standardized guideline or flowchart are present for different concrete institutes in Japan and the United States of America but to date there is no known existence of this standardized flowchart in the Philippines. For this reason, the researchers decided to address the problem by testing two methods of non-destructive evaluation, which will help in developing a standardized flowchart that is suitable in the Philippine Setting. The basement columns of eight type IV and V buildings, that are 20-storeys or more and were located in the National Capital Region served as subjects for testing the non-destructive test methods. These non-destructive test methods were specifically the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity and the Image Analysis method. The researcher examined the testing procedures for the aforementioned non-destructive test methods, and presented the results, which are the crack width, crack length, and crack depth of the cracked structural member. The investigation of the intensity of the damage would be based on the results delivered by the non-destructive test methods. Depending on the severity of the crack, the researchers provided judgment if repair was necessary for the concrete member. On the basis of the test procedures and results of the non-destructive test methods the researchers were able to design the standardized flowchart for the evaluation of near-surface cracks of basement columns. The researchers concluded that the use of Image Analysis method on-site is more recommendable due to the numerous complications encountered from the use of the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity on-site. The researchers recommend using other non-destructive test methods in combination with the two test methods used in this study, for further improvement of the study and for the benefit of the academe and industry.