Evaluation of Mechanical Safety of Building Structures Using Elastic Vibrations Varying in Wave Length

Submitted: Jun 21, 2013; Accepted: Jul 19, 2013; Published: Jul 25, 2013 Abstract: The article considers the possibility of using acoustic methods for non-destructive testing of strength and composition of building structures. Screening of multiple structures or structures with large geometrical dimensions (long tunnels, large area roofs, etc.) at first stage of testing the directly defined acoustic parameters of materials of building structures shall suffice. However that is not enough to evaluate condition of building structures and make conclusions on their stability. In the calculations of bearing ability mechanical characteristics of the materials are applied: 1) elasticity modulus and 2) strength. This is especially true of materials for brickwork constructions and multilayer concrete structures. Major types of waves in building structures are volume waves (longitudinal and transverse waves) and channel waves (beam, lamellar, surface and bending). Essential advantage of bending waves is the possibility to evaluate materials of stone and brick works and multilayer concrete structures. The article provides theoretical justification of surface wave method and the results of its application for evaluation of technical condition and definition of remaining life of multilayer concrete structures. Recommendations concerning use of acoustic waves of various frequency ranges are provided in departmental regulatory literature and verified by independent examinations.