CONCRETE X-RAY

Development of methods for the assessment of stresses in prestressed concrete elements by X-ray diffraction

The research’s main goal is to estimate residual prestress in prestressed concrete members using X-ray diffractometry, providing a reliable method, enhancing the safety and longevity of structures. It will also address uncertainties in prestress assessment and optimize the approach’s reliability and practicality. This method can be applied to various prestressed concrete elements, from floors to bridges. The research is particularly relevant for post-tensioned bridges, given recent concerns about structural conditions, bridge lifetimes, increased traffic loads.
The research has three levels: 1) Material: investigating how geometric and surface conditions affect measurements of residual stresses on steel surfaces; 2) Stressed steel element: examining how element geometry and cleaning methods impact stress measurements via X-ray diffractometry, aiming to establish a relationship between these measurements and total tensile force in prestressing steel; 3) Prestressed concrete member level: developing a comprehensive procedure to link local stress measurements to total prestress force in concrete members.