Work

Vertical crack imaging in a nuclear structure using Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity and Ultrasonic Tomography Techniques

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Ensuring the integrity of concrete structures used for the containment of short-lived low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste is critical for long-term safety. Cracking, particularly from expansive mechanisms like alkali-silica reaction (ASR) originating in the waste, can compromise the durability of the aforementioned structures and must be carefully assessed. This study evaluates the effectiveness of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods—Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) and Ultrasonic Tomography (UT)—for crack detection and characterization. UPV mapping revealed velocity drops and spatial non-uniformity in cracked zones, enabling crack detection and crack pattern identification. Further UPV measurements provided an estimation of the crack depth, which was validated by core samples. UT provided additional insights into internal features, including rebar and backwall positioning. Cracks were identified via backwall echo shadowing. Both techniques proved valuable, with UPV offering straightforward interpretation and UT requiring in-depth analysis. These findings support the integration of NDTs into routine structural assessments to enhance reliability while minimizing invasiveness.

Source: e-Journal of Nondestructive Testing

DOI: 10.58286/31701

Authors: ENGIE Laborelec, Sokratis Iliopoulos, ENGIE Laborelec, Bart Roggeman, Belgian Agency for Radioactive Waste and Enriched Fissile materials, Laura Diaz Caselles

Institution: Nationale Instelling voor Radioactief Aval en verijkte Splijtstoffen

Language: English

Topic: Structural Engineering and Materials Analysis

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4414335977

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