Investigation into the Effectiveness of Ultrasonic Tomography for Grouting Quality Evaluation

This study is aimed to determine the influence of the parameters relevant for the application of ultrasonic tomography in the field of grouting quality evaluation. The parameters tested were the wave velocity difference between concrete and grout (VDCG), the type of material used for a pipe, and the type of pre-stressed tendon within the pipe. Fourteen cube specimens were constructed, and a theoretical model was used to analyse the effects of these parameters. The results show that these parameters affect each other on the detection effectiveness of ultrasonic tomography, and that VDCG affects it most. It was found that ultrasonic tomography is suitable for the evaluation of grouting quality in post-tensioned structures when VDCG is small and the type of tendon used is a steel bar.