Untersuchungen zur Genauigkeit von magnetisch induktiven Betondeckungsmessungen

Assessment of the accuracy of concrete cover measurements using Eddy Current devices

The use of non-destructive testing in civil-engineering (NDT-CE) is well established to assess as-built drawings for existing structures as well as for quality assurance of new buildings or in case of concrete repair. To gain reliable results the choice of the appropriate testing method in combination with the correct data assessment is essential. Hence this article starts with the basics of the two typical testing methods for concrete cover measurement with high precision. Methods based on Eddy Current and based on Radar are different. The strengths and limitations of both methods are presented. In the second part the achievable accuracy of concrete cover measurements using Eddy Current will be assessed for the most important parameters that have been varied in a wide range. It is shown how results are influenced by an improper input of the diameter or by the effect of neighbored rebars. At the end of the article it is shown how the deviation of the results can be minimized using the internal neighboring rebar correction of some of the devices. This article does not intend to be a product test rather the influence parameters of measurements close to reality will be identified and quantified how the accuracy of concrete cover measurements is affected.