Wavefront Fitting Algorithm for Wave Speed Estimation in Concrete

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss a wavefront fitting algorithm to estimate surface wave speed in concrete using signal data obtained from an array of mechanical wave sensors. Numerical simulation and experimental data collected from laboratory-scale concrete test specimens are used to evaluate performance of the proposed wavefront fitting algorithm relative to the Fourier domain shift matching (FDSM) algorithm. Both methods are analyzed considering different levels of noise and wavefront disruption from scatter. The numerical simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the wave speed estimate obtained from the proposed wavefront fitting algorithm provides more consistent results compared with the FDSM algorithm for signals with high noise levels. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm is more sensitive to small changes in measured surface wave speed.

Keywords: Non-destructive testing (NDT), surface waves, condition assessment, Concrete, signal processing