Concrete Defects
Defects in concrete can occur during and after construction. During construction bad consolidation can leave air voids, honey combing, or concrete may crack during curing. Visual inspections will not locate hidden flaws in a structure or measure the extent a visible defect projects into the structure.
Defect location testing systems often take advantage of different forms of sonic testing. Air voids or cracks interrupt or delay the passage of sound and make ultrasonic testing methods valuable and reliable. Foundations such as piles or bulk footings can also house defects.
Once a structure is constructed and accepted it may still develop defects, long term corrosion can cause delamination and spalling damage to structures. Structural support is also a concern with scouring due to underground water flow a risk.
