I intend to measure the bonding quality of the interface between FRP layer and concrete substrate with an ultrasonic device. but the problem that we are encountring because of the insitu situation is that we have to use the indirect method (puting the transducer and the receiver probes parallel to each other) and also on the FRP surface (there is no space uncovered with FRP) and also we are using pitch catch method. Now the question is what kind of wave is better for us to use and also what parameters we have to consider and work with (frequency , amplitude , ...) in order to detect the interfacial defects?
I think it would be necessary to do some preliminary work in the lab in order to characterize the response from known conditions.
If you make several small concrete slabs, maybe 30X30 cm or 40X40 cm, and cover with FRP, varying the bonding agent conditions: very strong (thick layer), not so strong (thin layers), and in some cases leaving voids of different sizes, then you might get in the best of the cases differences in the output data, that you could relate. Then you can apply all the conditons that your equipment is able to perform.
I hope it could be helpful in some way. Ciao.
Thanks for your answer Miguel.
Actually we have created 4 samples with identical dimensions, then we provided FRP layer on top of these samples and in each of the samples we tried to apply different voids in order to simulate the insitu condition.
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