Empirical Modeling of Surface Crack Detection in Concrete Using an Open-Ended Rectangular Waveguide

Abstract

Microwave nondestructive testing and evaluation of surface‐breaking and internal cracks in cement‐based materials, employing open‐ended rectangular waveguide probes, has the potential to be a viable approach for the purpose of structural health monitoring. This paper presents an empirical model for simulating crack characteristic signal (signal reflected by a cracked sample under test as a function of scanning distance) given the dielectric property of the material, crack dimensions, probe aperture dimensions, operating frequency and the standoff distance.