C-scan and L-scan generated images of the concrete/GFRP composite interface

Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics (GFRP) are fast becoming a viable new construction material. They are being used for rehabilitating old concrete structures - columns, beams, slabs and walls - by gluing the composite plate to the concrete surface. Proper attachment between the GFRP plate and the concrete surface is necessary for efficient use of GFRP composites to increase the strength of the rehabilitated structures. Delamination between the rehabilitated structure and the GFRP plate significantly reduces the strength of the reinforced structure. Hence, delamination defects, if present at the interface, should be detected as soon as possible. In this paper, two ultrasonic techniques to detect delamination defects between the GFRP plate and the concrete surface are presented. One technique uses longitudinal waves or P-waves and the second technique uses Lamb waves. It is found that both techniques can detect the defect when used properly. However, Lamb waves give a better image quality of the defect than longitudinal waves.