A system and method for identifying internal damage in concrete matrix.
By designing an integrated system that combines crack generation, curing, and ultrasonic testing units, the generation and self-healing process of internal cracks in concrete can be monitored and evaluated in real time. This solves the problem of low automation in existing technologies and achieves efficient evaluation of crack self-healing effects.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510008440.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-01-03
AI Technical Summary
Current technology lacks equipment that combines ultrasonic monitoring and crack repair, resulting in an unsatisfactory level of automation and effectiveness in identifying internal damage in concrete.
A concrete matrix internal damage identification system was designed, including a crack generation unit, a curing unit, and an ultrasonic testing unit. The system uses ultrasonic imaging technology to monitor the crack generation and self-healing process in real time, and combines ultrasonic velocity and imaging analysis to evaluate the repair effect.
It enables full-process monitoring of internal concrete cracks from their formation to self-healing, improving the accuracy and automation of crack self-healing effect assessment, and providing equipment and methods to support the development of concrete self-healing technology.
Smart Images

Figure CN119959368B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of non-destructive testing and self-healing technology for concrete, and in particular to a system and method for identifying internal damage to concrete matrix. Background Technology
[0002] Concrete possesses properties such as high compressive strength, excellent durability, and a wide range of strength grades, which contribute to its widespread application in various fields. However, during the service life of concrete materials, under relatively low external loads, stress concentration at internal defects can activate pre-existing microcracks, causing them to slowly propagate. Because the load is small, it is insufficient to generate new cracks, making them difficult to detect; at this stage, the stress-strain curve remains linear macroscopically. However, as the load increases, these microcracks gradually develop, and the crack propagation rate increases, leading to unstable propagation and rapid fracture, ultimately affecting the safety and quality of the engineering structure.
[0003] Regarding the existence of damage, on the one hand, ultrasonic non-destructive testing is an effective and practical method for determining the time, location, and size of internal damage; on the other hand, the self-healing function of cracks can be achieved by adding self-healing agents, thereby slowing down and reducing the damage to cement-based materials and increasing and consolidating the quality of the project. However, there is currently a lack of equipment that combines ultrasonic monitoring of the entire crack repair process, which makes the automation and effectiveness of damage identification less than ideal. Summary of the Invention
[0004] Purpose of the invention: To address the aforementioned problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a system for identifying internal damage in concrete matrices, enabling full-process monitoring from crack initiation to self-healing. A method for identifying this damage is also provided.
[0005] Technical solution: A system for identifying internal damage in a concrete matrix, comprising a crack generation unit, a curing unit, an ultrasonic testing unit, and a control console;
[0006] The crack generation unit and the ultrasonic testing unit are respectively installed on the base, with the ultrasonic testing unit located on one side of the crack generation unit. Both are covered inside the curing unit box of the curing unit.
[0007] The crack generation unit includes a crack generation unit box, a support platform, and an extrusion assembly. The crack generation unit box and the support platform are respectively installed on the base, with the support platform located inside the crack generation unit box. The extrusion assembly is installed on the upper part of the crack generation unit box and communicates with its interior. The test specimen is installed on the support platform, with the extrusion assembly located above it.
[0008] The curing unit also includes a curing component, which is installed on one side of the crack generation unit box above the ultrasonic testing unit, and the curing component is connected to the interior of the crack generation unit box; the ultrasonic testing unit includes an ultrasonic testing unit box installed on the base and an MIRA device set inside the ultrasonic testing unit box. The MIRA device is slidably connected to the ultrasonic testing unit box, and its probe can pass through the ultrasonic testing unit box and the crack generation unit box in sequence and contact one side of the test specimen. The extrusion component, the curing component, and the MIRA device are respectively connected to the control console signal.
[0009] Furthermore, the extrusion assembly includes a pressure plate, a support block, a threaded movable rod, a fixed glass cover, a generator, and a screw knob. The generator is installed on the top of the crack generation unit box and connected to the first control system of the control console via a connecting line. The generator is covered by a fixed glass cover. The pressure plate is positioned inside the crack generation unit box facing the support platform. The pressure plate is connected to the threaded movable rod via the support block. The threaded movable rod is installed on the top surface inside the crack generation unit box. A screw knob is provided on one side of the threaded movable rod and is connected to the generator.
[0010] Furthermore, the bottom of the crack generation unit box is equipped with a drainage outlet, the interior of the side partitions is equipped with a heat insulation device, and the extrusion components are protected by a glass door.
[0011] Furthermore, the maintenance components include a side extension platform, a cover, a water tank, a water pump, a bracket, a fixture, a water supply pipe, and a nozzle. The side extension platform is installed on one side of the crack generation unit box above the ultrasonic testing unit. The water tank is installed on the top plate of the side extension platform and has a cover. The water pump is installed on the side extension platform via the bracket. One end of the water supply pipe is connected to the water pump, and the other end is equipped with a nozzle. The water supply pipe passes through the crack generation unit box and is fixed to it by the fixture, so that the nozzle is placed inside the crack generation unit box.
[0012] A curing pool is built at the bottom of the curing unit box and sealed to allow the spray nozzle to wet the test specimen when spraying the solution. The solution is then drained through the drain outlet and added through the heat preservation device to dry the test specimen.
[0013] Ideally, the ultrasonic testing unit also includes a fixed plate, sliding rails, and telescopic rods. Two sliding rails are provided, installed parallel to each other on opposite sides inside the ultrasonic testing unit box. The MIRA device is slidably connected to the two sliding rails through the fixed plate. The telescopic rod is connected to the fixed plate and installed inside the ultrasonic testing unit box. The crack generation unit box and the ultrasonic testing unit box are respectively provided with movable door devices on opposite sides, which are controlled to open and close by valve devices. The telescopic rod and valve devices are respectively connected to the second control system of the control console.
[0014] Ideally, the MIRA device is equipped with piezoelectric ceramics on its surface. These piezoelectric ceramics make dry-coupled contact with the concrete specimen, emitting and receiving ultrasonic signals under pressure. The second control system processes the data and performs ultrasonic imaging, generating a report module.
[0015] A method for identifying internal damage in a concrete matrix, as described above, includes the following steps:
[0016] S1: Cast standard concrete specimens as test specimens, with added microbial remediation particles;
[0017] S2: The test specimen is placed in the center of the support platform and fixed. The extrusion assembly is slowly lowered through the first control system, and the MIRA device is pushed to the side of the test specimen to ensure signal transmission of the MIRA device so as to monitor the changes in the test specimen’s wave velocity and the imaging of internal cracks in real time.
[0018] S3: Gradually increase the load, the specimen is subjected to pressure, and the MIRA equipment is used to detect the decrease in wave velocity and the presence of cracks in the imaging results. At this point, the loading is stopped, and the ultrasonic data at the beginning, during the failure process, and after the failure are obtained and recorded.
[0019] S4: After the damage is completed, close the valve, send the prepared solution into the crack generation unit box, immerse the test specimen, and carry out dry and wet 12h cycle repair;
[0020] S5: The MIRA device measures wave velocity and images internal cracks during wet and dry cycles, including ultrasonic data at the undamaged, pre-damaged, and repair stages, and generates a report module; it obtains an evaluation of the degree of crack repair by measuring changes in ultrasonic velocity and ultrasonic images.
[0021] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are:
[0022] (1) This invention integrates specimen curing, crack fabrication, specimen repair, and ultrasonic testing to automate the monitoring of the internal crack structure and self-healing process of concrete. The coordinated operation of each unit within the system provides equipment and methodological support for the development of concrete crack self-healing technology.
[0023] (2) The present invention can realize real-time monitoring of concrete specimens from the generation of internal cracks to the self-repair process. Through ultrasonic imaging technology, the location information of internal cracks can be obtained, and the self-repair process of cracks can be observed intuitively and effectively, which is conducive to improving the accuracy of crack self-repair effect evaluation.
[0024] (3) This invention can simulate the pre-destruction stage of concrete material by constructing internal cracks, and use advanced ultrasonic equipment to perform ultrasonic velocity and ultrasonic imaging analysis to study the repair effect of internal cracks in concrete. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the crack generation unit.
[0027] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the maintenance unit and the ultrasonic testing unit;
[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ultrasonic testing equipment.
[0029] Figure 5 The image shows the test results of the ultrasonic testing equipment of this invention. Detailed Implementation
[0030] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0031] A system for identifying internal damage in concrete matrices; please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 4 The device includes a crack generation unit, a curing unit, an ultrasonic testing unit, and a control console. The three units correspond to three unit boxes: crack generation unit box 11, curing unit box 21, and ultrasonic testing unit box 31. The three unit boxes are combined to complete the device.
[0032] The crack generation unit and the ultrasonic testing unit are respectively installed on the base 12, with the ultrasonic testing unit located on one side of the crack generation unit. Both are enclosed within the curing unit box 21 of the curing unit. The first control system 112 controls the generator 19, which is connected via a connecting line 111. The second control system 37 controls the movement and signal transmission and reception of the ultrasonic testing equipment, as well as the opening and closing of the valve device. It also performs ultrasonic imaging analysis and evaluates the recovery of internal cracks in the specimen based on the data obtained from the ultrasonic equipment.
[0033] The crack generation unit includes a crack generation unit box 11, a support platform 13, and an extrusion assembly. The extrusion assembly includes a pressure plate 15, a support block 16, a threaded movable rod 17, a fixed glass cover 18, a generator 19, and a screw knob 110. The crack generation unit box 11 and the support platform 13 are respectively installed on the base 12, with the support platform 13 located inside the crack generation unit box 11. The generator 19 is installed on the top of the crack generation unit box 11 and connected to the first control system 112 of the control console via a connecting line 111. The generator 19 is covered by a fixed glass cover 18. The pressure plate 15 is positioned inside the crack generation unit box 11 facing the support platform 13. The pressure plate 15 is connected to the threaded movable rod 17 via the support block 16. The threaded movable rod 17 is installed on the top surface inside the crack generation unit box 11. A screw knob 110 is provided on one side of the threaded movable rod 17 and is connected to the generator 19. The test specimen 0 is installed on the support platform 13, with the pressure plate 15 located above it.
[0034] The extrusion assembly is protected by a glass door 14 to prevent debris from flying when the specimen breaks. A generator 19 is mounted on the top plate and is protected from dust and other contaminants by a fixed glass cover 18. The generator is connected to the first control console 112 via a connecting cable 111 to control the descent and retraction of the extrusion assembly. A bolt knob is provided in the support block, allowing for the connection, disassembly, and replacement of the pressure plate. The movable device includes a threaded movable rod 17 and a screw knob 110. Rotating the screw knob via the generator 19 controls the descent and ascent of the pressure device.
[0035] The maintenance unit also includes a maintenance component, which is installed on one side of the crack generation unit box 11 above the ultrasonic testing unit, and the maintenance component is connected to the interior of the crack generation unit box 11. The maintenance component includes a side extension platform 22, a cover 23, a water tank 24, a water pump 25, a bracket 26, a fixture 27, a water supply pipe 28, and a nozzle 29. The side extension platform 22 is installed on one side of the crack generation unit box 11 above the ultrasonic testing unit. The water tank 24 is installed on the top plate of the side extension platform 22, and the water tank 24 is equipped with a cover 23. The water pump 25 is installed on the side extension platform 22 through the bracket 26. One end of the water supply pipe 28 is connected to the water pump 25, and the other end is equipped with a nozzle 29. The water supply pipe 28 passes through the crack generation unit box 11 and is fixed to it by the fixture 27, so that the nozzle 29 is placed inside the crack generation unit box 11.
[0036] Water tank 24 supplies water through cover 23, water supply pipe 28 delivers water through water pump 25, and nozzle 29 is connected to the end to output the proportioned solution. Drain outlet 211 is installed in crack generation unit box 11. Drain outlet 211 is controlled by a switch on the outside of the box. The partitions on both sides are equipped with heat preservation devices 210 to provide a suitable temperature and dry residual water when ultrasonic testing is required, so as to prevent water residue on the surface of the specimen from affecting the propagation of ultrasound.
[0037] The ultrasonic testing unit includes an ultrasonic testing unit box 31 mounted on a base 12 and an MIRA device 33 disposed inside the ultrasonic testing unit box 31, a fixed plate 34, sliding rails 35, and a telescopic rod 36. The MIRA device 33 is slidably connected to the ultrasonic testing unit box 31. Two sliding rails 35 are provided and are installed parallel to each other on opposite sides inside the ultrasonic testing unit box 31. The MIRA device 33 is slidably connected to the two sliding rails 35 through the fixed plate 34. The telescopic rod 36 is connected to the fixed plate 34 and installed inside the ultrasonic testing unit box 31. The crack generation unit box 11 and the ultrasonic testing unit box 31 are respectively provided with movable door devices, which are controlled to open and close by valve devices 32. The telescopic rod 36 and the valve devices 32 are respectively signal connected to the second control system 37 of the control console.
[0038] The surface of the MIRA device 33 is equipped with piezoelectric ceramics, and its probe can pass through the ultrasonic testing unit box 31 and the crack generation unit box 11 in sequence and come into contact with one side of the test specimen 0.
[0039] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 Inside the ultrasonic testing unit box 31, the telescopic rod 36 facilitates the forward and backward sliding of the MIRA equipment. The second control system 37 is connected to the MIRA equipment and the valve device 32 inside the left side wall of the ultrasonic testing unit box via connecting cables. It controls the movement of the MIRA equipment, as well as the transmission and reception of signals by the front probe of the MIRA equipment, and performs ultrasonic imaging to obtain internal information of the specimen. The generation and repair effect of internal cracks in the specimen are evaluated by wave velocity and imaging information. At the same time, the valve device 32 is controlled so that it is closed when the specimen is immersed for repair, and opened to allow the passage of the ultrasonic equipment during ultrasonic testing.
[0040] In this example, please refer to Figure 5 Image (a) shows the crack effect obtained by the MIRA equipment, while image (b) shows the internal crack repair image obtained after the specimen has been loaded to a certain extent. The images clearly show that the crack area is decreasing or even disappearing.
[0041] The identification method of the above-mentioned concrete matrix internal damage identification system includes the following steps:
[0042] S1: Cast standard concrete specimens as test specimens, with added microbial remediation agents;
[0043] S2: After the test specimen 0 is poured, the support platform 13 is placed horizontally in the center of the groove. After it is fixed, the generator 19 is started by the first control system 112 to make its extrusion device slowly descend. At the same time, the moving door device is opened by the second control console 37 to push the ultrasonic testing equipment to the side of the concrete specimen through the sliding track group to ensure the signal transmission of the MIRA equipment so as to monitor the change of wave velocity of the test specimen and the imaging of internal cracks in real time.
[0044] S3: Gradually increase the load, and the specimen will be subjected to pressure. Initially, tiny cracks will form inside, which are not visible to the naked eye. However, the load-bearing capacity of the specimen will continue to increase. The MIRA device can detect the decrease in wave velocity and the presence of defects in the imaging results. At this point, the loading will stop, and the ultrasonic data of the initial, the destruction process and the destruction process will be obtained and recorded.
[0045] S4: After the damage is completed, close the valve, turn on the water pump 25, and send the prepared solution to the curing tank through the water delivery pipe 27 to immerse the specimen. Perform dry and wet cycle repair for 12 hours, drain the water through the drain outlet and dry the moisture using the heat preservation device.
[0046] S5: The ultrasonic testing equipment measures wave velocity and images internal cracks during wet-dry cycles. Ultrasonic data from the undamaged, pre-damaged, and repair stages are available, generating a report module. The degree of crack repair is evaluated through changes in ultrasonic velocity and ultrasonic images.
[0047] In summary, this invention provides an apparatus and method for monitoring the self-healing process of internal cracks in concrete based on ultrasonic technology. The invention includes a crack generation unit, a curing unit, and an ultrasonic testing unit to simulate the generation of internal cracks in concrete specimens and the self-healing process. Ultrasonic non-destructive testing is used to determine the formation and repair effect of internal cracks in the specimens, which is beneficial for long-term monitoring and evaluation of the repair effect of a single self-healing concrete specimen. The ultrasonic testing unit measures changes in ultrasonic velocity and crack imaging area, facilitating a direct and accurate comprehensive evaluation of the self-healing effect. By comprehensively utilizing ultrasonic testing technology, curing devices, repair techniques, and data analysis methods, it is possible to comprehensively detect and repair internal defects in concrete. Each component and step requires careful design and adjustment to ensure the effectiveness and accuracy of the system. Therefore, this invention effectively combines ultrasonic non-destructive testing and cutting-edge concrete self-healing technology, overcoming various shortcomings of existing technologies and possessing high industrial application value.
Claims
1. A system for identifying internal damage in a concrete matrix, characterized in that: The device comprises a crack generating unit, a curing unit, an ultrasonic testing unit and a console. The crack generating unit and the ultrasonic testing unit are respectively installed on the base (12) and the ultrasonic testing unit is located on one side of the crack generating unit, both of which are covered in the curing unit box (21) of the curing unit. The crack generating unit comprises a crack generating unit box (11), a support table (13) and a pressing assembly, the crack generating unit box (11) and the support table (13) are respectively installed on the base (12) and the support table (13) is located inside the crack generating unit box (11), the pressing assembly is installed on the upper part of the crack generating unit box (11) and is in communication with the inside of the crack generating unit box (11), and the test sample (0) is installed on the support table (13) and the pressing assembly is located above the test sample (0). The curing unit further comprises a curing assembly which is installed on one side of the crack generating unit box (11) above the ultrasonic testing unit and is in communication with the inside of the crack generating unit box (11); the ultrasonic testing unit comprises an ultrasonic testing unit box (31) installed on the base (12) and a MIRA device (33) arranged inside the ultrasonic testing unit box (31), the MIRA device (33) is in sliding connection with the ultrasonic testing unit box (31), the probe of the MIRA device (33) can pass through the ultrasonic testing unit box (31) and the crack generating unit box (11) in sequence and contact one side of the test sample (0), and the pressing assembly, the curing assembly and the MIRA device (33) are respectively in signal connection with the console; The bottom of the crack generating unit box (11) is provided with a drainage port (211), the two sides of the inside are provided with heat preservation devices (210), and the pressing assembly is protected by a glass door (14); The curing assembly comprises a side extension table (22), a cover head (23), a water tank (24), a water pump (25), a support (26), a fixer (27), a water delivery pipe (28) and a spray head (29), the side extension table (22) is installed on one side of the crack generating unit box (11) above the ultrasonic testing unit, the water tank (24) is installed on the top plate of the side extension table (22), the cover head (23) is arranged on the water tank (24), the water pump (25) is installed on the side extension table (22) through the support (26), one end of the water delivery pipe (28) is connected with the water pump (25), the other end is provided with the spray head (29), the water delivery pipe (28) is arranged in the crack generating unit box (11) and is fixed with the crack generating unit box (11) through the fixer (27), so that the spray head (29) is arranged inside the crack generating unit box (11); The opposite sides of the crack generating unit box (11) and the ultrasonic testing unit box (31) are respectively provided with moving door devices, and the opening and closing of the moving door devices are controlled by valve devices (32).
2. A system for identifying internal damage in a concrete matrix according to claim 1, characterized in that: The extrusion assembly comprises a pressing plate (15), a supporting block (16), a threaded movable rod (17), a fixed glass cover (18), a generator (19), and a spiral knob (110). The generator (19) is installed on the top of the crack generating unit box (11) and is connected with the first control system (112) of the control console through a connecting wire (111). The generator (19) is covered with the fixed glass cover (18). The pressing plate (15) is arranged in the crack generating unit box (11) and faces the supporting table (13). The pressing plate (15) is connected with the threaded movable rod (17) through the supporting block (16). The threaded movable rod (17) is installed on the top surface in the crack generating unit box (11). The threaded movable rod (17) is provided with the spiral knob (110) on one side. The spiral knob (110) is connected with the generator (19).
3. The system for identifying internal damage in a concrete matrix according to claim 1, wherein: The ultrasonic testing unit further comprises a fixing plate (34) and a sliding rail (35). Two sliding rails (35) are arranged on the opposite sides of the interior of the ultrasonic testing unit box (31) in parallel and at intervals. The MIRA device (33) is slidably connected with the two sliding rails (35) through the fixing plate (34). A telescopic rod (36) is connected with the fixing plate (34) and is installed in the ultrasonic testing unit box (31). The telescopic rod (36) and the valve device (32) are respectively signal-connected with the second control system (37) of the control console.
4. The system for identifying internal damage in a concrete matrix according to claim 1, wherein: The MIRA device (33) is provided with a piezoelectric ceramic on the surface.
5. A method of identifying a damage in a concrete matrix according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by The method comprises the following steps: S1: pouring a standard concrete test piece as a test test piece, wherein microbial repair particles are added; S2: the test test piece is placed in the placing groove in the center of the supporting table. After being fixed, the extrusion assembly is slowly lowered through the first control system. At the same time, the MIRA device is pushed to contact the side edge of the test test piece. The signal emission of the MIRA device is ensured so as to monitor the change of the wave speed of the test test piece and the imaging condition of the internal crack in real time; S3: the load is gradually increased, and the test test piece bears the pressure. Through the MIRA device, it is known that the wave speed is reduced and there is a crack in the imaging result. At this time, the loading is stopped. The initial, damage process and post-damage ultrasonic data are obtained and recorded; S4: after the damage is completed, the valve device is closed, the matched solution is sent into the crack generating unit box, the test test piece is immersed, and the dry-wet 12h cycle repair is carried out; S5: the MIRA device measures the wave speed and images the internal crack during the dry-wet cycle. At this time, there are ultrasonic data of the undamaged, pre-damaged and repaired stages. A report module is generated. The repair degree evaluation of the crack is obtained through the change of the ultrasonic wave speed and the ultrasonic image.
Citation Information
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