Course content

The subject covers the basic topics and applications of No-destructive Techniques which can be used in the laboratory or in the field for structural health monitoring. The fundamental concepts include: Theoretical resume which is the introduction and the basics of the course where main concepts as fields, waves (elastic and electro magnetic wave propagation), particles as well as sensors and measuring principles are presented. Emphasis through all the course will be placed on the material sensitivity to climate parameters, for example to the mechanisms of Temperature-induced deterioration or air-surface interaction in the case of relative humidity. Significant attention is given on how to conduct structural health monitoring in practice, looking specifically at the most important and used no destructive methods. Each single method will be presented through the explanation of the basic principles on which it is funded, the inspection challenges that the method brings with it and its inspection reliability. In addition, important information will be given on what are the useful parameters to know to select the correct no-destructive technique on the base of the object/material to monitor or on inspection challenges that the expert has to face. Some of the no-destructive techniques presented will be: ultrasonic, acoustic emission, microwave band inspection, Infrared thermography. Final Report and mandatory exercises based on the basic concepts and application of these techniques will constitute (in total) 100% of the final mark.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: Knowledge about fundamental theories on propagation of elastic and electromagnetic waves on materials. Understanding for the application of structural health monitoring in examples of practical cases in the laboratory and in the field. Detailed knowledge on the most used no-destructive techniques as infrared camera, acoustic emission, microwave band inspection, ultrasonics.

Skills: Ability to select the most appropriate no destructive technique based on the type of material or object of the built environment to be monitored. Ability to understand the material sensitivity to climate parameters, as mechanisms of Temperature- and Relative Humidity- induced deterioration. Perform short experiences of structural health monitoring in the field.

General competence: General competence within fundamental and applied physics on structural health monitoring. Good background for performing monitoring campaigns in situ.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and exercises will be the main teaching methods and activities. The students, on their side, will conduct self studying for deeply understand the most important no-destructive techniques and the physics behind them, presented at lessons. The lectures and exercises are in English.

Recommended previous knowledge

Main Physics concepts as fields, waves (elastic and electro magnetic wave propagation), particles as well as sensors and measuring principles.

Course materials

Lectures.