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Crack monitoring of RC beams using digital image analysis technique

Conventional crack-width measuring techniques such as utilizing demountable mechanical strain gauge (demec gauge), linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) and crack width measuring microscope have been widely used in structural tests all over the world. Despite some certain benefits of these conventional measuring techniques such as simple use, high accuracy and real-time data logging, there are some limitations related to high cost, time-consuming setup and extra charges for data acquisition. The aforementioned drawbacks have led researchers to develop non-contact measuring techniques. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is a recently developed displacement measuring technique in the field of experimental fluid mechanics and geotechnical tests. Due to excellent ability of the PIV technique in displacement measurements, the intention of the current study is to show the potential of the technique in crack-width measurements of RC beams. To do so, two reinforced concrete (RC) beam specimens with dimensions of 120 140 1000 mm were cast and subjected to four-point flexural loading. Successive digital images were taken from each specimen during loading process and different cracks of each specimen were monitored using PIV analysis. The results show that the PIV technique can be widely used as an alternative to conventional techniques for crack monitoring of RC members during test process.