Detection, characterization and modeling of stress-induced cracks in cement-based materials using open-ended rectangular waveguides

In this study, the potential of microwave NDT & E techniques employing open-ended rectangular waveguide probes for surface-breaking and internal crack detection in cement-based materials is investigated. Electromagnetic modeling of microwave probe response to a defect is an important aspect for optimal detection and characterization of a defect. The goal of this investigation is to develop a forward model to simulate the open-ended rectangular waveguide probe response to a crack in a cement-based material given the crack dimensions and material properties. This thesis presents a set of experimental results and the comparison between the measurements and the simulations performed using the developed electromagnetic model --Abstract, page iii