Advanced NDT Approaches for Performance Evaluation of FRCM-Strengthened Concrete Structures: Insights from Acoustic Emission Monitoring
Published 10-12-2025
Keywords
- Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM),
- Acoustic Emission (AE),
- Structural Health Monitoring (SHM),
- Pre-impregnation,
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT).
How to Cite
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Non Destructive Testing and Evaluation (JNDE)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Abstract
Ensuring the long-term integrity and safety of reinforced concrete (RC) structures has prompted thedevelopment of advanced composite strengthening techniques such as Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) systems. While FRCM offers improved compatibility and breathability over traditional FRP systems, its performance is often constrained by fiber-fiber slip and fabric–matrix debonding. This
article provides overview of an integrated methodology combining semi-curing pre-impregnation and mechanical anchorage for improved performance of FRCM strengthened concrete structures. Acoustic Emission (AE) based monitoring is integrated as a non-destructive testing (NDT) approach for real-time performance evaluation of FRCM-strengthened RC beams and confined concrete cylinders. AE analysis, encompassing frequency content, b-value evolution, and sentry function metrics, effectively identifies and localizes damage progression, providing critical insight into tensile cracking, debonding, and fabric rupture mechanisms. The proposed approach demonstrates robust potential for field-scale structural health monitoring (SHM) applications, bridging the gap between laboratory evaluation and practical
infrastructure monitoring.
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