AE monitoring of crack evolution on UHPC deck layer of a long-span cable-stayed bridge

The UHPC deck layer may be susceptible to cracking during construction, raising concerns for bridge engineering utilizing this advanced material. Addressing the issue of drying shrinkage cracking observed on the UHPC deck layer of a cable-stayed bridge, a real-time investigation into crack evolution was conducted. This study employed acoustic emission (AE) technique with in-situ data processing, focusing on AE time series analysis. Additionally, triangulation techniques were utilized to determine the AE source positions of active cracks. The results showed continuous crack evolution on the UHPC deck layer, mainly due to construction vehicles, with two major instances of crack propagation and arrest. AE signals correlated with measured crack propagation, with two major AE events matching recorded crack jumps. Later AE sources indicated a step-by-step crack tip advancement. This paper underscores the effectiveness of the AE technique for crack identification and real-time monitoring of in-service bridges. • AE monitoring detects crack growth in UHPC bridge deck. • Two major crack propagation events identified via AE signals. • AE parameters b -value and β t indicate real-time crack evolution. • AE source localization maps active crack zones accurately. • Early AE detection helps assess UHPC durability risks.