Capturing of the internal structure and hidden defects as a basis for reliability analyses of large structures

Abstract Large structures as part of the transport or energy infrastructure are inspected visually or manually using methods such as the knock test to reduce the likelihood of structural failure. Today, more advanced methods are only used in exceptional cases and locally. In addition to the size and poor accessibility, the individuality of the structures due to large manufacturing tolerances has so far prevented automated recording and evaluation. Two automation solutions are presented here that address these challenges of large structures. The ARGOS system is used for the automated inspection of wind turbine rotor blades and combines active thermography with geometry and surface capture. This enables a comprehensive analysis of the outer and inner structure. The second application, the LaserBeat system, is designed for the inspection of concrete structures, in particular the tunnel lining. Optical methods are also used here to capture the geometry and surface. However, hidden defects are detected by scanning using a pulse laser and laser vibrometer. In addition to reproducible data acquisition, these approaches also make it possible to objectify the condition assessment. The systematic use of risk management procedures and reliability analyses is only possible as a result of this improved data situation.