In this investigation acoustic emission techniques were employed to
detect deterioration of reinforced concrete. As a result of various
laboratory tests, acoustic emission activity was found to be due to
development of cracking only. Acoustic emission techniques were able
to locate cracks in a specimen by linear location. Various acoustic
emission parameters such as amplitude, signal shape and frequency
were also analyzed and discussed. It was concluded that acoustic
emission techniques provided a feasible method for detection of deterioration
and cracking of steel reinforced structures in laboratory
studies as well as in a field environment.