Modeling of Electromagnetic NDE of Civil Structures

The inspection of civil structures, such as bridge decks, roadways and masonry is becoming an increasingly important area for the application of NDE methodologies. A variety of methods have been used for detecting flaws, cracks and voids as well as locating structural features such as reinforcing bars and tensioning cables. The large size of civil structures necessitates the use of an NDE technique that is capable of rapid inspection of large areas with good penetration. A candidate approach for such inspection is the microwave NDT method. Microwave energy penetrates dielectric materials such as those encountered in civil structures and consequently inspection can be accomplished using noncontact devices mounted on a fast scanning mechanism. The paper presents a numerical model for simulating electromagnetic scattering from two and three dimensional objects embedded in large structures. Such models are useful in the design and development of systems required for microwave imaging of civil structures.</p