Feasibility of Reflectometry for Nondestructive Evaluation of Prestressed Concrete Anchors

Concrete dams and other large civil structures utilize steel cable anchors to improve strength and stability. Reflectometry methods that have been used for location of faults in electrical systems are examined as a possible method for location and quantization of possible deterioration on concrete anchors. This paper explores the feasibility of using electrical reflectometry methods for fault location on concrete anchors. Anchors must be electrically isolated from the surrounding structure, and the best results are obtained when tests can be made in situ over the lifespan of the anchor. Tests on 200 foot long anchors buried in wet sand confirm the possibility of using spectral time-domain reflectometry for location of full or perhaps partial anchor damage.