Acoustic Emissions

Acoustic Emissions (AEs) are sound waves emitted by microcracks as they are created or move in brittle materials such as rock and concrete. As these cracks form, grow and coalesce in response to changes in the applied stress, the resulting AE data can be recorded by an array of transducers and a suitable acquisition system.


The data recorded in this way can be processed using many of the same methods employed by seismologists to investigate larger seismic events. The following information is obtained in this way:

• the AE event count and magnitudes of these events;
• the locations of the AE events;
• the focal mechanisms of the AE events.

These results are used in conjunction with ultrasonic velocity surveys to delineate and quantify the damage within the material. These methods are suitable for laboratory material testing as well as in situ studies of small volumes (up to 10 x 10 x 10 m).

ASC has considerable expertise in the application of this technology. Look at the Example Studies page for further details of some recent projects.

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