Acoustic emission sensors for assessing and monitoring civil infrastructures

This chapter presents a review of recent developments in acoustic emission (AE) techniques applied to civil structures. It recapitulates the significant milestones achieved by previous researchers, including various methods and models developed in AE testing of civil structures. The aim is to provide an overview of the use of AE techniques for structural health monitoring of civil structures carried out over the years. Basic principles are introduced, followed by acoustic source localization and severity assessment methods. An overview of AE equipment technology is then presented with field application of AE. Finally, current and future challenges are discussed.