Use of microwave reflectometry for detecting rebars inside concrete structures

The use of non-destructive procedures to test concrete structures is of great interest in the construction industry. Microwave techniques are the basis of several interesting methods for this purpose. This paper considers the possibility of using microwave reflectometry to detect the reinforcing bars inside such structures. The experimental results obtained confirm that commercial tools can achieve a good sensitivity detection. They also suggest that a portable set can be designed for in field testing, based on low cost discrete microwave devices.