Numerical methods for the interpretation and exploitation of AE monitoring results

The paper reviews some recent numerical applications for the interpretation and exploitation of Acoustic Emission (AE) monitoring results. Among possible numerical techniques, the Finite Element Method and the Distinct Method are considered. The analyzed numerical models cover the entire scale range, from microstructure and meso-structure, up to full size real structures. The micro modeling includes heterogeneous concrete-like material as well as the meso-structure of the masonry texture, where each brick and mortar joint is modeled singularly. The full size models consider different typology of historical structure such as masonry towers, cathedrals and chapels. The main difficulties and advantages of the different numerical approaches, depending on the problem typology and scale, are critically analyzed. The main insight we can achieve from micro and meso numerical modeling concern the scaling of AE as a function of volume and time, being also able to mimic the b-value temporal evolution as the damage spread into the structure. The finite element modeling of the whole structure provides useful hints for the optimal placement of the AE sensors, while the combination of AE monitoring results is crucial for a reliable assessment of the structural safety.