The dissertation thesis deals with the study of non-destructive acoustic methods as instruments for monitoring and analysing corrosion of reinforcing steel in reinforced concrete elements. Four acoustic methods were selected for this task - the impact-echo method, the nonlinear acoustic spectroscopy method, the acoustic emission method, and the ultrasonic pulse velocity method. To verify the functionality of these methods, testing was carried out on three sets of reinforced concrete samples that had been exposed to the effects of sodium chloride, which corroded the embedded steel reinforcement in these samples. Suitable parameters were proposed for individual acoustic methods to monitor corrosion of the reinforcements. In addition, experiments were designed to demonstrate the ability of the selected acoustic methods to reveal the corrosion of steel reinforcement and its influence on the concrete matrix and to assess the condition of the degraded elements and structures. The analysis of the measurement results based on their comparison shows the advantages and disadvantages of the individual methods and of their practical applications. To verify the results, correlation with common methods that are currently used for the study of corrosion was carried out and included for example the electrical resistivity measurement of the reinforcement and simultaneous monitoring of the sample surface using a confocal microscope to record the development of microcracks during the degradation.

High-strength concrete (HSC) belongs in the recent years to frequently used types of concrete. It allows realization of static challenging structures and also shows due to its dense structure greater durability especially against aggressive media. Currently HSC construction realization abroad is not exceptional. It’s using in the Czech Republic is still limited. When realized, then in a small scale in civil engineering works. The realization of high-strength concrete structures is closely related with the concrete construction quality verification. Good efficiency of the quality control methods can provide non-destructive testing methods (NDT), especially when investigating strength of concrete built in structure. A lack on relevant data for non-destructive testing of HSC in technical and normative rules is to be considered as a significant deficiency. Evident for HSC generally is the lack in literature on deeper analysis of the factors affecting their non-destructive testing, as well a meaningful methodology or practically usable calibration relationships. HSC differs from ordinary concrete not only by used components, but also by more compact structure with different strength – elastic characteristics. Considering these differences, HSC strength prediction can not be performed by using calibration relationships developed for ordinary concrete. Moreover, the question is to what extent the current knowledge of the NDT results influencing factors can be considered as valid. The paper presents findings on the effects of the key factors affecting the measurement results of Schmidt hardness method and ultrasonic pulse method, including recommendations for the practical application of these methods. The problematic of static vs. dynamic modulus of elasticity was also solved. Calibration equations for predicting the compressive strength of HSC from the non-destructive testing parameter were elaborated, showing high cohesion among variables and practically usability.

The thesis deals with the measurement of the elastic modulus of concrete in existing structures and possibilities of applicability of equations for the calculation of characteristic values of concrete compressive strength on the modulus of elasticity. The modulus of elasticity is determined by dynamic and static methods on specimens taken from the concrete blocks, whose composition varies by a water cement ratio and varying amounts of admixtures. In conclusion, the results of the measurements are compared and the characteristic values of the modulus of elasticity is determined.

Since their inception, building materials are constantly improving. New ways to explore and improve the material's properties are constantly investigated (especially to improve the mechanical and deformation characteristics of the materials). This thesis is focused on identifying and comparing values of the modulus of elasticity of fine-grained composites. These features are compared with respect to water cement ratio, ageing and compressive strength of the investigated materials. Afterwards, the values of the modulus of elasticity are studied in the relation to the tested materials.

This diploma thesis targets on diagnostics and assessment of bridge structure Most Kaštanová přes Svitavu, reg. number 380-001. Concrete material characteristics have been assessed in laboratory, after visual inspection, diagnostical testing and sample core drilling were made. Findings from laboratory tests are summarized in the conclusion of the thesis. It focuses on an evaluation of current bridge condition and presents various options that will help polong lifetime of the bridge.