Resumen
The quantitative determination of the current load carrying capability of already loaded structural elements and the possibility to detect proper indices that could be considered as signals for timely warning that the load carrying capacity is exhausted is the subject of this study. More specifically, it aims to explore the possibility of detecting signals that can be considered as indices warning about upcoming fracture and then to compare quantitatively such signals provided by different techniques. The novelty of the present study lies exactly in this quantitative comparison of the pre-failure signals provided by various sensing techniques and various methods of analysis of the experimental data. To achieve this target, advantage is taken of data concerning the acoustic and electrical activities produced while marble specimens are subjected to mechanical loading. The respective signals are detected and recorded by means of the acoustic emissions technique and that of the pressure stimulated currents. The signals detected by the acoustic emissions technique are analyzed in terms of three formulations, i.e., the b-value, the F-function and the parameters variance ?1, entropy S and entropy under time reversal S_ according to the natural time analysis. The signals detected by the pressure stimulated currents technique are analyzed by means of the intensity of the electric current recorded. The study indicates that all quantities considered provide promising pre-failure indicators. Furthermore, when the specimen is subjected to near-to-failure load levels, the temporal evolution of three of the quantities studied (b-value, F-function, pressure stimulated currents) is governed by a specific power law. The onset of validity of this law designates some differentiation of the damage mechanisms activated. Quantitative differences are observed between the time instants at which this power law starts dictating the evolution of the above parameters, indicating the imperative need for further investigation, despite the quite encouraging results of the present study.