We present a valuable experiment for ultrasonic quality assurance under realistic conditions for underground sealing structures made from shotcrete, where the locations of artificial reflectors are partly known. We apply advanced geophysical imaging methods to further enhance the quality of the obtained ultrasonic images.

The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing is developing an electronic measurement system to be placed inside a concrete-filled waste drum to monitor the process of hardening and the evolution of the concrete over time to indirectly identify potential defects. The derived data will also serve as the basis for ongoing modeling approaches for digital twins. Overall, the sensors provide the means for enabling safe nuclear waste management through advanced monitoring.