Nondestructive testing with stress wave in piles and anchorage bolts is a kind of quick and effective detection method based on the one-dimensional wave theory; stress wave velocity is the basic parameter for quality assessment; the researchers and engineers often confuse the wave velocities in piles and anchorage bolts

hence incorrect assessment in practical detection. Therefore

by using wave velocities in free bolt and standard concrete sample under different curing ages as references

comparative study of stress wave velocities in a pile and an anchorage bolt is made based on low strain wave reflection method. The results indicate that the wave velocity in the pile is larger than that in the standard concrete sample; the wave velocity in the anchorage bolt is smaller than that in the free bolt but larger than that in the pile and the standard concrete sample; the wave velocities in the pile and standard concrete sample vs. curing age and strength are nearly ascending exponential relationship; while the wave velocity in anchorage bolt vs. curing age and strength is nearly descending exponential relationship.