## 6 Conclusions  
In the present work, a concrete prism with pre-notching was analyzed. Three tests were performed, but the flexibility of the support produced uncontrolled boundary conditions. AE information was captured in one of the tests, and two similar simulations using a peridynamic model that considered different boundary conditions were carried out. In the numerical models, an AE test was simulated. In the experimental test and numerical model, the evolution of the DPH index was also computed, which is a parameter that can be used to gather complementary information regarding the AE test.  
We draw the following conclusions:  
* The three tests carried out showed high dependency on the flexibility of the support, with the three tests presenting quite different displacements and final configurations.
* A strong dependence on boundary conditions was also seen in the simulation results using the peridynamic model.
* The acoustic emission information obtained in the tests presented coherency, and the results allowed for explanations regarding the damage process analyzed.
* The evaluation of the DPH index for all the specimens tested and the simulations demonstrated the potential of this index to indicate a maximum value close to a local or global collapse. In all the cases analyzed, the value of the DPH index presented a maximum before the collapse occurs. This parameter could provide complementary information in AE analysis.
* The simulation of the two configurations indicated the potential of the peridynamic model to represent an AE test and the possibility to obtain information that aids AE experimental testing.
* Specifically in the simulations, the possibility of comparing the signal measured with the device and an alternative measure called \(\Delta E_{k}\) is interesting; this information could be used to perceive distortions in the waves that travel between the signal event source and the signal captured by the device. This analysis could be used to define the best position for the AE device in the experimental test.  
Finally, we consider that the main goal of the present study was accomplished; the performance of the DPH index and the numerical simulation of acoustic emission using a peridynamic model could be a good alternative to help with the interpretation of AE information obtained in such tests.  
Conceptualization, W.R.A., B.N.R.T., I.I. and G.L.; methodology, W.R.A., B.N.R.T., I.I. and G.L.; software, W.R.A. and B.N.R.T.; validation, W.R.A. and B.N.R.T.; formal analysis, W.R.A., B.N.R.T. and I.I.; investigation, W.R.A., B.N.R.T. and I.I.; resources, I.I. and G.L.; data curation, I.I. and G.L.; writing--original draft preparation, W.R.A., B.N.R.T., G.B. and I.I.; writing--review and editing, W.R.A., B.N.R.T., G.B., I.I. and G.L.; visualization, B.N.R.T.; supervision, G.L. and I.I.; project administration, I.I.; funding acquisition, I.I. and G.L. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This research was funded by the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq, Brazil), the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES-Brazil) and the sponsorship guaranteed with basic research funds was provided by Politecnico di Torino.  
Not applicable.  
Data Availability Statement: Data are contained within the article.  
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.  
The following abbreviations are used in this manuscript:  
AE Acoustic emission  
DPH Debski-Pradhan-Hansen  
GR Gutenberg-Richter