The invention discloses an intelligent detection and quantitative recognition method for the defect of concrete. According to the method, a concrete test piece is subjected to impact echo signal sample acquisition, signal noise reduction treatment and characteristic value extraction so as to construct a recognition model for analysis components including feature extraction, defect inspection, defect diagnosis and defect quantification and positioning; and the model is used for detecting and recognizing to-be-detected concrete. The intelligent detection and quantitative recognition method provided by the invention is directed at disadvantages of conventional detection technology for concrete defects and based on theoretical analysis, value simulation and model testing, employs advanced signal processing and artificial intelligence technology and fully digs out characteristic information of a testing signal, thereby establishing the model for intelligent rapid detection and classified recognition based on wavelet analysis and an extreme learning machine; and the model has good classified recognition performance, realizes intelligent rapid quantitative recognition and evaluation of the variety, properties and scope of the defect of concrete and further improves the innovation and application level of non-destructive testing technology for the defect of concrete.