Steps to Use the Cover Meter Effectively

Posted by PCTE on July 26th, 2016

A cover meter is a device that locates reinforcement and measures the exact concrete cover. It is a non-destructive way to accurately locate the steel reinforcing within the concrete and the thickness of the cover concrete, i.e. the bar's depth. It may be used to estimate the bar diameter of the rebar in an existing structure, too. Cover meters have been used for over four decades, and the most current units feature the latest technology and a new generation design with a touch screen interface and state-of-the-art functions for analysis, measuring, and real-time control throughout the measurement process. Here are the steps to use a cover meter effectively: 

1. Instances when a cover meter can be used – Proper access is a key of making use of the device. You can use it on-site to determine the depth, location, and the size of the rebar while investigating corrosion risk, conducting quality assurance and control of new concrete structures, and locating rebar for coring or penetrations. It is most suitable for rebar layouts in a single layer and systems are generally limited to a maximum working depth around 140-150mm. 
2. Choose an area on the structure where there is enough space between rebar - Make sure there are no unidentified influences that may falsify the results. Likewise, make sure there are no conductive materials within the device's magnetic field to avoid compromising the results. Remember that the cover depth will influence the cover meter's accuracy, too. The accuracy of the device decreases with an increase of the concrete cover's depth. 
3. Locate the rebar using the device first – Advanced cover meters can detect rebar, measure concrete cover depth, and determine rebar diameter. It comes with acoustic and optical locating aids, so you can easily find. Once the rebar layout is known and operator can more easily pick the best spot to take a measurement value free of interference. 
4. Use the right probe range– Small ranges are typically used for depths under 70mm, and large cover thickness ranges are meant for depths more than 70mm. 
5. Use different measurement modes – High-end cover meters come with different measurement modes. Locate mode allows the precise detection of the direction and location and measure the rebar and cover diameter. Statistics view and snapshot view provide full reviews of measured data on the screen using a graphical overview of the cover measurements' distribution, or a number display. Some cover meters come with multi-line, area, cross-line, and multi-line scan measurements, these are advanced mapping view that can present rebar layouts and cover visually for ease of review.

Use the software – Cover meters from reputable manufacturers and distributors come with a software for automated recording of measurements. Hence, you can save time and avoid mistakes. The software can exchange data via USB to your PC, too.

About the Company:

PCTE supplies a range of equipment from around the world to offer you a one stop shop with all of the latest equipment. Concrete Non Destructive Testing (NDT) comprises testing a property of concrete, largely without damaging the concrete to assess some parameter that either directly or indirectly provides a required characteristic of the concrete or its embedment. For more details, you can contact us at the website.