Points To Remember Before Using Ultrasonic Concrete Testing Equipment

Posted by PCTE on October 29th, 2015

Concrete must be tested to ensure its durability and strength. Concrete testing likewise enables early detection of cracks, voids, and other defects or imperfections within the structure. Non-destructive testing methods are preferred to help save time and money, and the ultrasonic pulse velocity equipment is one recommended type of testing devices that can help determine the material's integrity elastic properties and density. Ultrasonic concrete testing equipment can check the quality of natural rocks and concrete, and this can be assessed by measuring the ultrasonic pulse wave velocity as it passes through the structure. Here are points to remember before using this type of testing equipment:

• The test is conducted by allowing an ultrasonic wave to pass through concrete. The time it takes for the wave to pass through the structure is measured. High velocities mean good quality, homogeneous material and indicates continuity while a slower velocity may indicate the presence of defects, voids and cracks in the concrete element.
• Pulse velocity depends on the density and elasticity of the material, and these are related to the compressive strength and material quality. Hence, ultrasonic testing can be used to determine a material's homogeneity, as well as for determining a material's elastic modulus and strength. Likewise, ultrasonic concrete testing can be used to verify the material's quality in relation to specified technical standards or design requirements.
  
• Ultrasonic concrete testing can also help detect changes in the concrete. Changes tend to occur within the material due to fire damage, cement hydration, chemical attacks, frost, as well as degradation over time.
  
• Basic ultrasonic testing is referred to as 'time of flight', which pertains to timing the arrival of the ultrasonic pulse from a transducer to another via a solid medium. In standard operations, an ultrasonic pulse is referred to as the 'p-wave' or 'compression wave'. The velocity of the ultrasonic pulse is determined by calculating the distance between the transducer divided by the time of arrival of the return signal.
  
• Make sure that the ultrasonic concrete testing equipment is set in the right transmission mode. High-quality equipment has three transmission modes (Compression Wave, Shear Wave and Pulse Echo), which are determined by the characteristics that need to be tested and the access to the concrete surfaces and elements.
  
• Make sure that the transducers are properly placed on the opposite sides of the concrete. Good ultrasonic concrete testing equipment already has the clock, power source, an oscillation circuit, and transducer assembled for straightforward usage. This way, you can save time and increase productivity.
  
• Some models of testing equipment come with analysis software that allows for easy data logging, review and adjustments of the measurement settings. Other models are also able to correlate the rebound value of a Schmidt Hammer test with the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity as per the Sonic Rebound method utilized in many European countries.

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 of 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.