Ultrasonic Testing of Concrete

Ultrasonic Testing of Concrete
Posted on April 13, 2017

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) is an effective non-destructive testing (NDT) method for
quality control of concrete materials, and detecting damages in structural components.
The UPV methods have traditionally been used for the quality control of materials, mostly
homogeneous materials such as metals and welded connections. With the recent
advancement in transducer technology, the test has been widely accepted in testing
concrete materials. Ultrasonic testing of concrete is an effective way for quality
assessment and uniformity, and crack depth estimation. The test procedure has been
standardized as “Standard Test Method for Pulse Velocity through Concrete” (ASTM C
597, 2016).
Ultrasonic Testing of Concrete - How it works?

The concept behind the technology is measuring the travel time of acoustic waves in a
medium, and correlating them to the elastic properties and density of the material. Travel
time of ultrasonic waves reflects internal condition of test area. In general, for a given
trajectory, higher travel time is correlated to low quality concrete with more anomalies and
deficiencies, while lower travel time is correlated to high quality concrete with fewer
anomalies. Once ultrasonic wave spreads within the test area, the wave is reflected in
boundary of anomalies resulting in higher travel time. This results in higher transmission
time (lower wave speeds) in poor quality concrete and lower transmission time (higher
wave speed) in good quality concrete.
Different configurations of transducers can be used to perform
a UPV test. This includes direct transmission, semi-direct transmission, and indirect
(surface) transmission. Figure above shows different configurations of transducer based
on the access to the surface of test area. The ultrasonic velocity is prone to signal travel
trajectory that is defined by the transducer configurations. Figure below is a
representation of the effect of concrete anomalies and deficiencies on the acoustic wave
travel time and the corresponding velocity throughout a given trajectory (ACI 228.2R,
2013).
Couplant | Concrete-Transducer contact

The UPV transducers must be in full contact with the concrete surface; otherwise the air
pocket between the transducer and concrete may result in measurement error (i.e.
inacurate measurement of transit time). One reason is that only negligible amount of wave
energy will be transmitted in a poor contact. Different couplants can be used to eliminate
air pockets and to assure good contact (e.g. petroleum jelly, grease, liquid soap, and
kaolin-glycerol paste). It is recommended to make the couplant layer as thin as possible.
Applications of UPV Testing for Concrete
Several researchers and engineers have studied the use of ultrasonic testing of
concrete in different engineering projects:
1- Pulse Velocity Determination
2- Concrete Quality Assessment (learn more)
3- Establishing Homogenity and Uniformity of Concrete
4- Measurement of Surface Crack Depth (read more)
5- Prediction of Compressive Strength of Concrete (read more)
UPV - Influencing Parameters

In order to conduct a reliable ultrasonic testing of concrete, the surface of concrete should
be clean, and free of dust. A suitable couplant is needed to establish an ideal connection
between concrete and UPV transducers. Special attention should be given to rebar in
concrete, since the wave travel speed in metal is much higher than in concrete. The
interpretation of test results in heavily reinforced concrete is somewhat difficult. The direct
configuration is the most ideal for getting reliable readings; however, the use of this
configuration is mainly limited to laboratory. In summary, the following issues should be
addressed before, during, and after performing the test:
1- Concrete Properties (aggregate size, type, and content)
2- Transducer Contact/couplant material
3- Presence of Rebar
4- Sensor Configuration

Ultrasonic Testing of Concrete

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Ultrasonic Testing of Concrete

Posted on April 13, 2017

Ultrasonic Testing of Concrete - How it works?

Couplant | Concrete-Transducer contact

Applications of UPV Testing for Concrete

UPV - Influencing Parameters

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