CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

To compare between direct, indirect and semi-direct method of ultrasonic pulse

velocity in detecting concrete defects. Ultrasonic pulse velocity test is an in-situ,
non-destructive test to check the quality of concrete. In this test, the strength and
quality of concrete is assessed by measuring the velocity of an ultrasonic pulse
passing through a concrete structure formation. Figure 1 shown a UPV equipment.
Direct method is the most sensitive, and indirect method the least sensitive. Figure
1.1 shown the method of UPV.

Figure 1.1: UPV equipment

Figure 1.2: Method of UPV

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1.1 Problem Statement

In this situation, building there is various types of structure and connection.

Which have some conditions where direct method is difficult to be carried out and
had to use either semi direct or indirect method. So, this study needed to establish
percentage difference between semi direct and indirect accurately.

1.2 Objectives

The objectives for this project are:

1. To determine quality of concrete in term of velocity at 7, 14, 28 days using direct,
indirect and semi- direct.
2. To correlate between maturity of concrete and its velocity at 7, 14, 28 days using
direct, indirect and semi- direct.
3. To determine the percentage difference between direct, indirect and semi-direct
method UPV.
4. To determine the comparison compressive result with actual result

1.3 Scope Of Work

Scope of work for this project is the size cube that will be use is 150mm x
150mm x 150mm, the grade concrete is 30 N/mm 2. Specimen of cubes 9 cubes will
be tested at 7, 14 and 28 days. The equipment that we use is Ultrasonic Pulse
Velocity Brand Proceq. British Standard will be used in this study. In UPV testing,
have three methods that will be use. The method is direct, semi-direct and indirect
method. Direct method is for opposite faces, semi-direct is for adjacent faces and
indirect for same faces.

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 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE VIEW

2.0 Introduction

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) testing is used to determine the integrity

of structural concrete by measuring the speed of an ultrasonic wave passing along
a specific test path in the element being tested. Using multiple test paths allows
the size and rough shape of a defect area to be defined geometrically. This method
has been used on members up to 25 feet thick. UPV testing ideally requires two-
sided access to the structural element in question (direct testing), although testing
around corners (semi-direct) and across a surface (indirect) can also be of value.
The semi-direct application is typically used in situations where the complex
geometry of a structure precludes direct testing, such as a beam intersections. The
indirect application is primarily used for surface-opening crack depth
measurements. The UPV method can also be applied to structural elements to
provide an indication of material quality by measuring the compression wave
velocities in various locations. Areas with lower velocities have typically lower
density and strength relative to high velocity areas.

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2.1 Advantages of using UPV

 UPV test is truly non-destructive and can be performed both in lab as well
as in-situ.
 UPV measurement has been found to be a valuable and reliable method of
examining interior of a body of concrete
 Modern UPV test equipment is robust, reasonably cheap and easy to
operate, and reliable even under site conditions.
 UPV can determine the velocity of concrete, quality of concrete and crack
depth

2.2.1 Direct Methods

According to IS: 13311 (Part 1) – 1992, If the two transducers are placed in such a
way that one is placed at one end and other at the other end throughout the
member it is direct method

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2.2.2 Indirect Methods

According IS: 13311 (Part 1) – 1992, in this method both transducers are
place on the same surface of concrete and the receiver receives the pulse coming
after striking the concrete molecules

2.2.3 Semi Direct Methods

According to IS: 13311 (Part 1) – 1992, It is mostly used for corners of

concrete members

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2.3 Concrete

The quality of concrete in terms of uniformity, incidence or absence of

internal flaws, cracks and segregation can be assessed using the guidelines given
below, which have been evolved for characterizing the quality of concrete in
structures in terms of the ultrasonic pulse velocity.

Pulse Velocity Concrete Quality

(km/second) (Grading)
Above 4.5 Excellent
3.5 to 4.5 Good
3.0 to 3.5 Medium
Below 3.0 Doubtful

Table 1: Concrete quality based on IS: 13311 (Part 1) – 1992.

2.4 Previous Research

Based on research by P.Turgut from Harran University, which title is

correlation between concrete strength and UPV values. In his research, he tests
using UPV methods towards different reinforced concrete structures, having
different ages and unknown ratios of concrete mixtures. A correlation is set up
and showed in Figure 1 with the data obtained from earlier experimental studies
(Prassianakis I.N., Giokas P., Mechanical properties of old concrete using
destructive and ultrasonic non-destructive testing methods) which are produced on
specimens having dissimilar concrete mixture ratios. Because developing a
correlation by ignoring concrete mixture ratios is the aim of this study, the ages
and concrete mixture ratios of each specimens used in laboratory studies are not
given. This variation, shown in Figure 1, comes in to being because specimens
used in laboratory experiments have different concrete mixture ratio.

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Figure 1 shows research by P.Turgut on concrete strength-UPV Relationships

Figure 2 shows relationship between concrete strength and UPV in existing

reinforced structure

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 Figure 3 shows comparison of results from earlier works and exsting reinforced
concrete structures

In conclusion, Depending on Figure 3 it may be claimed that using UPV tests

on high strength concretes is more reliable and Strength-UPV relationship obtained
from laboratory originated specimens is calibrated with the test results of the cores
from existing reinforced concrete structures

This research aim to find unified relationship connect the results of this
test and correlate them with the results of compressive strength of cubes by using
statistical methods in the analyzing process depending on laboratory tests carried
on concrete cubes with different mixing ratios and different curing conditions, and
finding correlation curves to predict the strength of concrete much better. B.
Tumendemberel from Mongolian University of Science and Technology aim to
find a correlation between compressive strength of the cube and results of the
UPV for the same cube by using compressive methods in the explanation of the
test results .

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 Table 1 shows details of cubes used in this research

At the end of this research, we can turn to the statistical methods in the
process of explanation the tests results and the prediction of concrete strength, in
the case of the test was carried out in satisfactory way and standard tools. Whereas
the statistical methods proved that have a good value

In this study by Jossephh Ponniah from Civil Engineering Department of

Canada, there have three signal processing techniques: Fourier transform, short-time
Fourier transform, and the wavelet transform are used to analyze wave attenuation
and frequency content to develop a suitable condition index for HMA mixtures based
on wave characteristics. The relative condition of HMA mixtures is evaluated by
considering three wave attenuation parameters: peak-to-peak amplitude, spectral
area, maximum spectral amplitude. The results of UPV tests are compared to the
standard dynamic modulus test for selecting the most suitable condition index. The
results indicate that the condition index based on the amplitude measurement has the
potential to provide a reliable assessment of the quality of HMA mixtures. Finally, it
can be concluded The wave amplitude correlates very well with the number of
gyrations while the observed correlation with density is moderate. During gyrations,
the asphalt coated particles achieve greater particle to particle contact as indicated by
the increase in density

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 Yajai Promboon from Olson Engineering use the combination of two
methods to prove effective in locating internal unfilled cracks. A concrete bridge
over Interstate 70 east of Denver, Colorado was impacted by a fork lift being
transported by a truck moving at a speed of approximately 75 mph. A
combination of the two non-destructive testing methods was found to be suitable
in detecting unfilled internal cracks The field test setup of the two tests are shown
in Figure 1

Figure 1 shows test setup

Figure 2: UPV Source on the East Side of the East Girder

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 Figure 3 : UPV Receiver on the West Side of the East Girder

A total of 16 stations were randomly selected for non-destructive evaluation

(NDE) on the web of the repaired concrete I-beam girder, but all were located in
areas which had filled cracks. The IE tests were performed on the west side of the
girder at every grid point at every station. The IE test locations and test paths are
shown in Figure 4. If the IE tests detected possible unfilled internal cracks, UPV tests
were used in the area to confirm and further identify the existence and extent of the
unfilled cracks

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 Figure 4 shows IE test locations
and test paths

Figure 5 shows Ultrasonic

Pulse Velocity Test Paths

In conclusion, Non-destructive testing is proving to be very useful in both

initial concrete condition assessment and in the quality assurance process for
concrete repairs. Internal cracks which cannot be seen visually can be detected by
stress waves. The non-destructive testing program used for quality assurance of
epoxy crack injection consisted of Impact Echo and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity
methods.

In the last few decades, the application of Non-destructive Testing (NDT) in

civil engineering has becoming a subject of interest in various countries. The NDT
methods are used in a great amount of researches. This occurs because these methods
do not affect the appearance and the performance of the analyzed structures.

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Alexandre Lorenzi from Brazil tested the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Analysis in
Concrete Specimens but the main problem is that the same characteristics that affect
the strength (age, porosity, composition and cure) also affect the UPV. This
correlation is not simple and it depends on some factors. Similar concrete strengths
sometimes have different UPV. These differences make difficult the interpretation of
UPV results. An important factor is that the UPV allows making the tests in the same
place as the one made before.

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 In conclusion, Focusing on the necessity of getting concrete structures with
quality and durability, the NDT research aims to understand the capacities and
limitations of tests. The studies on UPV follow this trend. The concrete is a
heterogeneous material and the interpretation of the relation between strength and
UPV is very complex. The results show that it is possible to understand how the
variations of tests conditions affect the results of UPV, which can lead into a
decrease of the errors considering the strength estimation. This step is possible by
using the quantification and qualification of the laboratory data. This study indicates
that UPV tests are sensitive tools to analyze variations in homogeneity and density of
the concrete. UPV tests can supply important data about decision-making of concrete
conditions. It can be concluded that, by means of UPV, it is possible to contribute
with the control of deterioration and concrete structures quality.

Ashwin S.Balwaik from Department Of Civil Engineering India carried out to

enhance the presumption of this paper that UPV results are considered in order to
edge pass the life of concrete structure. A random school building is taken for
analysis. Analysis of complete structural members were carried out with UPV test.
The work has been Approached as per the standard specifications given in IS 13311
(1992 part-1). The main objective of this paper is to show efficiency of the UPV test
in concrete structure and for detecting flaws in concrete structures so that appropriate
measures can be uplifted in order to increase the life of that structure. The
comparison of the results before retrofitting and after retrofitting has been put forth
in orders to showcase the significance of UPV..

Figure 1 shows clear case of doubtful quality of concrete in each and every vertical
structural element

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 The results of the ground floor columns after the retrofitting work are
completely in contrast to the results obtained on the columns before the retrofitting
and grouting. This result indicates excellent quality of concrete (acco.IS13311 Part-
1).

The graphical representation of the velocities of UPV test on each of the 12

columns of the ground floor pre and post retrofitting are shown. The graphical
representation made it quite convincing that the use of UPV has proved to be a
valuable as non-destructive equipment in order to detect flaws and assess the life and
condition of the concrete structure. Efficiency of UPV has been put forth through this
study. In conclusion, The test results ends with a convincing graphical representation
of two of the velocities of each floor before and after retrofitting and grouting repair
work. UPV results for velocities of after repair works are relatively indicating a good
quality of concrete as compared to velocities of the test conducted before the repair
works. The difference between the velocities in the graphs is stating that the UPV
test is liable in detecting the flaws like structural cracks, voids, honeycombing and
many more structural deficiencies in concrete structures.

Dallshad K.H. Bzeni and Muhammed A. Ihsan from University of

Salahaddin, Iraq using combined Non-Destructive test to estimate the strength of
SCC. Materials that are used for the preparation of self-compacting concrete
specimens confirmed the requirements of ASTM type I grade and having a specific
gravity of 3.16. Silica fume: type SikaFume-HR was used to increase the stability of

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SCC mixtures with a replacement rate approximately 15 %. Size of particles
extremely was 0.1 μ and specific gravity of 2.24; Superplasticizer. A
polycarboxylates based polymer type Sika ViscoCrete-PC 15 having a specific
gravity of 1.09 used in all the mixtures to obtain the required flowability; Stone
Powder: obtained by grinding limestone rocks , particles passing sieve 150 μ were
used as inert filler to enhance the particle size distribution of Portland cement; Fine
Aggregate (FA): Clean natural river sand from Erbil city, with a maximum size of 5
mm was used . Fine aggregate conformed the requirements of ASTM C-33 , with the
apparent specific gravity 2.67 and fineness modulus of 2.85; Coarse Aggregate (CA):
Natural river gravel, uncrushed, with maximum size of 12.5 mm was used and their
gradation in accordance with ASTM C-33.

Table 1. Selected Mix Proportion and Some Properties of Fresh Concrete

After all procedures have done, it can be concluded that as a general trend
increasing in water to cementitious material ratio decreases rebound number and
UPV values, while there is no generalized formula that can be used because of low
correlation coefficient resulted.

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 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

In this chapter, it will show how to complete this Technology Project a

comparison between Direct, Indirect and Semi-Direct method of Ultrasonic Pulse
Velocity in detecting concrete defects can continuously until complete. To complete
the project, planning and describes methodology used to work on case study.

Mould size is 150mm⨯150mm⨯150mm. All specimen have been tested by

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity test after curing for 28 days. Three cubes for 28 days will
be tested for Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity test. All of the result is recorded.

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 START

PREPARATION OF MATERIAL

DESIGN CONCRETE
 

CONCRETE PROCESS

CURING

TESTING THE CONCRETE

NO

COMPRESSIVE UPV
TEST

ANALYSIS

YES

REPORTING RESULT

END

Figure 3.1: The Flow of Planning the Project Technology

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 3.1 Concrete

Concrete is mix of the raw material that are cement, sand and aggregates
that produced high strength material that can hold load in the building. The size of
aggregate is normal which ±25mm. concrete strength that will be used 30 N/mm2.

For this study, 150mm ⨯ 150mm ⨯ 150mm was used for size of mould. The
cubes represent three cubes for each method. So, this study has three method are
Direct, Semi-Direct, Indirect in different age 28 days. Then, the cubes were put in
the curing stage.

Compressive test of the cube are widely use around the world. It is used to
measure the strength of the concrete cube. A standard tamping bar of a 25mm square
of steel section is used of this purpose. Compaction by vibration may also be used if
necessary.

3.1.1 Concrete Mixing Procedure

I. Measure the weight of the OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) depends on the
design that had been calculated base on the DOE method.
II. For coarse aggregate, choose the aggregate that are 25mm± to make the
concrete mixing easier to fit in mould later.
III. Water is a rigid thing, the water content to pour into the mixing still need to be
control.
IV. After that, put all of the materials in ascending sequence which means by a
small particles (cements) and ends with biggest particles (aggregate) until it’s
smooth.
V. Lastly, pour the concrete into a suitable area to make the work easier later
because the concrete are needed to put in the mould.

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3.1.3 Cube Test Procedure

I. After the slump test, pour the concrete into the 150mm ⨯ 150mm ⨯
150mm mould by 3 part fill each for the part by 1/3full of its volume.
II. Since this mould is small, it is does not need to be vibrate. Just used the
tamping rod and tamp it 25 times evenly to compact the concrete in the
mould to prevent honeycomb problems.
III. After that, fill it for 2/3 by its volume for each part.
IV. Just do the same step like step 2 to compact the concrete.
V. Now, fill it up by 3/3 for the volume for all the three part in the mould.
VI. Tamping it for 25 times evenly on the third layer.
VII. For finishing top up the cement on the top of the concrete and tidy up the
mould by using scraper.
VIII. Lastly, put them in the temperature room to dry for 24 hours before
demould it.

3.1.4 Curing Stage

Curing plays an important role on strength development and durability of

concrete. Curing takes place immediately after concrete placing and finishing, and
involves maintenance of desired moisture and temperature conditions, both at depth
and near the surface, for extended periods of time. Properly cured concrete has an
adequate amount of moisture for continued hydration and development of strength,
volume stability, resistance to freezing and thawing, and abrasion and scaling
resistance.

In this study, sample has been curing using curing tank method.
Cube concrete will be immersed for 28 days in curing tank.

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3.1.5 Compressive Test Procedure

I. After 28 days, take three sample of concrete cube to be tested.

II. Measure the weight of the concrete cube and record it for later use if needed.
III. Choose the best sided of the concrete cube that are flat to make sure that the
compressive cylinder can press the same amount on the concrete surface and
with that reason it will get more accurate reading the result.

Figure 3.1 : Compressive Test

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3.2 Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity

3.2.1 Direct Method

I. Select the basic measurements direct method

II. Select parameter setting “path length”
III. Enter the path length
IV. Start the measurement for cube age 28 day.
V. The display shows the transmission time, measured pulse velocity and
received signal level. After that stop the measurement and save the result.

Figure 3.3 : Direct Method

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3.2.2 Semi-Direct Method

I. Select the basic measurements semi-direct method

II. Select parameter setting “path length”
III. Enter the path length
IV. Start the measurement for cube age 28 days.
V. The display shows the transmission time, measured pulse velocity and
received signal level. After that stop the measurement and save the result.

Figure 3.4 : Semi-Direct Method

3.2.3 Indirect Method

I. Select the basic measurements indirect method

II. Select parameter setting “path length”
III. Enter the path length
IV. Start the measurement for cube age 28 days.
V. The display shows the transmission time, measured pulse velocity and
received signal level. After that stop the measurement and save the result.

Figure 3.5 : Indirect Method

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