Ultrasonic Testing of Concrete
(Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test – UPV)
What is Ultrasonic Testing of Concrete?
Ultrasonic testing of concrete is a non-destructive technique (NDT) used to assess the quality, integrity, and uniformity of concrete structures by measuring the velocity of ultrasonic pulses passing through the material. The most common method is the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) test.
Principle & Method
Principle:
High-frequency ultrasonic pulses (typically 40–60 kHz) are generated and transmitted through the concrete using a pair of transducers (transmitter and receiver). The time taken for the pulse to travel through a known path of concrete is measured. The pulse velocity is then used to assess the concrete’s properties and detect internal flaws.
Test Setup:
Direct transmission (transducers on opposite faces)
Semi-direct transmission (transducers at right angles)
Indirect/surface transmission (both transducers on the same surface)
Types of Data Provided
Pulse Velocity (m/s): Primary result used to evaluate the quality and uniformity.
Indications of Internal Defects: Honeycombing, voids, cracks, and delaminations.
Estimated Compressive Strength: (with correlation curves)
Assessment of Concrete Homogeneity
Depth of Cracks (when using advanced methods)
Modulus of Elasticity (approximate, if calibrated)
Comparison of material quality across different areas
Detection of low-quality or deteriorated zones
Standard Procedure
Surface Preparation: Clean the testing surface; apply coupling gel for good contact.
Equipment Calibration: Set reference for time zero.
Placement: Attach the transmitter and receiver as per required transmission mode.
Testing: Activate the device and record the time for pulse passage.
Calculation: Compute pulse velocity as V = L / t, where L = path length, t = transit time.
Interpretation: Compare with established thresholds and correlation charts for evaluation.
International Standards
ASTM C597 — "Standard Test Method for Pulse Velocity Through Concrete"
IS 13311 (Part 1): Method of Non-Destructive Testing of Concrete - Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity
BS EN 12504-4: "Testing concrete. Determination of ultrasonic pulse velocity"
ACI 228.2R: Nondestructive Test Methods for Evaluation of Concrete in Structures
Advantages
Non-destructive: No damage to the structure
Rapid & Reproducible: Quick, repeatable testing
Detects Flaws: Reveals cracks, voids, honeycombing, and segregation
Assesses Uniformity: Useful for quality control and in-place assessment
Estimates Strength: Allows strength evaluation using suitable correlations (not a direct measurement)
Can Monitor Deterioration: Useful for long-term monitoring
Applications
Quality control in new concrete structures
Evaluating deterioration in old or damaged structures
Locating voids, honeycombs, and depth of cracks
Checking uniformity of concrete
Verification of repairs and overlays
Assessing structures where coring is undesirable
For additional technical support, products, and professional testing services in Iran, contact:
Clinic Beton Iran Group (RBS-CONTECH)
Website: https://www.clinicbeton.com
International: https://www.rbs-contech.com
Email: clinicbeton.com@gmail.com
Phone: +98 21 88070173, +98 21 88584906