6r.

YEARS

OF D INNOVATION

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Introduction to
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity

'

September 2014

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Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Principle

tt. T

mu)

nm

Pulse velocity is
determined by measuring
the transmission time and
the distance between the
probes.

V=~

TxTime
Display
Pulse
Generator

Timing
Circuit

Waveform
Display

Rx
Amplifier

~t

For concrete it is
typically between
3000 m/s and 5000 m/s.

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Fundamentals of Wave
Propagation - Wavelength

The wavelength of a sound wave is related to the velocity and the

frequency.

J\ =elf
where:
A = wavelength
c = sound velocity
f =frequency
E.g. (Concrete)
Velocity = 4000 m/s
Frequency = 54 kHz
Wavelength= 7.4 cm

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Fundamentals of Wave
Propagation - Wavelength

Wavelength is a limiting factor that controls the amount of information

that can be derived from the behavior of a wave.
It is very difficult to detect an object that is less than half the
wavelength.
So in real terms it means that objects smaller than half the
wavelength will be invisible.

7.4cm

E.g. (Concrete)
Velocity = 4000 m/s
Frequency = 54 kHz
Wavelength = 7.4 cm

Y:z wavelength = 3.7 cm

A small void e.g. 3 cm diameter is

invisible to the ultrasonic wave.
A larger void e.g. 5 cm diameter
can be detected.

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Fundamentals of Wave
Propagation - Scattering

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Fundamentals of Wave
Propagation - Scattering

Inhomogeneities (e.g. aggregate particles, voids) in concrete scatter the

signal.
The effect is very large if the size of the aggregate is equal to or larger
than the wavelength of the ultrasonic signal.
This influence can be significantly reduced by choosing a transducer
frequency, such that the wavelength is at least twice as large as the
aggregate size.

Ideally
Frequency > 2x Aggregate Size

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Fundamentals of Wave
Propagation - Summary
High Frequency

Low Frequency

Clearly defined onset - High resolution

Onset Is less well defined - Low resolution

Short wavelength - subject to scattering

Long wavelength - less subject to scattering

Attenuated rapidly - Short path lengths

Less attenuation - Long path lengths

Max particle size== 7.5 mm

Max particle size::: 75 mm

Smallest anomaly that can be detected"' 7.5 mm

Smallest anomaly that can be detected::: 75 mm

What is a short path length?

What is a long path length?

Several dm

Several m

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Pundit Transducers
250 kHz

500 kHz

250 kHz
Shear wave

Max. grain stze

nmm

Max. grain size

34mm

"'34mm

Max. grain size

12mm

Max. grain slze

:.7mm

Max. grain size

3mm

Min. lateral
dimensions154

Min. lateral

Min. lateral

Min. lateral

Min. lateral

dimensions

dimensions

dimensions

mm

69mm

69 mm

25 mm

dimensions
15mm

Min. lateral
dimensions
7mm

Standard

ExPonmtlal
transduce r

transducer
Concrete: ooarae
aggregate. large
objects.

Concrete. wood,

rock

Max. grain size

Concrete (rough
surfaces, rounded
surfaces), wood,
rock (heritage
sites)
Nooouplanl

S-wave

transducer
Fine grained
material only,
refractory bricks,
rock(NXoorns)

Fine g rained
material only,
refractory bricks,

rock
Small samples.

Fine grained
material only,
refractory bri<:ks,
rock
Use on small
samples limtted by

size of transducer

Concrete, wood,

rock
Used for
detennlnatlon of E

modulus.
Requires special
oouplanl

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Reflections at Boundaries
As we saw in the explanation about scattering, sound travelling
through the concrete is reflected when it meets a boundary.
Concrete

2"d material

The amount of energy that passes through the boundary and the
amount of energy that is reflected is determined by a simple equation .
R = Z2 - Z1
Z2 + Z1
R is the percentage of energy that is reflected .
Z1 is the acoustic impedance of the concrete
Z2 is the acoustic impedance of the second material

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Reflections at Boundaries
Acoustic impedance (Z) =density of material (p) x speed of sound in
the material (v)
Material
Air
Concrete
Steel

Density
(ka/m 31
1.3
2400
7850

Speed of sound
m/s
330
4000
5920

Acoustic Impedance
ka/m2x1os
.000429
9.6
46.5

Interface

Z1

Z2

R = Z2-Z1
Z2+Z1

Concrete/
Air

9.6

.000429

99%

Concrete I
Steel

9.6

46.5

66%

I WM

Concrete I
Granite

9.6

26.8

47%

I WM

WM

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Wave Types
There are several modes of propagation of sound waves in solids
The two types we are concerned with are:
Longitudinal or compression waves (also called P-waves)
Transverse or shear waves (also called S-waves)
time

= 200.07 us

longitudinal wave
0.8

Rayleigh wave

0.6

I
N

0.4

0.2
0
0

shear wave

1.5

0.5

2.5

x(m]

Shde 1.1 Cl 201.1 Procq ',

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Wave propogation
in a homogenous material
Situation 1:
Homogeneous block
Size: 1m x 3m

vL = 5000 m/s

=2600 m/s
p =2200 kg/m 3
v5

0.1

bnWJOU7w

0.00

0.00

!05
.. O.

0.04

.,

0.02

"

""4

0
-0.02

Transmitter:
Diamter. 50 mm
Position: x

=1.5 m, z =0 m

-0.04

.,

-0.CE

'\

-0.!ll

.......,
600

1000

-0.1

Receiver:
Diamter. 50 mm
Position: x

=1.5 m, z =1 m

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Real situation

time= 200.07 us

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Wave propagation
in an inhomogenous material
Situation 2:
Inhomogeneous concrete
block

h:Ml.t!u

Size: 1m x 3m

=5000 m/s
v5 =2600 m/s
p =2200 kg/m3
vL

'

0.04

..

0.02

"

"
*I
~

Aggregate:
Size: S 32 mm
Disllibution: random
Number: 4000

"

L("'""'
...
20C

...

- -

0
-0.02
-0.04

...

YMlioI

'

'"

,.,.

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NOT of Concrete using
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity
Methods

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Ultrasonic Testing of Concrete
The ultrasonic pulse velocity of sound in a material depends on its
density and its elastic properties, which in turn are related to the quality
and the compressive strength of the material.
It is therefore possible to obtain information about the properties of
concrete structures by ultrasonic investigations:
Uniformity of the concrete
Cavities, cracks, defects due to fire and frost
Thickness of structure
Modulus of elasticity
Compressive strength

' Shde 16 - Cl 201<1 P1oc(;rQ --,

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Standards
EN 12504-4 Determination of ultrasonic pulse velocity
ASTM C597-02 Standard test method for pulse velocity through concrete
BS 1881 Part 203 Recommendations for measurement of velocity of ultrasonic
pulses in concrete
1501920-7:2004 Non-destructive tests on hardened concrete- determination of
ultrasonic pulse velocity
1513311 Part 1 Non-destructive testing of concrete - ultrasonic pulse velocity
(India)
CECS21 Technical specification for inspection of concrete defects by ultrasonic
method (China)
ASTM 02845 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Pulse
Velocities and Ultrasonic Elastic Constants of Rock

Pundit Inst uments comply with all of

these standards

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Pulse Velocity Determination
Direct Transmission: Optimum configuration .
Maximum signal level. Most accurate method of
pulse velocity determination. Path length is
measured from centre to centre of the transducers.
Indirect Transmission: Signal level is only about
2 - 3 % of signal level when using direct
transmission. Path length is uncertain. Use the
surface velocity mode or line scan to eliminate
this uncertainty. Pulse velocity determined by this
method may be lower than that from direct
method by 5 -20%. Where possible carry out a
comparison measurement to determine this.
Semi-direct Transmission: Sensitivity is
somewhere between the other two methods. Lower
accuracy than the direct method. Path length is
measured from centre to centre of the transducers.
~hcl~ 18 ~ 2014 Pr~sq '~-

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Pulse Velocity
Measurement - Preparations

It is essential to have good acoustic coupling between the transducer and the
concrete in order to ensure that the ultrasonic pulse is transmitted into the
concrete.
When we looked at "Reflections at Boundaries", we learnt that between concrete
and air there is almost a 100% reflection of the signal.
A coupling medium ensures that there is no air between the surface of the
transducer and the concrete.
If the concrete surface is very rough, then it must either be smoothed by grinding
before measuring, or if that is not possible,
exponential transducers may be used.
Exponential transducers are designed
to be used without couplant.
However the energy imparted into the
concrete is much less than a standard
transducer with couplant.
An amplifier is necessary to boost the
signal to noise ratio .

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Measurement
Alphanumeric

Measurement mode

Transducer Type

Rx Gain

Excitation
Voltage

Start/
Snapshot

Zoom
Cursor selection

Stop/ Save

10

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Tools to locate the trigger point
Zoom button

Touchsceen ope.,>tion

~ ~

Follow Trigger function

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Cursor I Triggering modes

Automatic Triggering

Manual Triggering

Dual cursor

Amplitude marker

11

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Amplitude trigger

When set, the user may manually set the level at

which triggering takes place by dragging the cursor on
the y - axis.

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Measurement modes - Menu
f

1 ,

t,, ..,..rarsm ss1or .,. ~e v

Basic Modes

Special Modes

Multi-Measurements

t o Transmission Time

Crack Depd1

I:= UneScan

+Distance

t:
E

E-Modulus

Eli Area Scan

;I

Wil surface Velocity

Pulse Velocity

" Compr. Strength

........
~

-- - - -

(9

Data Logging

--

12

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Pundit PL-200
Basic measurement modes

Pulse Velocity

Distance

Input Required

Input Required

Pulse velocity

Distance between the two transducers.

Output

Output

Transmission time
Pulse velocity

Transmission time
Distance between the two
transducers

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Surface Velocity BS 1881 :203
The exact length of the
transmission path is uncertain due
to the significant size of the area of
contact between the transducer and
the concrete
The uncertainty is eliminated by
making a series of measurements.
The transmitter remains at the
same position for the entire
measurement.
The receiver is moved a fixed
increment "b" along a line.
The transmission times are plotted
on a graph against the distance.
A best fit straight line is drawn
through the points.

50

100

200

300
Distance, mm

400

500

600

The slope of this line is the mean

pulse velocity.

13

Pundit PL-200
Measurement mode - surface velocity

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The transmitter remains in a
fixed position. The receiver
is moved at a fixed interval.
A best fit line is drawn
through the points
generated.
The slope of this line is the
mean pulse velocity.
e.g. 305mm/100s = 3.05

In-Situ Compressive
Strength Estimation

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Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity tests are used in parallel with compression tests
to obtain a correlation to compressive strength.
This procedure is recognized in most major standards, e.g. EN 13791 and
ACI 228.1R.

This method can also be used in combination with rebound hammer

measurements for an improved estimation . This is the method known as
SONREB.

14

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Measurement mode
Compressive strength

Input Required

Distance between transducers

Rebound value X
(either R-value or Q-value)
SONREB curve (defined in PLLink software)

Output
Transmission time
Compressive strength.

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Modulus of Elasticity

15

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ASTM 02845 Modulus of Elasticity
Ultrasonics is used in geology to determine the elastic properties or rocks and minerals. The application is described in
the ASHA standard D 2845
ASTM D 2845 - Standard Test Method for laboratory Determination of Pulse Velocities and Ultrasonic Elastic
Constants of Rock
Determines the pulse velocities of compression (P) waves and shear (S) waves in rock from which the dynamic
elastic constants are calculated.
,

"The ultrasonic evaluation of rock properties is useful for preliminary prediction of static properties. The test
method is useful for evaluating the effects of uniaxial stress and water saturation on pulse velocity. These
properties are in turn useful in engineering design.

Recommendations are given for sample preparation and sample dimensions.

calculations
, Having measured the compression and shear velocities, the standard provides the formulas for:E = Youngs' modulus of elasticity
G = modulus of rigidity or shear modulus
, = Poisson's ratio
A = Lame's constant
K = bulk modulus
(Note! For some of these calculations, e.g modulus of elasticity, it is also necessary to know the density of the
material.

Slide 31 O ;Jqi4 Procoq

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ASTM 02845 Calculations
E = fpV /( 3V/ - ./V/ )J

(V/ -

V/)

where:
Young modulu of ela ticity. p i (or Pa). and
p = den iry. lb in.3 (or kg 1113) :

G = pV/

where:
G = modulu of rigidity or shear modulu , p
11 = (1~

J I '/) fJCV/

(or Pa):

- v,1)]

where:
= Poi son' ra tio:

16

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P-wave

TX

":

~
r:t .,;.1: ~~- .. .... '\"" &Jr'
...
: : ......
,.. ~.~:.:'194'.:.
.. -~_..:. - ....... ;c..:.,; ;.::~.
.'
. ,~,.:.~1;-~.~-"''; ::.r.:. . ~.~.
.
~:~-:~:'/i:};/J..":[~::" ' l
!.i ~ ~. I ... :, ~ " ,.. ~...... eP.... ~~~ .-.- . ',
.:.t''-1
~"i"'"-Jt
: .~---.. ~...t"
,... '-...~~<t:
.::e._,.
.. :.;,.: :: ~- .......'".)a1'-'.\.7~1
~:JI.~.,

' \.~ 1:- '

. . .. ~ .. ... ,.:r..-~.
~
~~; l .. .
....~ ~ ' :.
. t:'i: ..II!..

. .....
r-;
... :.. . -uo
..-e. 1 .. . ~ '11 ' ...... .ll I

RX

- .. :

c:201 t. OlrlR:.eM!I

Longitudinal (P) Waves

In a longitudinal wave the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave propagation. The
animation shows a one-dimensional longitudinal plane wave propagating down a tube. The particles do not
move down the tube with the wave; they simply oscillate back and forth about their individual equilibrium
positions. Pick a single particle and watch its motion. The wave is seen as the motion of the compressed
region (ie, it is a pressure wave), which moves from left to right.

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S-wave

Transverse or Shear (S) Waves

In a shear wave the particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. The
animation below shows a one-dimensional transverse plane wave propagating from left to right. The
particles do not move along with the wave; they simply oscillate up and down about their individual
equilibrium positions as the wave passes by. Pick a single particle and watch its motion.

17

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P- and S- Wave Properties
P-waves travel significantly faster than S-waves.
54 kHz P-Wave (Concrete)
Typical velocity = 4000 m/s
Wavelength J\

=7.4 cm

54 kHz S-Wave (Concrete)

=2500 m/s
Wavelength J\ =4.6 cm

Typical velocity

Pwave

S-wave

Pundit Lab I Pundit PL-200

Measuring with S-wave Transducers

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Pundit Lab

Shear wave coupl ing gel

When measurements with the 250 kHz shear wave transducers are
performed , it is crucial to use the special shear wave coupling paste,
otherwise shear waves cannot be properly transmitted into the object
under test. The 250 kHz shear wave transducers supplied by Proceq
(Part No. 325 40 049) come supplied with the correct coupling paste.

18

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Pundit Lab
Measuring with S-wave Transducers

--==
~~
~--

-...
,

A waveform display MUST be used to manually locate the onset of the shear wave
echo, as it is always preceded by a relatively weak longitudinal echo which is picked
up by the automatic triggering.
For Pundit Lab, this means that this can only be done when connected to a PC

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S-wave detection
Correct measurement procedure

()~

()

(Ju

l(J

__)

Misaligned by 90
WeakS-wave
component

Correctly aligned
Strong S-wave
component

,-.

I...... " .....

. o. . . . . :

_...-....

........ . - . ....... - ... --...

.,

As we have seen, shear waves travel in a one-dimensional plane. The strongest

signal appears when the transducers are correctly aligned.
This property can be used to correctly detect the shear wave component of the
received signal.
Rotate one transducer into and out of alignment and watch the S-wave
component increase and decrease.

19

PunditLink Calculator
E-Modulus and Poisson's Ratio

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Pundit Link is equipped with a calculator for both.

Simply enter the measured transmission times made with the P-wave and Swave transducers.

CMcutate Poinon's Ratio Modulus

-Pundit PL-200
Measurement Mode: E-Modulus

MP

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Implemented directly on the instrument.

Measure either with P- and S-wave transducers separately or
with S-wave transducers only.

20

E-Modulus
Separate P- & S-wave measurements

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Can begin with either the P or the S-wave transducer but the first
measurement should be made with whichever is indicated in the top right
hand comer.
In this case it is a 54 kHz P-wave transducer.

E-Modulus
Separate P- & S-wave measurements

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Measure the P-wave transmission time. Note the manual triggering must be
used in this mode. Automatic triggering is deactivated.
Press on the P<>S icon.

21

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E-Modulus
Separate P- & S-wave measurements
f-

Connected Transducer

G SOkHz Pulse Echo Shear Wave Trans.

G 24 kHz Proceq Transducer

G 54 kHz Proceq Transducer

G 54 kHz Proceq Transducer Exponential

G 150 kHz Proceq Transducer

0
0

G 250 kHz Proceq Transducer

G 250 kHz Proceq Transducer si-r Wave

()

G 500 kHz Procea Transducer

Select the S-wave Transducer.

E-Modulus
Separate P- & S-wave measurements

Measure the S-wave transmission

time

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Verify position by rotating one

transducer 90. Here we can
clearly see that the S-wave
component has disappeared
completely.

The E-modulus is calculated automatically from the two

transmission times and the density input.
On PL-Link, Poisson's ratio is also displayed as a result.

22

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E-Modulus
Using only an S-wave transducer

When measuring with the S-wave transducer, it is only necessary to do a

single measurement. Use the dual cursor to mark the locations of the P-wave
and the S-wave and the E-modulus is calculated automatically.

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PL-Link Software E-modulus

20

40

60

80

JOO

120

140

160

180

200

220

240

260

280

300

320

340

360

TimeWSJ

Manual trigger points may be retroactively adjusted.

All settings that are coloured blue may be adjusted,
e.g. distance between probes, density, unit.
Comments may be added to the file.

Settings & Ruults

Distance:
0400 m
3000kg.:m]
O..Srty.

Po1s.son'sRatio:
E ModuJus:

!l.2549
S9.20 GP

Devitt lnfOfmation
OeV'lceNamt:

....,,,

~! Numbtt

UPOl-9993
1.1.1
83

Sottwe Versi0
Hardware RtvtSK>f'l

w...
TirM{JJs}
Ve1ty (m/S)

-Type
Probe Freq. QcHz)
Pr~Gam(x}

Pulse- Voltage (V)

Calib. n~ Offset (s )

81.8
4889
Shear Wave
250
100
150
-0.6

142.6

2804
SheW~

250
100
150
-0.6

Comment
:Add]

23

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Dynamic and Static

Modulus of Elasticity

Empirical relationship between static and

dynamic modulus of elasticity and the pulse
velocity
Pulse
velocity
km/s

Modulus of Elasticity MN/m 2

6o

Dynamic*

Static

,o

3.6

24'000

13'000

,0

3.8

26'000

15'000

4 .0

29'000

18'000

4 .2

32'000

22'000

ao

4.4

36'000

27'000

10

4.6

42'000

34'000

4.8

49'000

43'000

5.0

58'000

52'000

)0

'o

, ,o

This is the parameter that is determined using ultrasonic pulse velocity

measurements with P&S-wave transducers.

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Uniformity of Concrete

24

praceq

Uniformity Testing
Concrete Classification

The Indian standard IS13311 provides a guideline for estimating

concrete quality.
Similar to rebound hammer testing. Many measurements are made on
the structure.
A statistical analysis is carried out and then the concrete is classified
according to the table below.
A similar method is also described in the Chinese standard .
Pulse Velocity
> 4'500 m/s
3'500 - 4'500 m/s
3'000 - 3'500 m/s
<3'000 m/s

Concrete Quality Grading

Excellent
Good
Medium
Doubtful

' ) 1Ne49 (120 14Pr~ 't',

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Material Properties on UPV

Parameter
w/cm ratio
age
Moisture content

On UPV

t
t
t

Agg type and content

Proximity of steel
Presence of defects

t
t
t
t
l

Effects
On concrete strength

""

Useful for
relative
n/a measurements
within
- - a single
structure
n/a

However, UPV cannot be used to measure

in place strength absolutely in most cases

S1K1e ~O

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25

praceq
Effect of coarse aggregate content
ACI MATERIALS JOURNAL

TECHNICAL PAPER

Tiile no. 104-M38

Investigation of Pulse Velocity-Strength Relationship

of Hardened Concrete
UPV of ooncrete (fps)
13300 14000 14700 15400
fn.700!

=0.00.WO x exp(0 .002 10 x u)

(2)

fc(l!OOl

= 0.0029-1 x exp(0 .002 1

(3)

x u)

fc<900i =0.00183 x ex p(0.00227 x u)

(-1

=0.00106 x exp(O.Cl0237 x u)
Jc\ 1100) =0.00055 x exp(0.00250 x u)

(5)

fc{IOOO)

(6)

4200 4400 4600

UPV of ooncrete (m/sec)

Fig. I l-Simulmed UPV-s1"11g1h cunes of co11crr1e wi1h

jive kinds of ccx1rse aggrega1e co111ems.

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UPV Principle - Influences
Anyth ing that affects the dynamic modulus of elasticity or the density
affects the pulse velocity reading .
Rebars are a major factor. Ultrasonic waves travel much faster
through steel than through concrete, so rebars should be avoided .
Moisture content and water/ cement ratio has a large effect,
especially during curing. This relationship can be used to
determine strength development during curing.
Temperature has an effect but not in the range 10c to 30C.
TlMl references are recommended for further reading on Influencing factora.
BS 1881 : Part 203 and

Handbook on non-dectructtve testing of conc,.te - Malhotra, Carino

26

Pundit PL-200 scanning modes

Measurement mode - line scan

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The horizontal grid setting'a'
remains constant. but the
distance between the probes 'x'
can be changed for each
measurement according to the
object shape.

The current A-scan is shown in

the top half of the screen. The
grid is shown in the lower half.
Previous A-scans can also be
viewed by tapping on the
corresponding point in the lower
window.

Pundit PL-200 scanning modes

Measurement mode - Area Scan

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Even more useful is the Area Scan, a 20 visualization based on a user

definable grid and a user definable colour scale. In this example the
max and min have been set to the limits defined in the Indian standard.
S!idA~ ~ 2014 Pr~ \

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Crack Depth Determination

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Measurement mode - Crack depth

Crack depth method

according to BS 1881 .
Part 203 method with Just
two measurements.
Measure at an interval 'b'
and '2b" from the centre
of the crack.
The crack depth is
calculated automatically
using simply geometry.
Note:
For this method to give good results, the crack must be
perpendicular to the surface. It must also be free of water or debris
which would allow the wave to propagate through the crack. The
crack must be sufficiently wide to prevent the wave from simply
propagating around it. There must also be no rebars within the
vicinity of the crack. If any of these conditions occur. the result will
be severely affected and it may appear that the crack depth is much
smaller than is actually the case.

28

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Crack Depth Determination
BS Method
The British standards method is a method
recommended by 884408, and the method of
calculating the crack depth by arranging
oscillator and receiver from the crack at equal
intervals at transmission time t2 of
X2=300mm and transmission time t1 of
X1=150mm .
2

d = 150 4tl -t2

t 2 2 -t12

T : distance from crack to surface of oscfllator (mm) . R : distance

from crack to surface of receiver (mm) . V : Sound speed in health
part by surface scanning method at each intervals of between
oscfllator and receiver (kmls) . I : transmission time of crack posffion
(s)

Slu:le 57 e 2014Proceq

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Crack Depth Determination
Tc - To Method
In the Tc-To method, the transmission time is
measured by arranging longitudinal wave oscillator
and receiver at intervals 2a on the surface of the
healthy part of the examination body. Next, the
transmission time is measured by arranging
oscillator and receiver at intervals 2a so that the
crack may become a center. The crack depth is
obtained from the next equation.

r:i
r5

..
....,.,....

.YI.

a
o"

lift TrTi!Mfhoi.ll Ll. -h<xU

d : depth of crack (mm ). 2a : distance between oscillator and

receiver (mm ), tc : transmission time of crack position (s) . to :
transmission time on surface of health part (s)
$hda $8 C 2014 Proceq

29

praceq
Crack Depth Determination
T - To Method
T method is a method of requesting
discontinuous time T at the crack position
from the curve (relation between the
transmission distance and the transmissior
time) at the run of the fixation of oscillator
and the movement of receiver at constant
intervals, and calculating the crack depth
from the following equation.

T cot a + 2L
2(T cot a+ L 1 )

1
= T COt a- - - - - -

praceq
Crack Depth Determination
Delta Method
The delta method is fundamentally the same
as the Tc-To method, and method of
measuring the transmission time by placing
the crack and arranging oscillator and
receiver, and obtaining the crack depth from
the next equation.
d:

T 2 _ 9 2 +W
2V T

t)2}2- T '11\t. 3 Delta lllthod

T : distance from crack to surface of oscillator (mm) . R : distance

from crack to surface of receiver (mm) . V : Sound speed in health
part by surface scanning method at each intervals of between
oscillator and receiver {kmls) . t : transmission time of crack position
(s)
$hde60 0 2014P1ocaq

30

Crack Depth
Determination - Sloped Crack

prcceq

You are in engineer at a testing lab.

Your project manager has just asked
you to determine the depth of crack
as shown . What do you do?

51~61

2014Proceq

Crack Depth
Determination - Sloped Crack

prcceq

How to determine Orientation of

Crack?
Does the crack travel straight down?
Does the crack slope to one side?
Which side?
How to ensure your results are
accurate?

Skde l.i2 0 2014 Proc.aq

31

prcceq

Crack Depth
Determination - Sloped Crack

prcceq

Oblique Crack Depth BS 1881 Part 203

Determine whether or not the crack Is oblique to the surface.

Position both transducers close to the crack. Tx, Rx1 . Measure the
transmission time.
Move the receiver to position Rx2. Measure the transmission time.
If the crack were perpendicular to the surface you would expect the
transmission time to increase.
If the transmission time decreases, it indicates that the crack is slanting
towards the receiver as shown.

2.5b

Transmitter Is placed at a distance of 2.5b from the

centre of the crack.
Measure the transmission times:
T 1 at b, T2 at 2b and T 3 at 3b.
Depth of the crack Is given by the formula.

Crack Depth=

v[( .T{\~T,2 r-2s]

3

32

proceq

Crack Depth
Determination - Sloped Crack

Take multiple readings

perpendicular to the orientation
of crack.
Report min, max and average
depth of crack.

Slrdl' 65

e 2014 Proceq

proceq
Understanding Cracks
Cracks depths are not typically
uniform throughout the length of
the crack.

Surface
Increasing
Depth

Crack Depth Profile

Points of Measurement

ShdPf'6 C 2014 Procaq

33

proceq
Understanding Cracks
Crack measurements can be
affected by foreign particles

Surface
Increasing
Depth

Crack Depth Profile

Points of Measurement

proceq
Understanding Cracks
Crack measurements can be
affected by foreign particles
r-'"'!"!"'!"'".!"'"'~'!!1!11111"--'~"""-.......

Surface
Increasing
Depth

Crack Depth Profile

Points of Measurement

34

prcceq

Working with SONREB

prcceq
SONREB Method - 1
SONREB comes from the words SONic REBound .
Both ultrasonic pulse velocity and rebound hammer measurements can
be correlated to compressive strength . (e.g. EN 13791 ).
The SONREB method is a method of combining an ultrasonic pulse
velocity measurement with a rebound hammer measurement to improve
the accuracy of compressive strength estimation .
The format of the curve is :
Compressive Strength fck

=a.Vb.Sc

Where: a, b and c are constants

Vis the ultrasonic pulse velocity in m/s .
S is the rebound value.

Shde 70 C 2014

Proc~

35

praceq
SONREB Method - 2
This example taken from a real set of data illustrates the kind of
improvement in strength estimate that can be expected .
Compressive Strength

... .
.. .

.. .

70 .--

! 60

1DJIO,....,_.

FOJ'OQ

80

.-

~ so

I"' ~
e 30

.. t /

!
~

...

20

10
0

.,

ro

30

.,,

so

oo

ro

Schmidt H.mmer . Q .. Vfue

Correlation using only UPV values.

Correlation coefficient 0.7

Correlation using only rebound hammer values.

Correlation coefficient 0.79

The SONREB function for the same set of data gave:

fck 8.314x1011.\f2.8096.S0.8602

with a correlation coefficient of 0.88.

Shde 71

C20 14 Pu>eaq

praceq
SONREB Method - 3
The user has three options for working with SONREB curves.
Option 1 - Create your own SONREB curve for the concrete under
test by using your own test data. This method provides the best results
but is not alwfls possible practically.

Decreasing reliability

Option 2 - Find a best fit for your concrete by using existing SONREB
curves and comparing with cores taken from the site. This is the next best
method and is the most practical method for obtaining reasonable results.

-D-

Decreasing reliability

Option 3 - Simply use an existing SONREB curve. This method should

only be used if it is not possible to take any cores. In this case the user
should ideally select a curve that was created using similar concrete to
the concrete under test.
Shcle 72 . () 2014 P1ocug .

36

praceq
SONREB Method - Option 1
For each cylinder make a rebound hammer
measurement and an ultrasonic pulse
velocity measurement.
Then crush the cube in the press to obtain
the compressive strength .
This provides one data point.

Pundit lab+ SllverSchmldt

Ultrasonic
Compressive
Pulse
Strencth f<I< Velocity {V) Q value (S)
29.5
4237
36

praceq
SONREB Method - Option 1
Pundit Lob+ SlverSchmidt
Ult,..onk
Corn,,,.W.
PulN
Stronrd>fu Velocttv(V) Q-value (S)
42l7
29.5
36
32.6
4608
38
4484
40.3
45
41.2
4630
42
44.2
4587
49
45.3
4673
56
49
4644
48.5
50.6
47
4695
51.5
111
50
4760
52
56
4744
55.8
57
57
n2
53
58.1
57
n8
4673
60.9
66
4732
62.3
54
68.6
4854
61

When you have sufficient data points you can calculate

the SONREB curve.
In this example, 16 cubes were used.
The SONREB coefficients can be determined using an
array function in EXCEL called "LINEST."

9Udclnl Purdl la R.-.

0ptr.tirJg
(JICI 170t.b)

~~PIJldllllt<Ptm

CPdl:11Mb
S..Arf'\JJlelll.IO(Plul;-.631)

..,

lpdf lAOICb)

P\lfd LIO 5rfur lDdr 213

COftCNtltFi. 9 l4111b
f'Uldld;Stll!O'w'lll~

An EXCEL Macro for carrying doing

this automatically is available for
download from the Proceq website
and is also supplied with the product
documentation.
The document is called:
Sonreb_Method_Macro_v_ 1_04_E

g,_

37

praceq
Sonreb Method- Macro- v- 1- 04 E
TABLE 1: Rew Data for the Sonreb Method
Compressive
Strength fck
(MPaorPSI)

Sample 1
Samele 2
Sample 3
Sample4
Samele 5
Sample6
Samele 7
Samele 8
Sample 9
Samele 10
Sample 11
Sample 12
Samele 13
Sample 14
Sample 15
Samole 16
Sample 17
Samele 18

'

29.5
32.6
40.3
41.2
44.2
45.3
48.5
50.6
51.5
52
55.8
57
58.1
60.9
62.3
68.6

Pund it Lob+

S1lvcr../Or1g1nal

Ultrasonic
Pulse Velocity
(V) (m/s or fUs)

Schmidt
Values (SI

4237
4608
4484
4630
4587
4673
4644
4695
4717
4760
4744
4722
4728
4673
4732
4854

36
38
45
42
49
56
49
47
50
56
57
53
57
66
54
61

Rebound-

..

Stop 1: Select up to twenty (20) test

points from different areas that you
want to Include In the Sonreb
calculation. (minimum of rive (5) test
points required , may also be used on
standard cubes or cylinders)
Step 2: Obtain Pundit Lab Velocities
and SilverSchmldl Q Values (or
Orlglnol Schmidt) readings at these
points (note that the SilVerSchmldl
reading can be an average of ten
readings around the same area.)
Stop 3: Exlrect concrete core samples
from the selected test areas. The
concrete cores should not have any
reinforcing bars within the core.
Step 4: Perform compressive strength
test method on the cores under simllor
field conditions.
Stop 5: Input the obtained
Compressive Strength, Pundit Lab
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocities and the
SilverSchmidt Q-VelUes (or R-Velues)
into Table 1. Input et least live rows of
data.

praceq
Sonreb- Method- Macro- v- 1- 04 E

9.59431E11
2.786113142
0.873583548
0.880154857

Step 7: Once you have the constants,

you can either input the constants into
the Pundit Lab + via Pundit Link
Software or use Sheet "Obtain Comp.
Strength", where you have to manually
input the pulse velocity reading (V) and
the reading from the SitverSchmidt (Q)
(or Original Schmidt - R Value) to
obtain the compressive strength at that
test point

38

proceq
SONREB Method - Option 1

IOdlwKttBrMllnun
('"1. a...i. o~. _ttrr .)

""'"

--

100

,. o...oooooooooona

UNlll1420000

ea

0.11l514IOOOO

1 :...

------ 10

,,..

Shde 7 7 C 20141 Proceq

proceq
SONREB Method - Option 2
There are many studies on the SONREB method to be found in the
internet. The table below shows examples of the curves defined in some
of those studies . All are based on Original Schmidt R value.
Correlation

fck =7.876-10-1 9 y4.636 s 1.141

fck =7.695-10-11 V26 S 1.4

Author
Lenzi, Versari , Zambrini (2010)
RILEM-NDT4 (1993)

fck =1.210-9 IJ2.446 s 1.osa

Di Leo e Pascale (1994)

fck =1.51 10-1 yo.ao84 s1 .aa15

Masi (2005)

=8.06-10-8 y 1.as S1.246

fck =0.0056 y 1.439 s1 .1s9
fck

fck

=0.0162 y1 .sss s 1.410

Gasparik (1992)
CECS21 standard (rounded
aggregate particles) (Note! V in km/s)
CECS21 standard (crushed
aggregate particles) (Note! V in km/s)

Slide 78 0 2014 Proc.uq

39

proceq
SONREB Method - Option 2
In many cases it is simply not practical to create a curve for
the concrete under test due to cost, or in the case when
testing is being carried out on an existing structure.
This method assumes that it is possible to take a small
number of cores from the structure for compressive strength
testing.

-- -. --......
------- .

Noofcort

....

Obtain a rebound value at the same location as the core will

be extracted.

Make an ultrasonic pulse velocity measurement at the

location where the core will be extracted.

151

,,
11

,."

--

In this example four cores have been used .

--

.,

"

This provides one data point.

Rebound testing and pulse velocity measurements can be

made at many locations.
7~

IYI

'""

Take the core and crush it in the press to obtain the

compressive strength reading.

Sla'.le

UPY

"
"
".

Vl

Cl lO 11 Proceq

proceq
SONREB Method - Option 2
This method uses the RILEM (1993) recommended method and makes use of previously
derived SONREB reference curves.
SONREB values are calculated from the data points available using selected reference
curves.
Least squares analysis is used to determine which curve provides the best fit.
A correction factor is applied to the reference curve based on the results of the least
squares ana Iys1s
togive th e b es t fit poss1"bi e tothe d ata ava11 abi1e.
llULEM NOH (19931

Noaf-

-....,..... ........ -.. --1...

.. -- ...
-- .
.. ---.. ..
..........
--,

..,.
,

181

.,,

"

.,..
O>

'"

"
"

'I

'

ShdeBO CJ 2014 P1ooeq

,.
,

fct;

.,

"

~.,

.... ........

....

....R...C.

..... ...'" "'...

....
lW

U5

'"
'".,

..

'"
'"
c,

-.....

---.a. ..~

...

""-"
,

HI

'"

...
H

"~

I ,. I

""

S...16 ....... ..,.. .

~11c1lo (1~

(,.....--DI Loo o

........ ..........,,,

.. .
,.,,

,,.'"., .,,"" ....""n

""...
UI

....,"'

""'
M

Ul

.. "",,..,... ...

"'
u
"'
c,

$)1

1,. c 1.2x10V-1- /

1.mx1ouVUs'...

"''
,..

I
........

._.,.,..._

_ [
( I n"
......___.....

40

proceq
SONREB Method - Pundit Lab+

Perform the rebound hammer

test and record the rebound
value.
Note. Pundit Lab+ allows
either a Q value or an R value
to be used in conjunction with
a SONREB formula . It is up to
the user to define the curve
with whichever type of
hammer is to be used.

$1ida61 '.0 ?014f~oceq :'::

proceq
SONREB Method - Pundit Lab+
In the System Settings on the
Pundit Lab+ select the
SONREB curve.

B !i

--=::1

I-c I ~-. ;L. . ...J

+I

[J

' EJ[:]
B
g~

OsonReb_Gas

89.8

[:.:J B

[J
r::J

CJ

If a SONREB curve is
selected the rebound hammer
symbol appears in the lower
right hand corner of the
screen.
Click on this symbol to enter
the rebound value determined
in the previous step.

r-

41

praceq
SONREB Method - Pundit Lab+
Perform the pulse velocity
measurement.
Once the measurement has
been made, clicking on the up
arrow of the navigation key
switches the display between
pulse velocity and
compressive strength.

42.3 JJS l":"f\P

~VJ]
.....53~M~~% 00

praceq
Questions

Impossible questions will be addressed immediately, expecting miracles

to occur will take a little longer - Author Unknown

42