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ULTRASONIC TESTING OF CONCRETE & MASONRY
Ultrasonic test methods can be applied to concrete and masonry to
provide a range of information relating to structure and condition as
part of a non-destructive investigation.
Ultrasonic methods are used to detect and
map flaws such as cracks, delaminations,
voids, honeycombing and debonding in
plain, reinforced and post-tensioned
concrete structures. Ultrasonics can provide
independent, non-destructive measurement
of concrete thickness. Depending on the
application the technique can be used on
other coarse grained construction materials
such as masonry, timber and composites.
Ultrasonic methods are not unduly affected
by the presence of metal within concrete
and are therefore widely used in
applications where electromagnetic
methods, for example ground penetrating
radar, would be ineffective, such as
investigating steel fibre and heavily
reinforced concrete.
Site considerations
Instruments are rugged and extremely
portable and well suited for use in most
construction environments. Whilst some
systems are reliant on the use of a coupling Testing for presence of voids in concrete.
agent to ensure mechanical contact
between the transducer and the structure
others use dry contact transducers that do
not require a coupling agent. Point
measurements are taken rather than a
continuous profile; progress rates are
favourable compared to coring, but not as
rapid as ground penetrating radar.
Factors that can reduce effectiveness
include poor contact with the structure
caused by loose or rough surfaces and Low frequency ultrasonic instruments are extremely
interference from high frequency vibrations portable and are well-suited to use in most
such as those from drilling or rotary cutting construction environments.
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activity. Reliable interpretation of the data
requires some a priori knowledge of the
structure.

Principles
Ultrasonic methods are widely used in
engineering applications; the use of high
frequency systems for accurate
measurement in metals, ceramics and
coatings is well-established. However,
investigation of concrete and masonry
presents challenges associated with the
coarse grain size and heterogeneous nature
of the materials. Analysis of
P-(compression) wave energy can yield
information relating to the elastic properties
of materials and the technique is therefore
widely used to characterise the strength of
a concrete structure and to assess Ultrasonic survey of concrete chimney to map delamination in concrete. Areas of consistent high amplitude
uniformity, for example, variations in response (plotted purple) were found to be delaminated. Presence of 4 layers of reinforcement prevented use
compaction or mix or to corrosion or of most other non-destructive methods.
fire-related damage.

Pulse velocity in a material depends on its
density and elastic properties which are
related to its quality and compressive
strength.
Analysis of S-(shear) wave energy can yield
information relating to thickness and can
typically penetrate greater depths of
material.
We use a range of ultrasonic instruments
including single transmitter/receiver units
and more sophisticated systems utilising an
array of transducers that can be used
across a wider frequency range and can
generate cross-sectional images.
Ultrasonic pulse velocity will vary across a
structure due to variations in strength and
density so calibration from other data
sources is recommended.
Depending on the application, maximum
penetration depth is between 500 and 1500
mm.
through the specific material being tested
and its elastic modulus. Robust
interpretation is reliant on calibration data,
such as compressive strength test results
from samples.
Method
Measurements are taken at discrete points,
usually forming a grid or a series of profiles
in order to analyse variations within the
dataset. Progress rates of 50 – 200
readings per hour are typical.
Ultrasonic techniques are not generally
effective through brickwork due to the
effects of joints, but can be effective on
individual stone blocks.
Processing and analysis utilise
sophisticated geophysical software to
extract reliable measurements from the data
and to interpret variations in frequency Acoustic techniques including low frequency
response. ultrasonics are often used in combination with other
test methods such as GPR to improve reliability.

Strength determination is based on analysis

of the relationship between pulse velocity
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