METHODOLOGY

OF
REBOUND HAMMER TEST
&
ULTRASONIC PULSE VELOCITY

Testing By: ME TESTING LAB PVT. LTD.

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NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTS METHODOLOGIES

A : REBOUND HAMMER TEST

Principle of test: The test is based on the principle that the rebound of an elastic mass depends
on the hardness of the surface upon which it impinges. When the plunger of the rebound hammer
pressed against the surface of the concrete, the spring controlled mass rebounds and the extent of such
rebound depend upon the surface hardness of concrete. The surface hardness and therefore the rebound
are taken to be relation to the compressive strength of concrete. The rebound is read off along a
graduated scale and is designated as the rebound number or rebound index.

Fig.1: Basic Features of Rebound Hammer

Working of rebound hammer: A schematic cut way view of schmidt rebound hammer is
shown in fig. 1. The hammer weight about 1.8 kg., is suitable for use both in a laboratory and in the
field. When the plunger of rebound hammer is pressed against the surface of concrete, a spring
controlled mass rebounds and the extent of such rebound depends upon the surface hardness of
concrete. The rebound distance is measured on a graduated scale and is designated as rebound number.

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 Fig.2 : Schematic Cross Section of Rebound Hammer & Principle of Operation

Factors affecting rebound number :

The results of Schmidt rebound hammer are significantly influenced by the following
factors -
(a) Smoothness of Test Surface
(b) Size, Shape and Rigidity of the Specimen
(c) Age of Test Specimen
(d) Moisture Condition
(e) Type of Coarse Aggregate
(f) Type of Cement
(g) Type of Mould
(h) Surface Carbonation
Influence of these factors has different magnitudes. Hammer orientation will also
influence the measured values, although correction factors can be used to allow for this effect.
IS:13311(Pt-2):1992 explains the standard procedure for test and correlation between
strength and rebound number.

This test is conducted to assess the relative strength of concrete based on the hardness at
or near its exposed surface.

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B : ULTRASONIC PULSE VELOCITY (UPV) TEST METHODOLOGY

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) Test

Ultrasonic scanning (Fig. 3) is a recognized non-destructive evaluation

test to qualitatively assess the homogeneity and integrity of concrete.
With this technique, following can be assessed.
Objects : The main objects of the ultrasonic pulse velocity method are to
establish :
• The homogeneity of the concrete Fig. 3 ( UPV Apparatus)

• The presence of cracks, voids or flaw inside the concrete.

The quality of concrete in relation to the specified standard
• requirements.
• Density and uniformity of the concrete structure

This test essentially consists of measuring travel time, ‘T’ of ultrasonic pulse of 50-54 kHz,
produced by an electro-acoustical transducer, held in contact with one surface of the concrete
member under test and receiving the same by a similar transducer in contact with the surface
at the other end. With the path length, ‘L’ (i.e. the distance between the two probes) and time
of travel, T the pulse velocity
(V = L/T) is calculated. Higher the elastic modulus, density and integrity of the concrete, higher
is the pulse velocity. The ultrasonic pulse velocity depends on the density and elastic
properties of the material being tested.

Though, pulse velocity is related with crushing strength of concrete, yet no statistical
correlation can be applied.

Measurement of pulse velocities at points on a regular grid on the surface of a concrete

structure provides a reliable method of assessing the homogeneity of the concrete. Fig. 4
illustrates various methods of wave transmission.

Analysis of the quality of concrete by velocity criterion is done as per specified limits of
velocity given in Table-2
Generally, there are two possible ways of measuring pulse velocity through concrete:

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a. Direct Transmission (Cross Probing) Method : In this method transducers are held on
opposite face of the concrete specimen under test as shown in fig. 4

b. Indirect Transmission (Surface Probing) Method : In many situations two opposite faces of a
structural member may not be accessible for measurements. In such cases, the receiving
transducer is also placed on the same face of the concrete members, that is called surface
probing or Indirect Transmission as shown in Fig. 5. Surface probing in general gives lower
pulse velocity than in the case of cross probing and depending on number of parameters. So
accordingly values are corrected as per correction factors explained in IS:13311 (Part 1) :
1992.

Fig. 4 Cross Probing Method of Propagating Ultrasonic Pulses through Concrete

Fig. 5 : Surface Probing Method of Propagating Ultrasonic Pulses through Concrete

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 Table 2 : Velocity Criteria For Concrete Quality Grading

As per Table -2 of IS: 13311 :( Part 1): 1992

Sr. Pulse Velocity by Cross Probing

Concrete Quality Grading
No. ( km/sec )

1. Above 4.5 Excellent

2. 3.5 to 4.5 Good

3. 3.0 to 3.5 Medium

4. Below 3.0 Doubtful

Note : In case of “doubtful” quality of concrete, it may be necessary to carry out further tests.

Authorized Signatory

ME TESTING LAB PVT. LTD.