2012

REPORT: ULTRASONIC PULSE VELOCITY (UPV) TEST

PROJECT NAME: PRIVATE RESIDENCE. LOCATION:

4th Floor (Top Floor), Plot No.-969(A), Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar

CLIENT: Mr. Prasanta Acharya & Mr. Pramod Kumar Senapati CONSULTANT: Acharya Conatruction Pvt. Ltd. CONSULTANT / TESTING AGENCY:

IDAX CONSULTING & RESEARCH GROUP

Plot No.- 50/6, Duplex-E, Brundaban Enclave, VSS Nagar, Bhubaneswar-751007, Odisha (INDIA)

Tel: +91-674-3199991, Fax: +91-674-2360019

E-mail: info@idaxconsulting.com, Web: www.idaxconsulting.com

DATE OF TEST: 09.09.2012 SUBMISSION OF REPORT: 11.09.2012

IDAX CONSULTING & RESEARCH GROUP, BBSR

CONTENTS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

INTRODUCTION UPV TESTING PRINCIPLE TESTING EQUIPMENT TESTING PROCEDURE INFLUENCE OF TEST CONDITION INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

TEST RESULTS

APPENDICES APPENDIX - A: FIELD TEST RESULTS (ORIGINAL SCANNED COPY) APPENDIX - B: UPV EQUIPMENT CALLIBRATION CERTIFICATE

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IDAX CONSULTING & RESEARCH GROUP, BBSR

REPORT FOR ULTRASONIC PULSE VELOCITY (UPV) TEST FOR ACE Consultancy, Bhubaneswar.
1.0 INTRODUCTION M/s. IDAX CONSULTING & RESEARCH GROUP was engaged by Mr. Prasanta Acharya & Mr. Pramod Kumar Senapati to conduct the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) Test on RCC structures of Roofs and Beams of private apartment near Master Canteen, Bhubaneswar. This test method is applicable to assess the uniformity and relative quality of concrete, to indicate the presence of voids and cracks, and to evaluate the effectiveness of crack repairs. It is also applicable to indicate changes in the properties of concrete, and in the survey of structures, to estimate the severity of deterioration or cracking. When used to monitor changes in condition over time, test locations are to be marked on the structure to ensure that tests are repeated at the same positions. The field tests were conducted on 09.09.2012. The tests were conducted in accordance with IS-13311 (Part1):1992 (Reaffirmed 1999). This report presents the results of UPV Test using the Digital UPV Tester, MT.03A model of HEICO, New Delhi, based on the details available and the site conditions at the time of testing. The report is on the basis of structure locations and field information provided by the client. Non-Destructive testing involves testing of the structural member without impairing its intended performance or with localized surface zone damaged. The various methods that can be adopted for in-situ assessment of strength properties of concrete depend upon the particular aspect of the strength in question. For example, if the load carrying capacity of structural ensemble is to be assessed, carrying out a full scale load test as per IS: 456 2000 or IS: 1343 1980 is the most direct way, on the other hand when the actual compressive strength of the concrete in the structure is to be measured, core testing as per IS: 516 1959 is more reliable. However, both these methods are relatively cumbersome and latter method may leave the structure damaged locally in some cases. Use is therefore, made of suitable non-destructive tests, which not only provide an estimate of relative strength and overall quality of concrete in the structure but also help in deciding whether more rigorous tests like load test, core test are required or not. It is preferable that both Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity and Rebound Hammer methods are used in combination to minimize the errors arising out of influence of materials, mix and environmental parameters on the respective measurements. The combined use of these two methods is found to be beneficial. If the quality of concrete is assessed to be excellent or good by pulse velocity method, only then the compressive strength is assessed from the rebound hammer indices and this is taken as indicative of strength of concrete in the entire cross-section of the concrete member. Therefore the required test is to determine the Compressive Strength of various components using Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity & Rebound Hammer equipment directly on the surface of principal. 2.0 UPV TESTING PRINCIPLE This test method covers the determination of the propagation velocity of longitudinal stress wave pulses through concrete. This test method doesnt apply to propagation of other types of stress waves through concrete. The ultrasonic pulse is generated by an electro-acoustical transducer. When the pulse is induced into the concrete from a transducer, it undergoes multiple reflections at the boundaries of the different material phases within the concrete. A complex system of stress waves is developed which includes longitudinal (compressional), shear (transverse) and
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IDAX CONSULTING & RESEARCH GROUP, BBSR

surface (Rayleigh) waves. The receiving transducer detects the onset of the longitudinal waves, which is fastest. Because the velocity pulses is almost independent of the geometry of the material through which they pass and depends only on its elastic properties, pulse velocity method is a convenient technique for investigating structural concrete. The principle of assessing the quality of concrete is that comparatively higher velocity is obtained when the quality of concrete in terms of density, homogeneity and uniformity is good. In case of poorer quality, lower velocities are obtained. If there is a crack, void or flaw inside the concrete which comes in the way of transmission of the pulses, the pulse strength is attenuated and it passes around the discontinuity, thereby making the path length longer. Consequently, lower velocities are obtained. The actual pulse velocity obtained depends primarily upon the materials and mix proportions of concrete. Density and modulus of elasticity of aggregate also significantly affect the pulse velocity. 3.0 TESTING EQUIPMENT The testing apparatus as shown in figure given below consists of: Pulse generator, Pair of transducers (transmitter and receiver), Amplifier, Time measuring circuit, Time display unit, Connecting cables.

3.1

Pulse Generator and Transmitting Transducer

The pulse generator shall consist of circuitry for generating pulses of voltage. The transducer for transforming these electronic pulses into wave bursts of mechanical energy shall have a

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IDAX CONSULTING & RESEARCH GROUP, BBSR

resonant frequency in the range from 20 to 100 kHz. The pulse generator shall produce repetitive pulses at a rate of not less than 3 pulses per second. A triggering pulse shall be produced to start the time measuring circuit. 3.2 Receiving Transmitter and Amplifier

The receiving transducer shall be similar to the transmitting transducer. The voltage generated by the receiver shall be amplified as necessary to produce triggering pulses to the time-measuring circuit. The amplifier shall have a flat response between one half and three times the resonant frequency of the receiving transducer. 3.3 Time Measuring Circuit

The time-measuring circuit and the associated triggering pulses shall be capable of providing an overall time-measurement resolution of at least 1s. Time measurement is initiated by a triggering voltage from the pulse generator, and the time measuring circuit shall operate at the repetition frequency of the pulse generator. The time-measuring circuit shall provide an output when the received pulse is detected, and this output shall be used to determine the transit time displayed on the time-display unit. The time-measuring circuit shall be insensitive to operating temperature in the range from 0 to 40C and voltage changes in the power source of 15 %. 3.4 Display Unit

Two types of display units are available. Modern units use an interval timer and a directreading digital display of the transit time. Older units use a cathode ray tube (CRT) on which the pulses transmitted and received are displayed as deflections of the traces in relation to an established time scale. 3.5 Reference Bar

A bar of metal or other durable material for which the transit time of longitudinal waves is known. The transit time shall be marked permanently on the reference bar. 3.6 Connecting Cables

Where pulse-velocity measurements on large structures require the use of long interconnecting cables, use low-capacitance, shielded, coaxial cables. 3.7 Coupling Agent

A viscous material (such as oil, petroleum jelly, water soluble jelly, moldable rubber, or grease) to ensure efficient transfer of energy between the concrete and the transducers. The function of the coupling agent is to eliminate air between the contact surfaces of the transducers and the concrete. Water is an acceptable coupling agent when ponded on the surface, or for underwater testing. 4.0 TESTING PROCEDURE Pulses of longitudinal stress waves are generated by an electro-acoustical transducer that is held in contact with one surface of the concrete under test. After traversing through the concrete, the pulses are received and converted into electrical energy by a second transducer located a distance L from the transmitting transducer. The transit time T is measured electronically. The pulse velocity V is calculated by dividing L by T.

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IDAX CONSULTING & RESEARCH GROUP, BBSR

4.1

Zero Time Adjustment

Verify that the equipment is operating properly and perform a zero-time adjustment. Apply coupling agent to the ends of the reference bar, and press the transducers firmly against the ends of the bar until a stable transit time is displayed. Adjust the zero reference until the displayed transit time agrees with the value marked on the bar. For some instruments, the zero adjustment is made by applying coupling agent and pressing the faces of the transducers together. These instruments use a microprocessor to record this delay time, which is automatically subtracted from subsequent transit time measurements. For such instruments, measure the transit time through the reference bar to verify that the proper zero-time correction has been made. Check the zero adjustment on an hourly basis during continuous operation of the instrument, and every time a transducer or connecting cable is changed. 4.2 Determination of Transit Time

For best results, locate the transducers directly opposite each other. Because the beam width of the vibrational pulses emitted by the transducers is large, it is permissible to measure transit times across corners of a structure but with some loss of sensitivity and accuracy. Measurements along the same surface shall not be used unless only one face of the structure is accessible since such measurements may be indicative only of surface layers, and calculated pulse velocities will not agree with those obtained by through transmission. Apply an appropriate coupling agent (such as water, oil, petroleum jelly, grease, moldable rubber, or other viscous materials) to the transducer faces or the test surface, or both. Press the faces of the transducers firmly against the surfaces of the concrete until a stable transit time is displayed, and measure the transit time. Determine the straight-line distance between centers of transducer faces. 4.3 Calculation

Calculate the pulse velocity as follows: V = L/T Where: V = pulse velocity, m/s, L = distance between centers of transducer faces, m, and T = transit time, s. 4.4 Determination of Dynamic Youngs Modulus

The dynamic Youngs modulus of elasticity of the concrete may be determined from the pulse velocity and the dynamic Poissons ration (). The pulse velocity, V, of longitudinal stress waves in a concrete mass is related to its elastic properties and density according to the following relationship:

V=

E (1 ) (1 + )(1 2 )

=> E =

(1 + )(1 2 ) 2 V (1 )

Where, E= Dynamic Youngs modulus of elasticity in Mpa, =Dynamic Poissons ratio, it varies between 0.20 to 0.35, with 0.24 as average value. =Density in kg/m3, V = Pulse velocity in m/sec.

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IDAX CONSULTING & RESEARCH GROUP, BBSR

5.0 INFLUENCE OF TEST CONDITION 5.1 Surface Condition Smooth of the contact surface under test affects the measurement of ultrasonic pulse velocity. The concrete surface should be finished smooth to ensure good acoustical contact by use of a coupling medium and by pressing the transducer against the concrete surface. 5.2 Moisture Content of Concrete Pulse velocity through concrete increase with increase in moisture content of the concrete. The degree of saturation of the concrete affects the pulse velocity, and this factor must be considered when evaluating test results. The pulse velocity in saturated concrete may be up to 2 % higher than in dry concrete. In addition, the pulse velocity in saturated concrete is less sensitive to changes in its relative quality. 5.3 Path Length, Shape and Size of Concrete Member Concrete is inherently homogeneous. The path lengths should be sufficiently long so as to avoid any error introduced due to its heterogeneity. The shape and size of the concrete member do not influence the pulse velocity unless the least lateral dimension is less than a certain minimum value. 5.4 Temperature of Concrete Variation of concrete temperature between 50 and 300C do not significantly affect the pulse velocity measurements in concrete. At temperature between 300 to 600C, there can be reduction in pulse velocity upto 5%. Below the freezing temperature, the free water freezes within concrete, resulting in an increase in pulse velocity upto 7.5%. 5.5 Stress When concrete is subjected to a stress which is abnormally higher for the quality of the concrete, the pulse velocity ay be reduced due to the development of micro cracks. This influence is highest when the pulse path is perpendicular to the direction of a uniaxial compression stress member. This influence is insignificant unless the stress is greater than about 60% of the ultimate strength of the concrete. 5.6 Reinforcement Bars The pulse velocity measured in reinforcement concrete in the vicinity of reinforcing bars is usually higher than in plain concrete of the same composition. This is because, the pulse velocity in steel is 1.2 to 1.9 times the velocity in plain concrete and under certain conditions, the first pulse to arrive at the receiving transducer travels partly in concrete and partly in steel. The apparent increase in pulse velocity depends upon the proximity of the measurements to the reinforcing bar, the diameter, the number of bars and their orientation with respect to the path of propagation. 6.0 INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS The ultrasonic pulse velocity of concrete is mainly related to its density and modulus of elasticity. This in turn, depends upon the material and mix proportions used in making concrete as well as the method of placing, compaction and curing of concrete. Velocity Criterion for Concrete Sl. No. 1. 2. Pulse Velocity by Cross Probing (km/sec) Above 4.5 3.5 to 4.5 Concrete Quality Grading Excellent Good

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IDAX CONSULTING & RESEARCH GROUP, BBSR

3. 4.

3.0 to 3.5 Below 3.0

Medium Doubtful

NOTE: In case of doubtful quality it may be necessary to carry out further tests.
*Source: Table-2 of IS-13311 (Part-1): 1992 (Reaffirmed: 1999)

Since actual values of the pulse velocity obtained, depend on a number of parameters, any criterion for assessing the quality of concrete on the basis of pulse velocity as given in table above can be held as satisfactory only to a general extent. The assessment of compressive strength of concrete from ultrasonic pulse velocity values is not adequate because the statistical confidence of the correlation between ultrasonic pulse velocity and the compressive strength of concrete is not very high. The reason is that a large number of parameters are involved, which influence the pulse velocity and compressive strength of concrete to different extents. The estimated strength may vary from the actual strength by 20%. The correlation so obtained may not be applicable for concrete of another grade or made with different types of materials.

NON DESTRUCTIVE TEST (NDT) RESULTS OF IN-SITU CONCRETE

BY ULTRA SONIC PULSE VELOCITY (UPV) METHOD Name of the Project Name of the Client Name of the Consultant Name of the Work Test Location Reference of the Concrete Surface Date of Testing Test Carried out as per : Private Residence : Mr. Prasanta Acharya & Mr. Pramod Kumar Senapti : Acharya Construction Pvt. Ltd. : Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) : 4th Floor (Top Floor), Plot No.-969(A), Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar. : 2 Slabs & 2 Beams : 09.09.2012 : IS:13311 (Part-1):1992 (Reaffirmed 1999)

Sl.No. 1

Location RoomNo.405 Slab RoomNo.405 Beam

Reading time in microsecond

Length(mm) 350 400 340 760 670

235 279 398 188 172

Observedvalue Qualityof inKm/sec concrete 1.48 1.43 Doubtful 0.85 4.04 Good 3.89

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IDAX CONSULTING & RESEARCH GROUP, BBSR

3 4

RoomNo.403 Slab RoomNo.403 Beam

274 235 352 399

540 500 670 690

1.97 2.13 1.90 1.73

Doubtful Doubtful

For IDAXCONSULTING & RESEARCH GROUP

(Manager-QC)

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 APPENDIXA

APPENDIX-B