ULTRASONIC PULSE VELOCITY

This test is done to assess the quality of concrete by ultrasonic pulse velocity method as per
IS: 13311 (Part 1) 1992. The underlying principle of this test is
The method consists of measuring the time of travel of an ultrasonic pulse passing through
the concrete being tested. Comparatively higher velocity is obtained when concrete quality
is good in terms of density, uniformity, homogeneity etc.
Procedure to determine strength of hardened concrete by Ultrasonic Pulse
Velocity.
i) Preparing for use: Before switching on the V meter, the transducers should be connected
to the sockets marked TRAN and REC.
The V meter may be operated with either:
a) the internal battery,
b) an external battery or
c) the A.C line.
ii) Set reference: A reference bar is provided to check the instrument zero. The pulse time
for the bar is engraved on it. Apply a smear of grease to the transducer faces before placing
it on the opposite ends of the bar. Adjust the SET REF control until the reference bar transit
time is obtained on the instrument read-out.
iii) Range selection: For maximum accuracy, it is recommended that the 0.1 microsecond
range be selected for path length upto 400mm.
iv) Pulse velocity: Having determined the most suitable test points on the material to be
tested, make careful measurement of the path length L. Apply couplant to the surfaces of
the transducers and press it hard onto the surface of the material. Do not move the
transducers while a reading is being taken, as this can generate noise signals and errors in
measurements. Continue holding the transducers onto the surface of the material until a
consistent reading appears on the display, which is the time in microsecond for the
ultrasonic pulse to travel the distance L. The mean value of the display readings should be
taken when the units digit hunts between two values.
Pulse velocity=(Path length/Travel time)

v) Separation of transducer leads: It is advisable to prevent the two transducer leads from
coming into close contact with each other when the transit time measurements are being
taken. If this is not done, the receiver lead might pick-up unwanted signals from the
transmitter lead and this would result in an incorrect display of the transit time.

Interpretation of Results
The quality of concrete in terms of uniformity, incidence or absence of internal flaws, cracks
and segregation, etc,indicative of the level of workmanship employed, can thus be assessed
using the guidelines given below, which have been evolved for characterizing the quality of
concrete in structures in terms of the ultrasonic pulse velocity.

Fundamental principle
A pulse of longitudinal vibrations is produced by an electro-acoustical transducer, which is
held in contact with one surface of the concrete under test. When the pulse generated is
transmitted into the concrete from the transducer using a liquid coupling material such as

grease or cellulose paste, it undergoes multiple reflections at the boundaries of the different
material phases within the concrete. A complex system of stress waves develops, which
include both longitudinal and shear waves, and propagates through the concrete. The first
waves to reach the receiving transducer are the longitudinal waves, which are converted
into an electrical signal by a second transducer. Electronic timing circuits enable the transit
time T of the pulse to be measured.
Longitudinal pulse velocity (in km/s or m/s) is given by:
v=L/T
where
v = is the longitudinal pulse velocity,
L = is the path length,
T = is the time taken by the pulse to traverse that length.
EQUIPMENT FOR PULSE VELOCITY TEST
The equipment for ultrasonic pulse velocity measurement consists the following:
(i) Electrical pulse generator
(ii) Transducer-one pair
(iii) Amplifier
(iv) Electronic timing device
The natural frequency of transducers should preferably be within the range of 20 to 150 kHz
(Table 1). Generally, high frequency transducers are preferably chosen for short path
lengths and are more sensitive to detecting voids and low frequency transducers where the
path length is longer.
Table 1 Natural Frequency of Transducers for Different Path Length (Ref.1)

Path length (mm)

Na
tur
al
fre
qu
en
cy
of
Min. transverse dimensions of members (mm)
tra
ns
du
cer
(k
Hz
)

Upto 500

15
0

500-700

>=
70
60

700 1500

>
=4
0

above 1500

>=
300
20

25

150

The apparatus should be capable of measuring transit times to an accuracy of +/- 1 per cent
over a range of 20 microseconds to 1 milliseconds.
There are three way of measuring pulse velocity through concrete (Fig. 1).
a) The direct method (cross probing) is preferred wherever access to opposite sides of the
component is possible.
b)The semi-direct method is used whenever access to different but not opposite sides of the
component is possible.

Fig.1 Types of Reading

Fig.2 Ultrasonic Concrete Tester

c) The surface (indirect) method is the least satisfactory and should only be used when
access to only one surface is possible. This method only indicates the quality of the concrete
near the surface and is influenced by the presence of reinforcement parallel to the surface.
APPLICATIONS
The object of this method is basically to measure to velocity of pulses of longitudinal
vibration passing through the concrete. These measurements may be used to establish:
(i) The homogeneity of the concrete
(ii) The presence of cracks, voids and other imperfections
(iii) Changes in the structure of the concrete which may occur with time
(iv) The quality of the concrete in relation to standard requirements
(v) The quality of one element of concrete in relation to another
(vi) The values of elastic modulus of the concrete
DETERMINATION OF PULSE VELOCITY
Where possible the direct transmission arrangement should be used since the transfer of
energy between transducers is at its maximum and the accuracy of velocity determination is
therefore governed principally by the accuracy of the path length measurement.
It is essential to make a good acoustical coupling between the concrete surface and the face
of the transducer, and this is provided by a medium such as petroleum jelly, liquid soap or
grease. Air pockets must be eliminated, and it is important that only a thin separating layer
exists any surplus must be squeezed out. A light medium, such as petroleum jelly or liquid
soap, has been found to be the best for smooth surfaces, but a thicker grease is
recommended for rougher surfaces which have not been cast against smooth shutters. If
the surface is very rough or uneven, grinding or preparation with plaster of Paris or quicksetting mortar may be necessary to provide a smooth surface for transducer application. It

is also important that readings are repeated by complete removal and re-application of
transducers to obtain a minimum value for the transit time (T).
The path length (L) must also be measured to an accuracy of +-1%. This should present
little difficulty with paths over about 500 mm, but for shorter paths it is recommended that
calipers be used. The nominal member dimensions shown on drawings will seldom be
adequate.
INFLUENCE OF TEST CONDITIONS
a) Moisture content
The moisture content has two effects on the pulse velocity, one chemical the other physical.
These effects are important in the production of correlations for the estimation of concrete
strength. Between a properly cured standard cube and a structural element made from the
same concrete, there may be a significant pulse velocity difference. Much of the difference is
accounted for by the effect of different curing conditions on the hydration of the cement
while some of the difference is due to the presence of free water in the voids. It is important
that these effects are carefully considered when estimating strength.
b) Influence of temperature of concrete.
The effect of temperature on pulse transmission is given below:
Correlation to the measured pulse velocity

Temperature

Air
dri
ed
Water saturated concrete
co
ncr
ete

60

+5

+4

40

+2

+1.7

20

-1
0.5

-4

-7.5
1.5

c) Influence of path length, shape and size of the concrete member

As concrete is inherently heterogeneous, it is essential that path lengths be sufficiently long
so as to avoid any error introduced due to its heterogeneity. In field work, this does not

pose any difficulty as the pulse velocity measurements are carried out on thick structural
concrete members. However, in the laboratory where generally small specimens are used,
the path length can affect the pulse velocity readings.
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, for example the minimum
lateral dimension of about 80 mm for 50 kHz natural frequency of the transducer.
d) Effect of reinforcing bars
The pulse velocity measured in reinforced 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 and number of the bars and their orientation with respect
to the path of propagation.
Table 2 Correction factors to allow for the effect of steel bars perpendicular to the direction
of pulse propagation

L = total path length

Ls = total length of path through the steel.
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 materials and mix proportions used in making
concrete as well as the method of placing compaction and curing of concrete.

For example, if the concrete is not compacted as thoroughly as possible, or if there is

segregation of concrete during placing or there are internal cracks or flaws, the pulse
velocity will be lower although the same materials and mix proportions are used.
The assessment of compressive strength of concrete from ultrasonic pulse velocity values is
not adequate. However if actual concrete materials and mix proportions adopted in a
particular structure are available, then estimate of concrete strength can be made by
establishing suitable correlation between the pulse velocity and the compressive strength of
concrete specimens made with such materials and mix proportions, under environmental
conditions similar to that in the structure. The estimated strength may vary from the actual
strength by +20 percent. The correlation so obtained may not be applicable for concrete of
another grade or made with different types of materials.

Fig.3 Relation between compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity for hardened
cement paste, mortar, and concrete, in a dry and moist condition (based on ref. 8)
Table 3 Pulse velocity ratings for concrete quality grading

** In case of ultrasonic pulse velocity less than 3.0 km/sec, concrete is designated as
Doubtful and it may be necessary to carry out further tests.
CONCLUSION
Ultrasonic pulse velocity measurement has been found to be a valuable and reliable method
of examining the interior of a body of concrete in a truly non-destructive manner. It is
essential that test results are properly evaluated and interpreted by expert who are familiar
with the technique. It is better if similar concrete at the same time be tested with one more
non-destructive test method, such as concrete test hammer etc. for conclusive results.
REFERENCES
1. IS: 13311 (Part 1): 1992, Non-destructive testing of concrete Methods of test, part 1
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity, BIS, New Delhi.
2. BS: 4408 :Part 5: 1974 , Measurement of the velocity of ultrasonic pulse in concrete,
British Standards Institution, London.
3. IRC Highway Research Board New Delhi 1996, Special Report-17, Stare of the art: Nondestructive testing technique of concrete bridges.

Rebound hammer test

INTRODUCTION
The standard method of determining strength of hardened concrete consists of testing
concrete cubes in compression. The quality of entire concrete of a structure cannot be fully
assessed by testing a few concrete cubes. The results obtained in testing cubes do not
always reflect the actual strength of concrete in construction. In a whole day, concreting
work cubes are cast in a few batches, the differences (unintentional and intentional) in the
composition are not uncommon, their compaction and their hardening conditions always
differ more or less from those of the structure. In addition, the number of test cubes is
generally so small that they can only be considered as random tests. Some times, in case of
failure of cubes, doubtful concrete, cracks, deterioration of concrete, etc. it becomes

necessary to assess the quality and strength of concrete of the structure. As far back as
early thirties, the necessity was felt to develop instruments by which in-situ strength of
concrete may be obtained. Various non-destructive methods of testing concrete have been
developed, which include, Firing method, Skramtayevs method, Polakovs method,
Magnitostroy method, Fizdel ball hammer, Einbeck pendulum hammer, Ball indentation
hammer, Rebound hammer, Pull out techniques, Windsor probe, Ultrasonic pulse velocity
methods, Radioactive and nuclear methods, Magnetic and electrical methods. In all these
methods of tests, due to simplicity, rebound hammer test based on surface hardness
becomes most popular in the world for non-destructive testing of in-situ concrete.

REBOUND HAMMER
A handy non-destructive testing instrument should be cheap, easy to operate and should
have reproducibility for, fairly accurate results. In 1948, a Swiss Engineer, Ernst Schmidt
developed a test hammer for measuring the hardness of concrete by the rebound principle.
Inspite of its popularity, this testing has not been standardized in any country till 1970
except in Bulgaria. In 1971 the British Standards Institution Standardized this test in
recommendation for Non-Destructive Methods of Test for Concrete part 4 surface hardness
methods (BS 4408 : part 4 : 1971). ASTM issued a tentative standard in 1975 Tentative
Method of Test for Rebound Number of Hardened Concrete (ASTM C 805 : 75 T), and in
1979 ASTM standard of this test was issued Test for Rebound Number of Hardened
Concrete (ASTM : C805-1979).
Bureau of Indian Standard did not published any standard for this test upto 1991. In 1992
they published IS: 13311 (Part 2) for this test. IS: 456-2000 specified the Non-destructive
tests are used to obtain estimation of the properties of concrete in the structure, the
methods adopted include Rebound Hammer. CPWD specifications 77 vo. 1 specified that in
case the concrete cubes fails, concrete test hammer may be used to arrive at strength of
the concrete Laid. Revised CPWD specifications 2002 page 104 specified that for the
purpose of payment (Rebound Hammer) hammering test results only shall be the criteria.
According to A.M. Neville, in the book Properties of Concrete (Fourth Edition) on page 626,
the rebound hammer is useful in the assessment of uniformity of concrete with in a
structure. The test can also be used to establish whether the rebound number has reached

a value known to correspond to the desired strength. This is of the help in deciding when to
remove false work or to put the structure into service.
IS: 13311 (part 2): 1992 specified, the rebound hammer method could be used for
assessing the likely compressive strength of concrete with the help of suitable co-relations
between rebound index and compressive strength.
IRC Special Report 17 on page 5 specified that rebound hammer test when properly
calibrated on site with cubes, can be useful for measuring in structure magnitude and
variability of strength. It is most commonly used due to its simplicity and low cost.
OBJECT
The rebound hammer method could be used for (IS: 13311 Part 2-1992):
a) assessing the likely compressive strength of concrete with the help of suitable corelations between rebound index and compressive strength.
b) assessing the uniformity of concrete.
c) assessing the quality of the concrete in relation to standard requirements, and
d) assessing the quality of one element of concrete in relation to another.
Note: The rebound hammer method can be used with greater confidence for differentiating
between the questionable and acceptable parts of a structure or for relative comparison
between two different structures.
DESCRIPTION
The hammer consists of a spring controlled mass that slides on a plunger within a tubular
housing. When the plunger is pressed against, the surface of concrete, it retracts against
the force of the spring. When completely retracted the spring is automatically released. On
the spring controlled mass rebound, it takes the rider with it along the guide scale. By
pushing a button, the rider can be held in position to allow readings to be taken.
CALIBRATION
Each hammer is furnished with a calibration chart supplied by the manufacturer. This
calibration chart can be used only when material and testing conditions are similar to those
in effect when the calibration of the instrument was carried out. Each hammer varies
considerably in performance and needs calibration for use on concrete made with
aggregates produced from a specific source. A practical procedure for calibration of the
hammer for use on a job in progress is outlined below:

 Prepare a number of cubes covering the strength to be encountered on the job. Use the
same cement and aggregates as are to be used on the job. The cubes should be preferably
as large a mass as possible in order to minimize the size effect on the test results of a full
scale structure. 150 mm cube specimens are preferred. The cube size must be increased
with the increase of hammer impact energy. For hammer impact energy of 0.225 kgm, 150
mm cubes size will be quite sufficient, but for hammer of 3 kgm impact energy the cube size
shall not be less than 300 mm.
The cubes shall be cast and cured as laid down in IS: 516:1959.
After the curing period the cubes should be removed from wet storage to the laboratory
atmosphere for about 24 hours before testing. It may be noted that the strength of wettested cubes will be normally 10% lower than that of dry tested cubes.
After cleaning the faces of the cubes they should be gripped in the compression testing
machine under a load of 7 N/mm2 (15.75 Tonnes for 150 mm cubes), when the impact
energy of the hammer is about 2.2 Nm. The load should be increased for calibration
rebound hammer of greater impact energy and decreased for caliberating rebound hammer
of lesser impact energy.
Atleast nine hammer readings should be taken on each of the two vertical faces accessible
in the compression testing machine. The points of impact on the specimen should not be
nearer on edge than 20 mm and should be not less than 20 mm from each other. The same
points must not be impacted more than once.
Immediately after taking the hammer readings, the cube should be tested to its ultimate
load.
Repeat this procedure for all cubes.
After discarding the extreme values, average the reading of all the individual cubes and
call this the rebound number.
The values of rebound numbers and cube compressive strength should be plotted by
fitting a curve or line by method of least squares.
The accuracy of the hammer reproducibility should be ascertained from time to time using a
standard anvil, particularly before the testing of structure.

Calibration is an important stage in the use of every apparatus. The errors of the apparatus
and the accuracy in determining the strength of concrete by non-destructive methods
depend on proper calibration. Calibration should, therefore, be carried out with great care
and on a larger number of specimens. It is interesting to note that 700 to 1000 tests are
needed to plot calibration curves for rebound hammer.
Fig. 1 gives calibration curve of Test Hammer. The cubes were cast with OPC 43 grade river
sand of Zone II and 20 mm graded crushed aggregate. The cubes were wet cured for 28
days, and then tested in SSD and room dry condition (dried for 24 hours prior to testing at
room temperature).
TESTING OF A STRUCTURE
A concrete test hammer of impact energy of 2.207 N.m (0.225 kgm) is quite suitable for
testing concrete in ordinary building and bridge construction. The procedure for testing a
concrete structure is given below :
All members and points of a concrete structure selected for testing should be marked for
identification, they should also be in dry condition.
Testing should be conducted on surfaces that are smooth and uniform, preferably surfaces
created by casting against a form. Avoid rough spots, hony-comb or porous areas. Free or
trowelled surface may also be satisfactory if appropriate corrections are applied or a special
calibration is prepared. If loosely adhering scale, plaster work or coating is present, this
should be rubbed off with a grinding wheel or stone.
For concrete section less than 100 mm thick, the rebound of the hammer will be affected
by the elastic deformation of the section, and it should be backed up by a heavy mass
placed on the back side.
At each of selected points, made smooth and clean, take six rebound readings. For each
reading shift the hammer 25 mm and take care not to rebound the same spot twice. The
point of impact should be at least 20 mm away from any edge or sharp discontinuity. Small
air pockets near the surface under the point of impact cause low rebound, on the other
hand, immediately over a hard aggregate the impact will result in a high rebound.
Note: Manufacturer of Schmidt hammer recommend at selected points 5 or better 10 impact
reading. BS: 4408 ; Part 4 : 1971 specified at least 9 valid reading and not more than 25. It

is normally better to confine the readings of a test (9 to 25 readings) to an area not

exceeding about 300 mm x 300 mm rather than to carry out random testing extending over
the whole structure or unit. Revised CPWD specifications 2002 specified the result should be
the average of at least 12 readings. IS: 13311 (Part 2)-1992 specified around each point 6
readings. ASTM-C805 required 10 readings to be taken.
The usual directions of test are either horizontal or vertically down, but any direction of
test can be used a long as it is consistent. Calibration or corrections for a given direction of
test are supplied with the hammer or can be derived.
The rebound values usually are considered reliable when at least six readings deviate not
more than +2.5 to 3.5 on the impact scale. The compressive strength is then determined by
taking average of rebound reading.
Compressive strength of the concrete can be determined from the relationship between
the rebound number and the strength given by the curve. For reliable results the calibration
curve shall be drived from the given set of materials and conditions. If cubes are available
from the structure to be tested, the hammer should be checked first on Anvil then upon
these cubes, if need be the hammer should be adjusted accordingly and re-checked for
satisfactory performance. If it is found that hammer performance is doubtful, the hammer
should be changed.
Factors Influencing the Results
Type of cement
Concrete made of high alumina cement can given strengths upto 100% higher, whereas
supersulphated cement concrete can give 50% lower strength compared to a calibration
obtained on Portland cement cubes. It is necessary to recalibrate the hammer for different
types of cement.
Type of aggregate
Gravel and most crushed rocks give similar correlations, but lightweight aggregates and
aggregates with unusual properties require special calibration.
Surface and internal moisture condition of the concrete
This method of testing is applied only on close textured concrete. Open texture concrete
typical of masonary blocks, `honeycombed concrete, or no fines concrete cannot be tested
using this method.

Trowelled and floated surfaces as in floors, are harder than moulded surfaces and in most
cases will tend to overestimate the strength.
A wet surface will give rise to under-estimated of the strength of concrete calibrated under
dry conditions. This influence can be considerable and in structural concrete it is about 10%
lower on wet surfaces than on an equivalent dry surface.
Age of concrete
In very old and dry concrete the surface will be harder than the interior, giving rebound
values some what higher than normal. New concrete with moist surface generally has a
relatively softer surface, resulting in lower than normal rebound.
Carbonation of concrete surface
Surface carbonation of concrete significantly affect the rebound hammer test results. In old
concrete where the carbonation layer can be upto 20 mm thick, the strength may be
overestimated by 50%.
Limits
Testing concrete by test hammer has its own limitations. If all factors are taken into
consideration the strength of concrete in a structure may be determined within an accuracy
of +15%. The concrete test hammer is an excellent tool in the hands of experts. The
operation of the hammer is very simple, yet it is not so simple as to entrust this tool to a
raw hand for taking readings of a structure. Its operation, calibration, taking readings of a
concrete structure, analysis and interpretation of the test data must always be carried out
by specialists trained for this purpose.
REFERENCES
1. IS: 383-1970, Specification for coarse and fine aggregates from natural sources for
concrete (second revision).
2. IS: 456-2000 Plain and reinforced concrete Code of Practice (Fourth revision).
3. IS: 516-1959 Method of test for strength of concrete.
4. IS: 8112-1989, Specification for 43 grade ordinary Portland Cement (first revision).
5. IS: 13311 (Pat 2)- 1992, Methods of non-destructive testing of concrete Rebound
Hammer.
6. Revised CPWD Specifications, 2002 for Cement Mortar, Cement Concrete and RCC Works.
7. BS 1881: Part 202-1986, Recommendations for surface hardness testing by rebound
hammer.