Compressive Strength Calculation Using Ultrasonic Pulse

Velocity Method

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Rehabilitation/Improvements to
AB 019 Jaffna-Pannai-Kayts Road
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Tester (PUNDIT 6) is used to determine the compressive strength of the
concrete by using the Ultrasonic wave. The pulse velocity is depending on the hardness of the concrete.
Compressive strength can be calculated aid of velocity with a correlation.
Relevant Standard

BS 1881:Part 203:1986 Recommendations for measurement of velocity of ultrasonic pulse in

concrete
BS 1881:Part 204:1988 Recommendations on the use of electromagnetic converter
Guidebook on Non-destructive testing of concrete structures by International Atomic Energy
Agency, Vienna-2002
Operating manual of PUNDIT 6

Theory
A pulse of ultrasonic stress waves is introduced into one surface of a concrete member by a transducer
coupled to the surface with a coupling gel or grease. The pulse travels through the concrete and is
received by a similar transducer coupled on the opposite surface. The transit time of the pulse is
determined by the instrument. The distance between the transducers is divided by the transit time to
obtain the pulse velocity. Using the pulse velocity compressive strength and concrete quality can be
determined.
Procedure

Two types of transmission methods will be used. They are direct transmission and indirect
transmission.
a) Direct transmission
If the both surfaces are accessible, direct transmission
method will be used.

b) Indirect Transmission
If only one surface is accessible, indirect transmission
will be used.

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Test surfaces will be cleaned properly to avoid extraneous materials.

Coupling agent will be applied both faces to proper wave transfer.
Transducer and receiver will be place according to the direct method or indirect method.
Distance between transducer and receiver will be measured nearest first decimal place in
centimeter and transit time is obtained in micro seconds.
Ultrasonic pulse velocity will be calculated according to the following equation.

Where;

Where;

V - Ultrasonic pulse velocity

L Distance of wave transferred
T Time to travel receiver
If indirect method will used, following equation will be used to convert the velocity.

V0 - Pulse velocity obtained using the direct method

V1 - Pulse velocity obtained using the indirect method
(Ref: Operating manual of PUNDIT 6)
Using the pulse velocity compressive strength and concrete quality will be determined.

Note See the attached example test report

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Pulse Velocity to Strength

This is a method by which the concrete strength can be calculated using a combination of the rebound
value of the concrete and the UPV. Using these two independent factors will give greater accuracy, but
must be calibrated using local materials.
01. After attaining relevant pulse velocity for the structure, concrete strength and density is
attained from the calibration chart. (Pulse Velocity Vs. Strength and Pulse Velocity Vs. Density).
02. The Calibration chart for strength has attained by taking rebound test results and cube crushing
test results.

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