What is this blog post about?

This article covers the principal of ultrasonic pulse velocity test and ultrasonic pulse velocity test is used for which function. The UPV test is a non-destructive test which is performed on concrete. This test helps us to find cracks and voids in concrete and thus the quality of concrete. The detailed information is explained below.

Principle of UPV Test | Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test is Used for

Table of contents  (toc)

First we learn about the principle of ultrasonic pulse velocity test then then about its usages.

Principal of Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test for Concrete

The ultrasonic pulse is generated by an electro-acoustical transducer. When the ultrasonic pulse is induced into the concrete from a transducer, it undergoes multiple reflections at the boundaries of different material phases within the concrete. A complex system of stress waves is developed that includes longitudinal (compressional), shear (transverse) and surface (rayleigh) waves. The receiving transducer detects the onset of the longitudinal waves, which is the fastest.

Because the velocity of ultrasonic pulses is almost independent of the geometry of the material through which they pass and depends only on its elastic properties, the ultrasonic pulse velocity test method is a convenient technique for investigating structural concrete.

The Underlying Principle of Assessing the Quality of Concrete:

When the quality of concrete in the terms of density, homogeneity and uniformity is good then comparatively higher velocities are obtained. But in the cases of poorer quality of concrete, lower velocities are obtained. If there a crack, void or flaw presents 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, the lower velocities are obtained. 

The actual ultrasonic pulse velocity obtained depends primarily upon the materials and mix proportions of concrete. Density and modulus of elasticity of aggregate is also one of the factors significantly affecting the pulse velocity.

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test is Used for

The ultrasonic pulse velocity test method could be used to establish:

1. The homogeneity of the concrete,
2. The strength of concrete,
3. The depth of cracks in concrete,
4. The presence of cracks, voids and other imperfections in concrete,
5. The quality of the concrete in relation to standard requirements,
6. Changes in the structure of the concrete which may occur with time,
7. The quality of one element of concrete in the relation to another and
8. The values of dynamic modulus of elasticity of the concrete.

    In short, we can say that ultrasonic pulse velocity test or UPV test is a popular non-destructive test which is performed on concrete to check their quality and homogeneity and also cracks, voids, cavities and defects in the concrete by passing electronic wave through the concrete.

FAQ

What is the use of ultrasonic pulse velocity test?

Ultrasonic pulse velocity test is used to check the quality and homogeneity of concrete and also cracks, voids, cavities and defects in the concrete by passing electronic wave through the concrete.

Next to Read

1. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Tester

2. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test Procedure

3. Factors Affecting Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test