Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Applications
The pulse velocity method of testing may be applied to the testing of plain,
reinforced and pre-stressed concrete whether it is pre-cast or cast in situ.
Measurement
The measurement of pulse velocity may be used to determine:
a
the homogeneity of the concrete,
b
the presence of voids, cracks or other imperfections,
c
changes in the concrete which may occur with time (i.e. due to the
cement hydration) or through the action of fire, frost or chemical attack,
d
the quality of the concrete in relation to specified standard requirements,
which generally refer to its strength.
Accuracy
In most of the applications it is necessary to measure the pulse velocity to
a high degree of accuracy since relatively small changes in pulse velocity
usually reflect relatively large changes in the condition of the concrete. For
this reason it is important that care be taken to obtain the highest possible
accuracy of both the transit time and the path length measurements since the
pulse velocity measurement depends on both of these.
