SHREE BALA JI TEST HOUSE PVT. LTD.

(BUILDING MATERIAL,ROAD MATERIAL & SOIL,WATER TESTING LAB)

(NABL ACCREDIATED & ISO CERTIFIED TESTING LABORATORY)
FARIDABAD: FCA 560 B, EAST CHAWLA COLONY, BALLABGARH (FBD.). PHONE: 9212774833 AN ISO 9001-2000 LAB

B : ULTRASONIC PULSE VELOCITY (UPV) TEST METHODOLOGY

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) Test

Ultrasonic scanning (Fig. 3) is a recognized non-destructive evaluation

test to qualitatively assess the homogeneity and integrity of concrete.
With this technique, following can be assessed.
Objects : The main objects of the ultrasonic pulse velocity method are to
establish :
The homogeneity of the concrete Fig. 3 ( UPV Apparatus)

The presence of cracks, voids or flaw inside the concrete.

The quality of concrete in relation to the specified standard
requirements.
Density and uniformity of the concrete structure

This test essentially consists of measuring travel time, T of ultrasonic pulse of 50-54 kHz,
produced by an electro-acoustical transducer, held in contact with one surface of the concrete
member under test and receiving the same by a similar transducer in contact with the surface
at the other end. With the path length, L (i.e. the distance between the two probes) and time
of travel, T the pulse velocity
(V = L/T) is calculated. Higher the elastic modulus, density and integrity of the concrete, higher
is the pulse velocity. The ultrasonic pulse velocity depends on the density and elastic
properties of the material being tested.

Though, pulse velocity is related with crushing strength of concrete, yet no statistical
correlation can be applied.

Measurement of pulse velocities at points on a regular grid on the surface of a concrete

structure provides a reliable method of assessing the homogeneity of the concrete. Fig. 4
illustrates various methods of wave transmission.

Analysis of the quality of concrete by velocity criterion is done as per specified limits of
velocity given in Table-2
Generally, there are two possible ways of measuring pulse velocity through concrete:

1
 SHREE BALA JI TEST HOUSE PVT. LTD.
(BUILDING MATERIAL,ROAD MATERIAL & SOIL,WATER TESTING LAB)
(NABL ACCREDIATED & ISO CERTIFIED TESTING LABORATORY)
FARIDABAD: FCA 560 B, EAST CHAWLA COLONY, BALLABGARH (FBD.). PHONE: 9212774833 AN ISO 9001-2000 LAB

a. Direct Transmission (Cross Probing) Method : In this method transducers are held on
opposite face of the concrete specimen under test as shown in fig. 4

b. Indirect Transmission (Surface Probing) Method : In many situations two opposite faces of a
structural member may not be accessible for measurements. In such cases, the receiving
transducer is also placed on the same face of the concrete members, that is called surface
probing or Indirect Transmission as shown in Fig. 5. Surface probing in general gives lower
pulse velocity than in the case of cross probing and depending on number of parameters. So
accordingly values are corrected as per correction factors explained in IS:13311 (Part 1) :
1992.

Fig. 4 Cross Probing Method of Propagating Ultrasonic Pulses through Concrete

Fig. 5 : Surface Probing Method of Propagating Ultrasonic Pulses through Concrete

2
 SHREE BALA JI TEST HOUSE PVT. LTD.
(BUILDING MATERIAL,ROAD MATERIAL & SOIL,WATER TESTING LAB)
(NABL ACCREDIATED & ISO CERTIFIED TESTING LABORATORY)
FARIDABAD: FCA 560 B, EAST CHAWLA COLONY, BALLABGARH (FBD.). PHONE: 9212774833 AN ISO 9001-2000 LAB

Table 2 : Velocity Criteria For Concrete Quality Grading

As per Table -2 of IS: 13311 :( Part 1): 1992

Sr. Pulse Velocity by Cross Probing

Concrete Quality Grading
No. ( km/sec )

1. Above 4.5 Excellent

2. 3.5 to 4.5 Good

3. 3.0 to 3.5 Medium

4. Below 3.0 Doubtful

Note : In case of doubtful quality of concrete, it may be necessary to carry out further tests.