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Methodology of RH UPV
Methodology of RH UPV
Methodology of RH UPV
OF
REBOUND HAMMER TEST
&
ULTRASONIC PULSE VELOCITY
1
NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTS METHODOLOGIES
Principle of test: The test is based on the principle that the rebound of an elastic mass depends
on the hardness of the surface upon which it impinges. When the plunger of the rebound hammer
pressed against the surface of the concrete, the spring controlled mass rebounds and the extent of such
rebound depend upon the surface hardness of concrete. The surface hardness and therefore the rebound
are taken to be relation to the compressive strength of concrete. The rebound is read off along a
graduated scale and is designated as the rebound number or rebound index.
Working of rebound hammer: A schematic cut way view of schmidt rebound hammer is
shown in fig. 1. The hammer weight about 1.8 kg., is suitable for use both in a laboratory and in the
field. When the plunger of rebound hammer is pressed against the surface of concrete, a spring
controlled mass rebounds and the extent of such rebound depends upon the surface hardness of
concrete. The rebound distance is measured on a graduated scale and is designated as rebound number.
2
Fig.2 : Schematic Cross Section of Rebound Hammer & Principle of Operation
This test is conducted to assess the relative strength of concrete based on the hardness at
or near its exposed surface.
3
B : ULTRASONIC PULSE VELOCITY (UPV) TEST METHODOLOGY
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.
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:
4
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.
5
Table 2 : Velocity Criteria For Concrete Quality Grading
Note : In case of “doubtful” quality of concrete, it may be necessary to carry out further tests.
Authorized Signatory