Blog
PCTE's blog about the world of NDT, started in August 2011 in this format we are extremely proud of the articles and information that we have produced internally and those that have been shared by our partners, suppliers and customers.
PCTE's instrumentation range is supplied by Geosense out of the UK, covering structural and getechnical monitoring. This article explains Portable and In-place Inclinometers.
GS8000 Application Updates in 2022
Since its launch GS8000's Proceq GPR Subsurface app has already received one major software upgrade to version 2.0 "Freedom", and has reached version 2.2 during the span of 2022.
Geolocation, exporting, mapping and more have all been improved, with new options like Free Path data collection, better gain automation and total station Integrations.
The Importance of Structural Monitoring with VW Crack Meters
A case study examining a recent project, where a monitoring system was designed and installed onto a bridge
Slab Scanning of Steel Reinforced Concrete
Choosing the right method for Slab Scanning of Reinforced Concrete.
We recently designed an innovative 100mm dia Concrete Cylinder Mould. It has been manufactured from steel and complies to the AS standard.
Methods for Scanning Post Tensioning
One of the prime targets for Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanning of concrete are Post Tensioning (PT). Post Tensioning (PT) is a type of reinforcing in concrete, where tensioning is applied to steel bars or wire after the concrete has strengthened.
How to set up a Pundit for Different Applications
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) testing is on of the most well known and understood sonic measurement techniques used over concrete. This article discusses a few different application, talking specifically about the right transducers and the access needed to complete testing successfully.
How to Reduce Environmental Impact Using GPR
It is possible to minimize environmental impacts and greatly reduce site costs by employing Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) field methods.
Maintaining Standards with Utest Lab Equipment
One of the really interesting processes required when taking on a supplier like Utest has been the work we’ve done to customise their range for the Australian Market. See more here...
Using GPR for Post Tensioning Scanning
Ground Penetrating radar is the right tool to locate post tension tendons inside a structure, but operators need to be aware of the differences from regular scanning.
Coating Thicknesses on Concrete Using Positector 200 Gauge
Coating thicknesses on concrete are straightforward to measure, but it is important to understand the tools and how they work.
Our head honcho Reuben recently attended the Concrete Institute of Australia's WA Branch Seminar, read more about it...
An Introduction to Ground Penetrating Radar
We introduce Ground Penetrating Radar.
How to Cure Concrete and Developments in GPR
This blog post discusses concrete curing in Australia and looks at a case study on the developments in GPR software.
How to Locate Defects in Concrete
We look at the non-destructive testing methods that can be used to locate defects in concrete as well as some of the basic methods for processing GPR data.
Benefits of the Cover Meter System in Pre-Cast Yards
The first blog post for 2017 discusses the Defelsko Positector range along with the benefits of cover meter system in pre-cast yards.
Standards of Non-Destructive Testing Equipment
We look at confirming testing equipment meets a standard and a detailed case study of meeting the ASTM F2170 standard for humidity testing of concrete.
Corrosion Monitoring and Light Weight Deflectometers
To support corrosion investigation works one of our articles this month talks about tools for corrosion monitoring. We also discuss the benefits of Light Weight Deflectometers in evaluating pavement systems.
Analysis of Raw Data from GPR and a Cover Meter
In our final blog post for the year we are looking at raw data from two systems, GPR systems for utility location and the raw magnetic measurements from a cover meter.
How to Monitor Temperature of Bulk Concrete Pours and the Silver Schmidt Hammer
We have two topics for this issue: one for temperature monitoring of bulk concrete pours and the other focusing on the Silver Schmidt Hammer and converting its Q value results to R values common to older correlation curves built using an Original Schmidt.
Technical Overview of Compression Machines and How to Locate Post Tensioning With GPR Systems
Our articles this month are a technical overview of compression machines and force measurement and a case study on locating post tensioning with GPR systems.
How to do a Concrete Cover Check
As more and more quality assurance specifications require concrete cover checks nowadays, we will give you a comprehensive overview of how to carry them out properly. We will also present an extract from our Australasian Tunnelling Society conference paper on geotechnical instrumentation of tunnels.
What is Impact Echo Testing and I Dumitru’s Paper Results
We discuss the finer points of impact echo testing for shallow foundations, along with a summary of the results of I Dumitru's paper on the effects that grinding cylinder ends before compressive testing compare with results from cylinders that are sulphur or rubber capped.
Ultrasonics is the focus for this blog post, looking at ultrasonic pulse echo data processing, along with the regular sound wave sister to ultrasonic pulse velocity, sonic pulse velocity testing.
Investigating Corrosion Monitoring and Half-Cell Potential
Once again this issue overlaps with the Australian Corrosion Association's conference. Discussed topics include Corrosion Monitoring and Half-cell potential investigations.
Structural Health Monitoring and Geotechnical Testing
Structural Health Monitoring and Geotechnical Testing take centre stage in this post. There is also a vibrating wire sensors case study.
Tips and Hints for Completing a Successful Testing Job and How to Measure Concrete Thickness
With a new year, our blog went back to basics, discussing hints and tips for successful completing of any testing job, the role of standards and an in-depth analysis of different testing methods that can be used for concrete thickness measurements.
This blog post overlaps with the Australasian Corrosion Association’s annual conference, it features a revised article on Resistance and Resistivity and some information on state of the art ground penetrating radar technologies for corrosion investigation
In our first issue for 2012 we focus on pile and foundation tests, with a fantastic case study and technical overview of Sonic Echo/Impulse Response testing and quick overview of the other tests that can be applied to this broad area of testing.
This blog post in 2011 lined up with 18th International Corrosion Congress and to celebrate we focused upon all things corrosion. We talk about corrosion monitoring and investigation and look in detail at Concrete Resistivity as a quality assurance tool.
How to use the Reb-Ultra method of Testing
In this issue we look at strength testing using the Reb-Ultra method which combines ultrasonic testing and rebound hammer testing. Secondly, we look at the challenges of locating footing and some of the equipment that can be used to assist the hunt.