Ultrasonic Concrete Testing Equipment

The Pundit PL-200 continue the illustrious Pundit tradition of Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity [UPV] testing that began in the 1970s.

UPV measurements are commonly used to evaluate material properties such as consistency or strength, and to locate voiding or damage in beams, columns or walls. It is also used to measure the depths of cracking in concrete. 

The first to use a new generation touchscreen display unit, the control unit is also fully compatible with the Ultrasonic Pulse Echo transducer, with more details at the dedicated page.

The pulse velocity in a material depends on its density and its elastic properties. These in turn are related to the quality and the strength of the material. The world reknown Pundit range offers users a reliable and accurate method for determining the sonic properties of materials.

Applications

Ultrasonic testing can be used for:

• The homogeneity of a material
• The presence of voids, cracks or other internal imperfections or defects
• Crack Depth measurment
• Changes in the concrete which may occur with time (i.e. due to the cement hydration) or damage from fire, frost or chemical attack
• The strength or modulus of a material
• The quality of the concrete in relation to specified standard requirements

Test Method

Ultrasonic testing in its most basic mode is called time of flight. This refers to timing the arrival of an ultrasonic pulse from one transducer to another through a solid medium. The ultrasonic pulse in standard operation is a p-wave (or compression wave), this is the same energy we hear as sound. 

The ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) is calculated by dividing the distance between the transducer by the time of arrival, this allows for comparision of the bulk material over any signal path distance. 

Features 

• Housing specially designed to be used on-site in harsh environments
• Screen with highest resolution and sharpest image available in the market allowing best possible analysis of the measured waveforms
• Settings directly accessible on measuring screen
• On board storage and review of waveforms
• Automatic and manual triggering and user adjustable trigger threshold
• Modular concept: Expandable with all Proceq Pulse Velocity and Pulse Echo transducers, upcoming Pundit ultrasonic products will be directly compatible.

Transmission Modes

When conducting UPV tests, there are three kinds of transmission path, these can be seen in the image.The method of transmission is determined by access to the concrete elements surfaces and the characteristic being tested.

Critically the Indirect velocity is somewhat uncertain and should not be compared to Direct and Semi-Direct values.

Materials

An essential tool for investigating a wide range of materials:

• Concrete
• Ceramics and Refractories
• Timber
• and many others

PL Link Analysis Software

The Windows based PL Link allows data review and retrospective adjustment of measurement setting. It is also used to load strength conversion curves into the system.

Comprehensive Measurement Modes

NEW - Area Scan

Area scans combine the distance, pulse velocity or transmission time measurement modes of the Pundit PL with a grid survey. Scan results are displayed as a contour map, with review of each measurement. 

Line Scans

Assesses the concrete uniformity and detects cracks as well as other defects. The measured pulse velocities are displayed as a line which will change with thickness or where defects or cracks are located. 

Pulse Velocity / Transmission Time / Distance

Calculates the pulse velocity of the material under test with zoom and scroll for precise A-Scan inspection. Supports an update rate of up to 25Hz. 

Compressive Strength

Determines compressive concrete strength via Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity correlation, or by using SONREB which combined Schmidt hammer tests with UPV testing.

Crack Depth

Determines the depth of perpendicular cracks according to BS 1881. This measures surface velocity and compares changes with distance from the crack.

Surface Velocity

Improved surface velocity measuring.
Determines surface velocity according to BS 1881.

Standards and Norms

EN12504-4 (Europe), ASTM C 597-02 (North America), BS 1881 Part 203 (UK), ISO1920-7:2004 (International), IS13311 (India), CECS21 (China).

Form Supplied

Comes standard with:

• Pundit Touchscreen
• 2 Transducers 54 kHz
• 2 BNC cables 1.5m, BNC Adapter Cable
• Couplant
• Calibration Rod
• Battery Charger, USB cable
• DVD w. Software, Documentation, Carrying Strap, Case

Transducer Frequencies

It comes standard with 54 kHz p-wave transducers, although a range of frequencies are available from 24 kHz to 250 kHz. There are also exponential transducers available for dry coupling and wood applications and the new 40 kHz Dry Point Shear Wave transducer for E-Modulus.

Technical Specifications