Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test or commonly abbreviated as UPVT is a non-destructive test or can be called a Non-Destructive Test which functions to identify the quality/quality of concrete by using ultrasonic wave propagation in concrete.
How Does the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test Work?
The UPVT work process is based on the time taken by ultrasonic waves that propagate into the concrete structure. Ultrasonic waves are connected from the transducer and then placed on the concrete layer. Then the Pundit/UPVT Test tool will measure the wave.
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test is carried out based on the standard BS 1881: Part 203: 1986 and ASTM C597-97. In this standard it is explained that the receiving transducer detects the arrival of an earlier pulse component. Pulse Velocity measurement can be done by 3 methods, including:
- Direct transmission
Direct Method (Direct Transmission) which is where the measurement is done by means of the receiver transducer and transmitter transducer placed facing each other. - Semi-direct transmission
The semi-direct method is where the receiver transducer and transmitter transducer are placed in the axial position, one perpendicular plane and one horizontal plane. - Indirect/surface transmission
The indirect method is where the receiver transducer and transmitter receiver are placed in one flat plane.
Equipment in UPVT/ PUNDIT TEST
The UPV Test uses the following tools:
- UPV Pundit Lab+ Digital Version
- Grind
- Calibration media
- Ultrasonic gel/Grease
- Meter
- Wire Brush
The method of implementing the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test is divided into 3 stages, namely:
- Test Site Preparation
This stage is the initial preparation to determine and prepare the location of the test point. Determination of the test location is based on the condition of the concrete with a relatively good surface among others. After that, leveling the surface of the test point (flattening) with a grinder and marking the test location with pilox (marking). - Tools preparation
This stage is to set the UPV Pundit tool as needed and then calibrate it according to the provisions on the calibration test object (Green the surface of the test object with Ultrasonic Gel). - Test
This stage is the stage of taking the pulse velocity with a pundit. According to a brief description of the standard used, there are three methods of taking pulse velocity. For retrieval by direct transmission, it is highly recommended because the results are the most accurate but the retrieval is limited in the field, in semi-direct the results obtained can be said to be very accurate, and the last is indirect/surface transmission is the method with the worst results compared to other methods, but need to be reduced so that the results approach the value of pulse velocity direct transmission. Each test is required to apply ultrasonic gel to the concrete to be tested.