Description
Ultrasonic Pulse Echo is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method for scanning sub-surface targets in concrete elements. UPE methods use acoustic stress waves to study the properties of sub-surface layers, and locate defects by identifying any anomaly of acoustical impedance that is different from concrete.
The principle concept behind the test is measuring the transit time of ultrasonic wave in concrete. A modern UPE instrument consists of an array of piezoelectric transducers that are capable of exciting concrete surface through short-burst high amplitude pulse-high voltage and high current. As the pulse propagates within the concrete, it gets reflected and refracted at the interface of voids, or other internal targets. Any anomaly in acoustical impedance leads The emitted impulse and the reflected stress waves are monitored at the receiving transducer. The signals are analyzed to calculate the wave travel time.