ULTRASONIC PULSE VELOCITY (UPV) METHOD BRIEF
APPLICATION
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) tests are performed to
assess the condition of structural members with two-sided
access such as elevated slabs, beams, and columns. Voids,
honeycomb, cracks, delaminations, and other damage
in concrete, wood, masonry, stone, ceramics, and metal
materials can be identified and mapped with the method.
UPV tests are also performed to predict strength of
early age concrete. The UPV test relies on direct arrival
of compressional waves. Sources and receivers used in
the tests have resonant frequencies ranging from 50 to
150 kHz. The higher resonant frequency receivers are
typically used with thinner structural members for higher
resolution and smaller anomaly identification. In the basic
UPV test, Olson Engineering records the full waveform
with a data acquisition system for troubleshooting of
material condition and velocity measurement.
STANDARDS
Standards for the UPV method include ASTM C597
Standard Test Method for Pulse Velocity through concrete,
ASTM E494 for measuring ultrasonic velocity in materials,
BSI 98/105795 DC for determining the ultrasonic velocity
of concrete, and ACI 228.2R for NDE applications.
* See end of document for full references.
12401 W. 49th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-1927 USA 303.423.1212
METHOD BRIEF / Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity
FIELD INVESTIGATION DATA REDUCTION
ACCESS PROCESSING TECHNIQUES
Two surfaces are generally required to perform the test, The receiver output is recorded by a digital oscilloscope
but single-surface tests are possible. Depending on the card in a Freedom Data PC or an NDE 360. Three parameters
orientation of the two surfaces, the test is referred to as a are used in the interpretation of data: 1) arrival time of
direct transmission test, a semi-direct transmission test, or compressional waves, 2) signal strength and 3) distortion
an indirect transmission test (see figure on previous page). of the transmitted signal. These parameters are available
in the Olson Instruments WinUPV system software.
COLLECTION OF DATA
In a standard UPV test, a piezoceramic source is electrically INTERPRETATION OF DATA
pulsed to generate ultrasonic waves which travel in the In defect areas, the compressional wave velocity is slower
structural element, which are then sensed by the receiver than in sound areas and signal amplitude is usually lower.
on the opposite side of the test member. The source and For structural members containing large, severe voids,
receiver signals are recorded by an Olson Instruments signal transmission may be completely lost. In some
Data Collection Platform equipped with an UPV System. defect areas, such as honeycombs, the compressional
Knowing the travel distance and travel time, the ultrasonic wave velocity may be almost the same as in sound areas,
compressional wave velocity is calculated. but distortion of the signal (filtering of high frequencies)
may be used as an indication of a honeycomb defect.
EFFECTIVENESS
The method requires access to two surfaces on the same
test member, preferably two parallel surfaces such as the
top and bottom surfaces of a slab or the inside and outside
surfaces of a wall.
NDE 360 Data Platform UPV System FDPC Data Platform
12401 W. 49th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-1927 USA 303.423.1212
METHOD BRIEF / Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity
TEST METHODS
Distance Distance
Receiver Receiver
Void
Signal Path
Source Source
Signal Path
Concrete Specimen Concrete Specimen
EXAMPLE RESULTS
STRUCTURAL — CONCRETE COLUMN
To illustrate the concepts of UPV tests, example results from tests on concrete are presented below. The first figure
presented shows a strong signal where testing was performed through sound concrete. The second figure presented
shows a very weak signal indicative of poorly consolidated concrete or wave travel representing void conditions.
Version 06.2022
12401 W. 49th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-1927 USA 303.423.1212
REFERENCES
STANDARDS AND GOVERNMENTAL REPORTS
• ACI 228.2R, “Nondestructive Test Methods for Evaluation
of Concrete in Structures”, ACI Manual of Concrete
Practice, Part 2, Construction Practices and
Inspection, Pavements, ACI International.
• ASTM C597, “Standard Test Method for Pulse Velocity
Through Concrete”, Book of Standards Volume
04.02, ASTM International.
• ASTM E494, “Standard Practice for Measuring
Ultrasonic Velocity in Materials”, Book of Standards
Volume 03.03, ASTM International.
• BSI 98/105795 DC, “prEN 13296. Testing Concrete.
Determination of ultrasonic pulse velocity”, British
Standards.
Metro Denver Corporate Office: Metro Washington D.C. Office:
Olson Engineering Inc. Olson Engineering Inc.
12401 W. 49th Ave. 7529 Standish Place, Suite 102
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 Rockville, MD 20855
Phone: (303) 423-1212 Phone: (240) 477-7738
Fax: (303) 423-6071 Fax: (240) 801-9951
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12401 W. 49th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-1927 USA 303.423.1212
