Overview
Ultrasonic Pulse Echo is an advanced imaging technique used to detect defects within concrete structures.
Benefits
Applications of Ultrasonic Pulse Echo
When evaluating large concrete structures, such as thick slabs, thick foundations, beams, columns or tunnels, conventional Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) can be limited by depth and embedded reinforcement. UPE can reach greater depths than GPR, and is much less affected by metal, but considerably more affected by air or voids.
As a result, UPE can be used to map out honeycombing, voids, large cracks and/or to determine the thickness of reinforced concrete structures up to 2.5m (8ft) depth. Additionally, another advantage lies in its ability to image a structure from a single side in contrast to the more traditional ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPE).
The Equipment
Xradar™ uses the latest technologies for non-destructive inspections, including the MIRA shear wave tomograph by ACSYS and the Proceq PD8000.
MIRA’s advanced instrument has an array of 48 transducers with dry-contact ceramic tips and uses a complex SAFT signal processing to provide a high-resolution image of the internal concrete structure. The tomograph sends a short pulse through the concrete, then records shear wave reflections in all transducers simultaneously, producing an image or scan of the reflected waves. Our technicians analyse these images to identify features and/or defects.
Proceq Pundit’s wireless inspection solution with multi-channel ultrasonic pulse echo technology, consolidates power in a single device for structural imaging, object and defect detection with ultrasound pulse echo providing real-time imaging, weight optimization and AI assistance. It’s features has superior image clarity with control of all transmission parameters and large scale 2D, 3D, heatmap and AR visualization modes.
For large areas and structures the ELOP Insight rolling UPE can be utilised for efficient data collection.
FAQS
Service FAQs
Please review these frequently asked questions about our services. If your question isn’t here, please contact our team.
More FAQs & Resources-
This very much depends on the specifics of the area needing scanning – the size, the depth, the access points, the contents of that slab, and your motivation for scanning in the first place. A scan could take anywhere between 30 minutes and a few hours, depending on the situation. Larger or multi-slab projects may take longer, but we’ll always estimate timelines before work begins.
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Yes – a huge advantage of GPR over X-ray. Our technicians are also trained and equipped for live construction environments, with in-depth knowledge of your projects. We coordinate with your safety officers and comply with all site-specific requirements.
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We provide both scanning and cutting/coring services. Our scanning always comes first to ensure safe drilling; then our coring/cutting teams (who are trained to read Xradar scans) execute using the scan data.
Pulse Echo (UPE)
Related Services
Learn how ultrasonic testing helps detect internal defects, voids, and delaminations across multiple Xradar services.
Related Projects
Recent Examples of Our Work
A look at some of our recent projects – from small site scans to complex structural assessments. These projects show the variety of work we do, and how our accuracy keeps your project on track.
Explore Projects by Category
- Building Information Modelling (BIM)
- Concrete Coring
- Concrete Corrosion Mapping
- Concrete Cutting
- Concrete Scanning
- Delamination Detection
- GRAD
- Indoor Utility Locating
- Pre-Design
- Pre-Design Scanning
- Pre-Pour Documentation
- Structural Investigation
- Ultrasound Investigation
- Visual Inspection
- Void and Crack Detection
- Void Detection
- XRSounder
Related Resources
Learn More About Our Approach
Stay informed with Xradar’s collection of technical resources, industry insights, and expert guides.
Explore Our Resources-
The Importance of Detecting Post-Tension Cables Before Drilling
When it comes to concrete construction, few hazards carry as much risk as post-tension (PT) cables. These high-strength steel tendons are designed to reinforce and stabilize slabs, and they are tensioned with tens of thousands of pounds of force. Striking one while drilling or coring is a costly mistake.
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Xradar Concrete Coring Guide to Best Practices
Concrete coring is a critical process in construction and infrastructure projects, allowing precise access to reinforced concrete structures for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical installations.
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