Both sonic and impact echo are part of the ultrasound method family and widely used to evaluate the integrity of concrete and masonry structures.
Their principles are similar with slight differences in the signal source used and data analysis, making them a versatile and reliable inspection method to be deployed in various conditions.
Applications of Sonic & Impact Echo
Impact and Sonic echo used for a variety of applications. They both can measure the thickness of an unknown slab, beam, pier or any other concrete or masonry structure. Impact echo is used to determine the location and extent of defects such as; cracks, delamination, voids, honeycombing and debonding in plain, reinforced and pre or post-tensioned concrete structures. Sonic echo is mainly used to measure large concrete structures, such as the thickness of piles or piers.
Technology
An impact is generated on the surface that produces a stress wave. The generated wave propagates into the structure and is reflected by internal flaws and external surfaces. The reflections of the propagating waves create modes of vibration that are recorded by the transducer on the surface and processed to determine the depth of the defects. The data analysis and interpretation is based on the used technique and the initial results can be produced on site.
Xradar is using advanced equipment to make sure the collected data is reliable, and the results are accurate.
