ASTM C1383-15

Standard Test Method for Measuring the P-Wave Speed and the Thickness of Concrete Plates Using the Impact-Echo Method

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method may be used as a substitute for, or in conjunction with, coring to determine the thickness of slabs, pavements, decks, walls, or other plate structures. There is a certain level of systematic error in the calculated thickness due to the discrete nature of the digital records that are used. The absolute systematic error depends on the plate thickness, the sampling interval, and the sampling period.  
4.2 Because the wave speed can vary from point-to-point in the structure due to differences in concrete age or batch-to-batch variability, the wave speed is measured (Procedure A) at each point where a thickness determination (Procedure B) is required.  
4.3 This test method is a pplicable to plate-like structures with lateral dimensions at least six times the thickness. These minimum lateral dimensions are necessary to prevent other modes3 of vibration from interfering with the identification of the thickness mode frequency in the amplitude spectrum. As explained in Note 12, the minimum lateral dimensions and acceptable sampling period are related.  
4.4 The maximum and minimum thickness that can be measured is limited by the details of the testing apparatus (transducer response characteristics and the specific impactor). The limits shall be specified by manufacturer of the apparatus, and the apparatus shall not be used beyond these limits. If test equipment is assembled by the user, thickness limitations shall be established and documented.  
4.5 This test method is not applicable to plate structures with overlays, such as a concrete bridge deck with an asphalt or portland cement concrete overlay. The method is based on the assumption that the concrete plate has the same P-wave speed throughout its depth.  
4.6 Procedure A is performed on concrete that is air dry as high surface moisture content may affect the results.  
4.7 Procedure B is applicable to a concrete plate resting on a subgrade of soil, gravel, permeable asphalt concrete, or lea...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers procedures for determining the thickness of concrete slabs, pavements, bridge decks, walls, or other plate-like structure using the impact-echo method.  
1.2 The following two procedures are covered in this test method:  
1.2.1 Procedure A: P-Wave Speed Measurement—This procedure measures the time it takes for the P-wave generated by a short-duration, point impact to travel between two transducers positioned a known distance apart along the surface of a structure. The P-wave speed is calculated by dividing the distance between the two transducers by the travel time.  
1.2.2 Procedure B: Impact-Echo Test—This procedure measures the frequency at which the P-wave generated by a short-duration, point impact is reflected between the parallel (opposite) surfaces of a plate. The thickness is calculated from this measured frequency and the P-wave speed obtained from Procedure A.  
1.2.3 Unless specified otherwise, both Procedure A and Procedure B must be performed at each point where a thickness determination is made.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 14-Jun-2015
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Drafting Committee: C09.64 - Nondestructive and In-Place Testing

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: C1383 − 15
Standard Test Method for
Measuring the P-Wave Speed and the Thickness of
1
Concrete Plates Using the Impact-Echo Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1383; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers procedures for determining the
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
thickness of concrete slabs, pavements, bridge decks, walls, or
gregates
other plate-like structure using the impact-echo method.
C597 Test Method for Pulse Velocity Through Concrete
1.2 The following two procedures are covered in this test
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
method:
1.2.1 Procedure A: P-Wave Speed Measurement—This pro- 3. Terminology
cedure measures the time it takes for the P-wave generated by
3.1 Definitions:
a short-duration, point impact to travel between two transduc-
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer
ers positioned a known distance apart along the surface of a
to Terminology C125 and Terminology E1316.
structure. The P-wave speed is calculated by dividing the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
distance between the two transducers by the travel time.
3.2.1 acoustic impedance, n—the product of P-wave speed
1.2.2 Procedure B: Impact-Echo Test—This procedure mea-
and density that is used in computations of characteristics of
sures the frequency at which the P-wave generated by a
stress wave reflection at boundaries.
short-duration, point impact is reflected between the parallel
3.2.2 P-wave, n—the dilatational (longitudinal or primary)
(opposite) surfaces of a plate. The thickness is calculated from
stress wave that causes particle displacement parallel to the
this measured frequency and the P-wave speed obtained from
direction of wave propagation: this wave produces normal
Procedure A.
stresses (tensile or compressive) as it propagates.
1.2.3 Unless specified otherwise, both Procedure A and
3.2.3 P-wave speed, n—the speed with which the P-wave
ProcedureBmustbeperformedateachpointwhereathickness
propagates through a semi-infinite solid.
determination is made.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—The P-wave speed is the same as the
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
compressional pulse velocity measured according to Test
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
Method C597.
standard. 3,4
3.2.4 apparent P-wave speed in a plate , n—a wave speed
that is equal to 0.96 of the P-wave speed:
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
C 5 0.96 C (1)
p, plate p
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
where:
as requirements of the standard.
C = the apparent P-wave speed in a plate, m/s, and
p, plate
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
C = the P-wave speed in concrete that is obtained from
p
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Procedure A, m/s.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
1 3
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Sansalone, M. and Streett, W.B., Impact-Echo: Nondestructive Evaluation of
Concrete and ConcreteAggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee Concrete and Masonry, Bullbrier Press, Ithaca, NY and Jersey Shore, PA, 1997.
4
C09.64 on Nondestructive and In-Place Testing. Sansalone, M., Lin, J. M., and Streett, W. B., “A Procedure for Determining
Current edition approved June 15, 2015. Published September 2015. Originally P-wave Speed in Concrete for Use in Impact-Echo Testing Using P-wave Speed
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as C1383 – 04 (2010). MeasurementTechnique,” ACI Journal,Vol. 94, No. 6, November–December 1997,
DOI: 10.1520/C1383-15. pp. 531–539.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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C1383 − 15
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C1383 − 15
3.2.4.1 Discussion—This wave
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C1383 − 04 (Reapproved 2010) C1383 − 15
Standard Test Method for
Measuring the P-Wave Speed and the Thickness of
1
Concrete Plates Using the Impact-Echo Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1383; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This test method covers procedures for determining the thickness of concrete slabs, pavements, bridge decks, walls, or other
plate-like structure using the impact-echo method.
1.2 The following two procedures are covered in this test method:
1.2.1 Procedure A: P-Wave Speed Measurement—This procedure measures the time it takes for the P-wave generated by a
short-duration, point impact to travel between two transducers positioned a known distance apart along the surface of a structure.
The P-wave speed is calculated by dividing the distance between the two transducers by the travel time.
1.2.2 Procedure B: Impact-Echo Test—This procedure measures the frequency at which the P-wave generated by a
short-duration, point impact is reflected between the parallel (opposite) surfaces of a plate. The thickness is calculated from this
measured frequency and the P-wave speed obtained from Procedure A.
1.2.3 Unless specified otherwise, both Procedure A and Procedure B must be performed at each point where a thickness
determination is made.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
C597 Test Method for Pulse Velocity Through Concrete
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 acoustic impedance, n—the product of P-wave speed and density that is used in computations of characteristics of stress
wave reflection at boundaries.
3.1.2 amplitude spectrum, n—a plot of relative amplitude versus frequency that is obtained from the waveform using a Fourier
transform technique.
3.1.3 Fourier transform, n—a numerical technique used to convert digital waveforms from the time domain to the frequency
domain.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.64 on
Nondestructive and In-Place Testing.
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2010June 15, 2015. Published March 2011September 2015. Originally approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 20042010
as C1383C1383 – 04 (2010).–04. DOI: 10.1520/C1383-04R10.10.1520/C1383-15.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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C1383 − 15
The peaks in the amplitude spectrum correspond to the dominant frequencies in the waveform.
3.1.4 impact-echo method, n—a send-receive nondestructive test method based on the use of a short-duration mechanical impact
to generate transient stress waves and the use of a broadband receiving transducer placed adjacent to the impact point.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—
Waveforms are converted to the frequency domain and the resulting amplitude spectra are analyzed to obtain the dominant
frequencies in the structure’s response to the impact. These frequencies are used to determine the thickness of the structure or the
presence of flaws.
3.1.5 impact duration, n—the time that the impactor used to generate stress wav
...