One of the most important aspects of civil engineering and construction is evaluating the strength of concrete. Ultrasonic concrete strength meters are now necessary instruments for precisely assessing the durability and integrity of concrete structures due to technological advancements. These tools assess the characteristics of concrete using ultrasonic waves, giving accurate results without endangering the substance.
The UKS MG 4c and Pulsar 2.2 are particularly notable among the many ultrasonic concrete strength meters that are available because of their accuracy and user-friendliness. Professionals in the field often choose the UKS MG 4c because of its robust design, user-friendly interface, and advanced features. In a similar vein, users appreciate the Pulsar 2.2’s great accuracy and adaptability, which enable them to swiftly and effectively complete thorough strength assessments.
These two well-known models and other noteworthy ultrasonic concrete strength meters will be reviewed in this article. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these devices contribute to preserving the longevity and safety of concrete structures by examining their features, advantages, and applications. Regardless of your level of experience as an engineer or your interest in construction, this summary will assist you in selecting the best tool for your requirements.
Device | Description |
UKS MG 4c | A robust ultrasonic meter known for its accuracy and reliability in measuring concrete strength. |
Pulsar 2.2 | An advanced model offering high precision and user-friendly features for concrete testing. |
Others | Includes various other models that provide different levels of functionality and accuracy for diverse testing needs. |
- What is the essence of the method?
- For what types of material is it suitable?
- Features and differences of devices
- Pulse echo diagnostics
- Shadow study
- Mirror echo diagnostics method
- Combined method
- TOP-7 models of sclerometers
- UKS MG4S
- UK 1401 Plus
- Pulsar 2.2
- Novotest IPSM-UTD
- A1410 Pulsar
- Concrete-70
- Proceq Pundit Lab
- Pros and cons of equipment
- Average prices
- Useful video
- Video on the topic
- Pneumatic chisel. Pneumatic chisel in GARAGE 8. Comparison of pneumatic chisel 190 and 250
- UKS MG4S
- UKS-MG4S — ultrasonic device for concrete strength control
- Ultrasonic flaw detectors PULSAR-2
- Instructions for use Pulsar 2.1. Measuring concrete strength and crack depth.
What is the essence of the method?
One of the most advanced and trustworthy non-destructive techniques for assessing the strength of concrete structures is ultrasonic flaw detection. Two fundamental techniques for ultrasonic inspection of concrete structures are employed in practice:
- Deep or end-to-end – ultrasonic waves penetrate the entire thickness of the concrete structure, and the indicators are recorded based on the speed of the sound wave. Several iterations are performed during the measurement, each of which gives its own numerical values. Based on the comparison of results after several measurements, a conclusion is issued on the homogeneity of the element.
- Surface – the device is placed directly on the visible plane of a concrete or reinforced concrete structure in several places, which allows you to determine the presence of microcracks or heterogeneity of the material.
The indirect indicators derived from ultrasound study results are then compared with tabular or graphic values that show how strength varies with sound wave passage speed for each repetition.
For what types of material is it suitable?
The following concrete types are laid in the frame structure of a future real estate object using this device:
- Heavy concrete with large aggregate of any class, the age of which has reached 28 days, which corresponds to the standard curing period.
- Light concretes based on cement binder with porous filler.
- Reinforced concrete structural elements of walls, columns, pylons, floors or beams laid in the structure, regardless of the percentage of steel.
When the structure is in an intermediate stage of strength gain, there are instances in which using the ultrasonic diagnostics of concrete method is acceptable.
Under such circumstances, the obtained indicator needs to undergo double interpolation: first, based on the analysis of the hardening schedule results, recalculation of the wave propagation speed into the design strength value, and second, reduction to the actual class.
Features and differences of devices
The design and working principle of devices used for ultrasonic inspection of concrete and reinforced concrete structures vary. There are four primary methods used in construction, and each has unique characteristics of its own:
Pulse echo diagnostics
Based on the closest heterogeneity being reached by an ultrasonic signal propagating through the concrete structure.
The signal returns to a universal device that functions as both a transmitter and a receiver after colliding with an obstruction.
These devices are typically employed with materials that have a fine-grained aggregate fraction of no more than 30 mm.
Pulse echo diagnostics frequently yields an incorrect result when analyzing large structures like foundation slabs or hydraulic structures, the granulometric composition of coarse aggregate in which can reach 70–150 mm.
Shadow study
This approach requires the installation of two independent devices, a transmitter and a receiver, on opposite sides of the structural element. An ultrasonic signal is sent by one device, which travels through a wall, column, or ceiling before being received by the other.
Some of the wave oscillations, which are "lost" when they collide with a heterogeneous structure, vanish, indicating the presence of defects inside the structure.
Mirror echo diagnostics method
There are also two devices used, but they are situated on one side of the building in this instance. If there are any flaws, the ultrasonic wave produced by the transmitter is reflected at a specific angle, and the receiver indicator shows the numerical result.
Combined method
With the exception of the transmitter and receiver being on the same side of the structural element, the flaw detection method is similar to the shadow method. As a result, waves traveling through a homogeneous structure are undetectable, and the receiver records the reflected oscillations.
You can recognize the following categories of structural damage using any of the non-destructive concrete strength testing techniques mentioned above:
- Presence of internal cracks, voids and pores with increased diameter.
- Determination of non-design geometric dimensions of the cross-section of the element.
- Presence of delamination and formation of a heterogeneous structure, for example, with insufficiently intense vibration of the mixture after laying.
- Identification of zones with non-uniform granulometric composition of large and small aggregate.
- Identification of foreign particles inside the concrete that could get into the liquid material before hardening.
Thus, you can obtain a comprehensive image of all current flaws by using the simultaneous application of ultrasonic inspection to multiple areas of the completed structure’s surface.
Typically, a survey is used to compile a defect list, which is then given to the designer for review and decision-making regarding the reinforcement of dubious structures.
TOP-7 models of sclerometers
There are numerous models of high-quality ultrasonic concrete strength measurement tools readily available. Consumer reviews indicate that the following models are the most popular devices:
UKS MG4S
Universal instrument for concrete surface and thorough inspection. featuring a color display for effortless reading. A conclusion based on measurements that is registered in the Russian Federation’s State Register is deemed official.
Enables you to ascertain the UK wave’s speed during a thorough analysis and pinpoints the defect’s location using coordinates.
Featuring an intuitive interface that works with a PC, the measurement outcomes are imported in the form of a spreadsheet. Retail prices range from 80–85 thousand rubles on average.
UK 1401 Plus
Electronic gadget featuring a wide-format indicator that is easy to use. enables you to use both surface and through methods to inspect the structure. It is not necessary to pre-wet the concrete surface before taking readings.
You can assess the strength of both free-standing supports and extended elements, such as walls and ceilings, by placing contact supports in a convenient location.
- columns;
- masts;
- pillars;
- horizontal beams.
Average retail price – from 120-125 thousand. rub.
Pulsar 2.2
Professional apparatus featuring a feature for detecting flaws (display of the obtained results on the screen). With the help of this device, you can locate even the smallest structural flaw in a concrete building, detect it, and have a visual representation of it displayed on the indicator.
Essential when testing concrete structures in lab settings at facilities with strict requirements. Average retail cost: between 135 and 145 thousand rubles.
Novotest IPSM-UTD
A multipurpose ultrasonic instrument that can detect flaws in reinforced masonry and monolithic constructions as well as strength parameters.
Pinpoints depth of location with great accuracy:
- por;
- cracks;
- seals;
- other types of structural disturbances.
Lets you determine the actual age of recently laid concrete. The outcomes are displayed graphically. Retail prices typically range from 60,000 to 70,000 rubles.
A1410 Pulsar
Among the greatest gadgets available. A calibration graph and an automatic analysis of the acquired data are used to carry out strength control.
Strangenesses:
- equipped with a color TFT screen;
- protected from dust;
- built-in processor remembers the last 50 thousand. iterations;
- It is possible to import data in spreadsheets both via a USB cable and via wireless data transfer via Bluetooth.
The typical retail price is between 220-230 thousand rubles.
Concrete-70
It is possible to conduct surveys with the issuance of official conclusions for reinforced concrete structures of any level of responsibility using this State Register-listed tool. Designed to measure the speed at which wave oscillations propagate by scanning a material end to end.
The measurement resolution is less than or equal to 0.1 μs, and the transmitter and receiver are housed in the same housing. Furthermore, extension cables are available for purchase, which greatly expand the device’s measurement range. The average retail price ranges from 92,000 to 97,000 rubles.
Proceq Pundit Lab
An ultrasonic gadget made by a reputable Swiss company. enables remote monitoring, allowing information to be collected remotely and processed in real time on a PC.
Possesses international certifications The measurement range for the USA, EU, and other countries is between 0.1 and 10 thousand μs. regarded as the most precise and advanced gadget available today. Retail prices range from 310 to 320 thousand rubles on average.
Experts in the field advise acquiring metrological apparatus from Russian producers accredited by the state to issue official conclusions. Every piece of equipment needs to go through a routine verification process before a matching certificate is issued.
Pros and cons of equipment
The consumer enjoys the following indisputable benefits when employing devices to measure the true strength of concrete using the ultrasonic method:
- During the measurement, the maximum accuracy of the obtained indicators is achieved, which is comparable to destructive testing.
- A compact device is much cheaper than analogs for determining the strength of the concrete structure using non-destructive methods.
- When performing flaw detection, only ultrasonic exposure is used, which eliminates the risk of radiation or other negative consequences for the user, unlike magnetic devices or radio emitters.
- Classic equipment weighs only 1-3 kg and is supplied in a convenient plastic case, which allows you to easily move it from site to site.
- After testing, the concrete or reinforced concrete structure has no traces of damage, which significantly reduces the cost of restoring the element. For example, when testing using the tear-off method with chipping, local destruction of the structure is observed when pulling out the test anchor, which requires sealing the element, and can also be accompanied by a decrease in strength.
However, using this device comes with a number of subjective drawbacks in addition to its benefits:
- The concrete structure must gain design strength, be cleaned of dirt and dust, since even the smallest foreign objects can cause significant distortion of the results.
- Before using the device, the concrete surface must be treated with an abrasive to open the pores.
- Before determining the first indicators, it is necessary to treat the concrete structure with a special liquid for free penetration of ultrasonic waves into the structure of the material.
In light of this, the ultrasonic flaw detection method is among the most precise, straightforward, and secure when compared to other techniques for analyzing the components of the structure’s supporting frame, despite a few minor drawbacks.
Average prices
As previously mentioned, a variety of ultrasonic concrete strength measurement devices are available on the market. The following retail prices are available for each of the devices on the list at a specialized retail location:
- UKS MG4S – 80-85 thousand. rubles.
- UK 1401 Plus – 120-125 thousand. rubles.
- "Pulsar 2.2" - 135-145 thousand. rubles.
- "NOVOTEST" IPSM-UT D – 65-70 thousand. rubles.
- A1410 "Pulsar" – 220-230 thousand. rubles.
- "Beton-70" – 92-97 thousand. rubles.
- Proceq Pundit Lab – 310-320 thousand. rubles.
Useful video
More details about the subject matter of the article:
The UKS MG 4c and Pulsar 2.2 are two examples of ultrasonic concrete strength meters that are useful instruments for evaluating the durability and integrity of concrete structures. These tools provide non-destructive testing methods that are essential for preserving safety and dependability in engineering and construction projects. They measure the strength and quality of concrete using sound waves.
Professionals often choose the UKS MG 4c because of its remarkable accuracy and user-friendliness. Its sophisticated features and intuitive interface make it possible to get accurate readings even in difficult conditions. In a similar vein, the Pulsar 2.2 is distinguished by its sturdy construction and high sensitivity, which guarantee consistent performance under a range of testing circumstances.
While meeting a range of needs and price points, other ultrasonic meters on the market also provide special advantages. Some models put affordability and basic functionality first, while others concentrate on improved accuracy and advanced features. Every application, from extensive infrastructure projects to small-scale inspections, can be served by one of the many available tools.
In conclusion, ultrasonic concrete strength meters are essential to contemporary building and maintenance techniques. Technological advancements in this field are exemplified by devices like the UKS MG 4c and Pulsar 2.2, which offer dependable, non-invasive testing options. We can anticipate the emergence of even more effective and adaptable tools as technology advances, which will further improve the durability and safety of concrete structures.
A vital tool for evaluating the durability and integrity of concrete structures is an ultrasonic concrete strength meter. This review compares the features, usability, accuracy, and overall performance of popular models such as the UKS MG 4c and Pulsar 2.2. Through our evaluation of these instruments, we hope to offer professionals guidance in selecting the best instrument for their particular requirements, guaranteeing accurate and effective concrete testing across a range of building projects.