Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a method of inspecting and evaluating the integrity of materials or structures without causing dam- age to the object being tested. The purpose of NDT is to detect defects, discontinuities, or other imperfections in the material or structure that may affect its performance or safety. NDT techniques rely on various physical principles such as sound waves, electro- magnetic waves, and radiation to detect and analyze the properties of the material or structure.
Examples of NDT techniques include:
1. Rebound Hammer Test :
Rebound Hammer Test:-The rebound hammer test is a non- destructive testing method that is commonly used to assess the compressive strength of concrete. The test involves striking the surface of the concrete with a spring-loaded hammer and then measuring the rebound of the hammer.
During the test, the hammer is pressed against the concrete surface, and a spring is compressed. When the spring is released, the hammer bounds and the distance of the rebound is measured by a
scale or gauge. The rebound value is then compared to a calibration chart to estimate the compressive strength of the concrete.
2. Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) Test :
UPV Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) is a non-destructive testing method that is used to assess the quality and integrity of concrete. The test involves sending ultrasonic pulses through the concrete and measuring the time it takes for the pulse to travel from one point to another.
During the test, a pair of transducers are placed on the surface of concrete, and one transducer emits an ultrasonic pulse while the other the
receives the pulse. The time taken for the pulse to travel between the two transducers is measured and recorded.
3. Half-cell potential test :
The half-cell potential test is a non-destructive testing method that is commonly used to assess the corrosion risk of steel reinforcement in concrete structures. The test involves measuring the electrical potential difference between a steel electrode (half-cell) and a reference electrode embedded in the concrete. During the test, the half-cell electrode is placed on the surface of the concrete, and a wire is connected to a voltmeter to measure the electrical potential difference between the half-cell and the reference electrode.
4. Carbonation Test:
The carbonation test is a non-destructive testing method that is commonly used to assess the quality and durability of concrete. The test involves measuring the depth of carbonation in the surface of the concrete, which is an indication of the level of carbon dioxide penetration into the concrete.
5. Core Cutting and Compressive Strength Test:
Extracting the concrete core samples at select locations from RCC mem- bers of the structure covered under study and evaluating the properties fck value, grade of concrete in the laboratory from the core samples selected as per IS 456:2000; IS516: 1959; IS 1199:2002; ASTM C-42, Without en-
countering any steel reinforcement from the RCC members at specified lo- cations by site in-charge with portable power driven diamond core cutting equipment.
6. Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge:
An ultrasonic thickness gauge test is a non-destructive testing method used to measure the thickness of a material, typically metals, plastics, and composites. The test uses high-frequency sound waves that are transmitted through the material and detected on the opposite side of the object.
7. Vibration Test:
To measure Structural Displacement, Acceleration (Vibration) under the given loading condition.
8. Flat Jack Test:
It is also known as Flat Jacking, is a non-destructive testing method used to measure the strength and stability of concrete or masonry structures. The test involves installing one or more flat jacks, which are hydraulic devices that consist of a flat metal plate or bladder that is inserted into a thin cut made in the structure.
9. Cut and Pull out (CAPO):
It is a non-destructive testing method used to determine the in- situ compressive strength of concrete structures. The test involves drilling a cylindrical hole into the concrete, and then inserting a steel rod into the hole. The steel rod is then loaded using a hydraulic jack, and the load is gradually increased until the concrete fails, causing the steel rod to pull out of the hole. The maximum load applied to the steel rod is recorded, along with the diameter and depth of the drilled hole.
10. Chemical Test ( Sulphate / Chloride Content/PH):
To determine percentage of chloride/ Sulphate content in concrete and testing PH Value of concrete .such as sulphate, chloride content, and pH are important tests used to evaluate the quality and durability of concrete. Sulphate content testing is used to measure the amount of Sulphate present in concrete, which can lead to sulphate attack and cause concrete to deteriorate over time. Chloride content testing is used to measure the amount of chlorides in concrete, which can cause corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete structures.
Sulphate content testing is used to measure the amount of sulphate present in concrete, which can lead to sulphate attack and cause concrete to deteriorate over time. Chloride content testing is used to measure the amount of chlorides in concrete, which can cause corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete structures.
11. Rebar Location & Cover Meter Test:
Used to Specify the Location of Reinforcement Bars in Concrete and Deter- mine the Exact Concrete Cover provided to reinforcement. tests are non destructive testing methods used to determine the location and depth of steel reinforcement (rebar) in concrete structures. These tests are important in assessing the structural integrity of the concrete and ensuring that the rebar is properly positioned to provide adequate reinforcement.
12. Drone Camera Inspection:
To inspect the inaccessible structures like Transmission Towers, Chimneys, Bridges, Tall structures, Multistore buildings etc.
13. Under Water Inspection/Test:
To identify source of the leakages and dampness place by using underway ter test. This measure moisture percentage.
14. Ground Penetrating Radar Test:
To locate defects in the underground structures, Locate underground objects, Utilities by using high frequency radio waves.
15. Magnetic Particle Inspection of welding:
For detecting surface discontinuities such as crack which are impossible to see with the naked eye.
16. Liquid Dye Penetrant Testing:
To detect surface cracks, leak detection by using dye penetrants especially for Members of non-magnetic materials such as aluminum
17. Ultrasonic Inspection of Metal Members:
To detects both surface and sub-surface flaws in metal members which are not detected by other methods.
18. Industrial Radiography Inspection:
To detect microscopic internal flaws such as cracks, porosity, blow- holes, non-metallic inclusions, incomplete root penetration and undercutting in Metal Structural Members by using x-ray.
19. Geotechnical Investigation:
It is a process of assessing the physical properties of soil and rock in order to understand their behavior under different conditions. It involves a range of techniques and tests to determine the characteristics of the soil and rock, such as their strength, permeability, and compressibility.
Geotechnical investigations are typically performed in order to pro- vide information for the design and construction of civil engineering projects such as buildings, bridges, tunnels, dams, and highways. The investigations can be used to determine the feasibility of a project, as well as the types of foundations and other structures that may be required to support the project.
The investigation typically involves drilling boreholes and taking soil and rock samples, which are then analyzed in a laboratory. In addition to laboratory tests, in-situ testing may also be performed to obtain information about the soil and rock properties in their natural state. The results of a geotechnical investigation can be used to develop a geotechnical report, which provides detailed information about the soil and rock proper- ties, as well as recommendations for the design and construction of the project. This in- formation is used by engineers and contractors to ensure that the project is designed and constructed in a safe and efficient manner, and to minimize the risk of unforeseen issues such as subsidence, landslides, or foundation failure KBPCES integrates technology-driven solutions for repair and rehabilitation to make any structures stronger and last longer. KBPCES is recognized as the leader in developing innovative repair and rehabilitation solutions to the most challenging structural problems with a reputation for quality, client satisfaction.