Impact Echo Scanning

Impact Echo Scanning (IES) investigations are performed on large structural members with smooth concrete where shallow voids, honeycomb, cracking or delaminations are of primary concern.

The Impact Echo Scanning (IES) system is designed for large area investigations of shallow voids, debonding/delamination, cracking, or honeycomb often found between an overlay on a bridge deck or surrounding dense rebar mats. IES is commonly used to evaluate post-tensioning (PT) cables used in reinforcing various structures and determining duct grout condition. The scanning technology allows tracing of ungrouted PT cables through slabs and beams. An advantage of the IES method is that only one side of the structure needs to be accessible for testing.

The IES Method is based on the Olson Engineering patented technology of a rolling transducer and automated impactor for near-continuous Impact Echo based thickness and flaw scanning of structural concrete and pavements. Performed at slow walking speeds, test results are obtained every inch (25 mm) in a line and multiple lines can be combined for 2-D to 3-D displays of concrete thickness and locations of internal void, honeycomb, cracking, delamination, etc. The scanning method is capable of determining bottom echo thicknesses up to ~ 24inches (0.6 m).

Applicable On:
  • Beams
  • Bridge Decks
  • Columns
  • Dams
  • Pavements
  • Pipes
  • Post-Tensioned Ducts
  • Runways
  • Slabs
  • Tunnels
  • Walls
Test For:
  • Cracks
  • Delaminations
  • Honeycomb
  • Thickness
  • Voids
Meets ASTM:
  • ASTM C1383-04
Meets ACI:
  • N/A

Key Features & Specifications

Thickness accuracy ± 2% at high resolution when
calibrated on a known thickness		 No coupling agents required for use of test head on concrete
Thousands of tests can be performed per hour when “imaging” of internal concrete conditions is required Works on cured, hardened concrete in air or on grade
System is compact, durable, and easily transported
allowing for multiple tests per day		 Works through paint and most types of bonded tile
Real-time waveform display while testing Easy velocity calibration at known thickness
Software allows for more sophisticated processing Thickness maps are easily constructed from data
English or Metric units can be used

Hands-on training is available for all of our NDE test methods at our Wheat Ridge, Colorado (USA) location, which is a suburb located approximately 15 minutes northwest of downtown Denver. Training may be available at your location by one of our agents/engineers upon special arrangement.

Save money! Contact Olson when adding on to an existing system, or purchasing multiple systems as some of the components are common to other test methods.

For complete details about any of our products, call our toll free number at 1-888-423-1214 or email Olson Instruments:

➤