Estimating Concrete Quality with Ultra Sonic Surface Waves

This is a case history of a seismic NDE investigation conducted on a high-density, reinforced concrete radiation-shielding wall around the X-Ray room of a newly constructed hospital addition. The study presents the findings of the seismic investigation and contains an assessment on the presence of voids or other areas of potential concern within the wall as well as an estimate of density of the concrete. The methodology was the ultra-sonic surface wave technique using measurements from the Portable Seismic Property Analyzer (PSPA) manufactured by Geomedia Research & Development. Estimates of concrete density were done by drawing from techniques used in well log analysis.