NDT in Underwater Concrete

RAIL VIKAS NIGAM LIMITED
KNOWLEDGE ENHANCEMENT
NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF UNDERWATER
CONCRETE STRUCTURES
Contribution: Karthick.PM Date: 16-04-2022
 Non-destructive testing (NDT) is performed on underwater concrete structures

as a part of structural investigation, routine preventive maintenance programs, or
examinations prompted by an accident or catastrophic event. Some of the
underwater concrete NDT techniques include sounding, echo sounders, side-scan
sonar, etc.
Inspection of Underwater Concrete Structures
 This article discusses the NDT techniques and instruments used for underwater
concrete investigation.
1. SOUNDING TECHNIQUE
 Sounding is one of the elementary NDT methods used in construction. In this

method, soundings (data collected from sounding) are taken by striking the
concrete surface. The technique locates the internal voids or delamination of the
concrete cover.
 An overall condition of the concrete surface is derived from the soundings
obtained. The results are qualitative, but it is rapid and economical. As the test is
conducted underwater, the ability to detect sounds by inspection is reduced.
2. MAGNETIC REINFORCING BAR LOCATOR
 A magnetic reinforcing bar locator or pachometer determines the location of

reinforcing bars in concrete, the depth of concrete cover, and the size of
reinforcing bars. The pachometers can be are modified for underwater use.
3. IMPACT HAMMER
 A standard impact hammer (ASTM C 805) modified for underwater use is

employed for rapid surveys to determine the surface hardness of concrete. The
readings obtained are generally higher compared to dry conditions. Hence, it is
required to redesign the hammer for underwater uses. The readings obtained are
normalized to eliminate the effect of higher underwater readings.
4. ULTRASONIC PULSE VELOCITY
 In this method, the time of transmission of a pulse of energy through a known

distance of concrete is determined. The results obtained depend on the aggregate
content and rebar location. The use of ultrasonics help assess the condition of the
concrete structures.
Ultrasonic Testing of Underground Concrete Structures

Image Credits: Seaward Marine
5. ECHO SOUNDERS
 Echo sounders or fathometers are used for underwater rehabilitation work using
tremie concrete. It is used to fill the voids in the concrete and confirm the level
of the tremie pipe in the tremie concrete.
 An echo sounder consists of a transducer that sends high-frequency sound waves
through the water until it strikes the surface and reflects. Then, the echo sounder
device measures the transit time of these waves and calculates the water depth.
7. RADAR
 Radars are used to study the condition of the concrete upto 30 inches in thickness.
It determines delaminations, deteriorations, cracks, and voids. The radar can also
detect any inherent changes within the materials.
8. UNDERWATER ACOUSTIC PROFILERS
 Standard acoustic techniques find it difficult to accurately map and check for
erosion and faulting of submerged structures. Hence, acoustic profiling is a
technique used to map underwater structures.
 The acoustic profiling technique is similar to commercial depth sounders or echo
sounders but provides greater accuracy.
 NDT technologies, along with experienced professionals and specialized tools,
are reliable methods for detecting and defining the extent of erosion-corrosion in
difficult and inaccessible parts of underwater structures.
9. ROV BELUGA
 ROV Beluga was deployed to undertake Bathymetric survey/3D Scanning at a

bridge to check the river bed for scoring & silt deposition.
 Planys provided the bathymetry data in 2D & 3D plots on Planys digital
dashboard.
 Planys recently concluded underwater inspection for 30+ railway bridges across
South-Western India.
 Unmanned robotic inspection was preferred over traditional locations and
Prescence of crocodiles.
 A comprehensive digital report was presented on the planys analytics dashboard.
 All defects found were quantified and categorised based on severity.
 This digital reporting allowed the stakeholders to interpret data quickly and saved
lots of interpretation time.
 This also allowed them to take data driven decision for repair thus savings costs
and prioritising more critical bridges suitability.
What are echo sounders in NDT testing of underwater structures?
An echo sounder consists of a transducer that sends high-frequency sound waves

through the water until it strikes the surface and reflects. Then, the echo sounder device
measures the transit time of these waves and calculates the water depth.
What is the purpose of a magnetic reinforcing bar locator?
A magnetic reinforcing bar locator or pachometer determines the location of reinforcing

bars in concrete, the depth of concrete cover, and the size of reinforcing bars.
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RAIL VIKAS NIGAM LIMITED

 Non-destructive testing (NDT) is performed on underwater concrete structures

Inspection of Underwater Concrete Structures

 Sounding is one of the elementary NDT methods used in construction. In this

2. MAGNETIC REINFORCING BAR LOCATOR

 A magnetic reinforcing bar locator or pachometer determines the location of

 A standard impact hammer (ASTM C 805) modified for underwater use is

4. ULTRASONIC PULSE VELOCITY

 In this method, the time of transmission of a pulse of energy through a known

Ultrasonic Testing of Underground Concrete Structures

 ROV Beluga was deployed to undertake Bathymetric survey/3D Scanning at a

What are echo sounders in NDT testing of underwater structures?

An echo sounder consists of a transducer that sends high-frequency sound waves

What is the purpose of a magnetic reinforcing bar locator?

A magnetic reinforcing bar locator or pachometer determines the location of reinforcing

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