Thickness & Flaw Detection
The Impact Echo (IE) method is used for rapid flaw detection and thickness evaluation of concrete and masonry structural materials. The method is normally applied to plate-like objects such as slabs and walls, but is also used on columns, mat foundations, and beams. The method requires access to only one side for testing, and can measure not only flaw location, but also depth. This method is used extensively for slab thickness profiling without the need to drill, core or excavate.
A variation of the impact echo principle for use on large areas and for high resolution imaging is the Impact Echo Scanning (IES) method. 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.
Literally thousands of tests can be performed per hour when "imaging" of internal concrete conditions is required. Examples of applications include slab thickness profiling and flaw detection, pavement testing, and for the location of ungrouted sections of post-tensioning ducts in bridge structures. A paper on IES as applied to PT duct void location is available here.
Applicable On:
Floors
Beams
Runways
Tunnels
Dams
Columns
Walls
Pavements
Slabs up to 24 Inches (60 Centimeters) Thick
Test For:
Thickness and Internal Cracks
Voids
Honeycomb
Delaminations




The IE & IES Test Systems
High Data Acquisition
Thousands of tests can be performed per hour when "imaging" of internal concrete conditions is required
Convenience
Only one side of the structure needs to be accessible for testing

Rapid Testing
Rapid flaw detection and thickness evaluation
Testing Specificity
The IE method provides information on the depth of a flaw or defect, in addition to mapping its lateral location and extent
Variety of Materials
This system can be used on concrete, stone, and masonry materials