Ultrasonic Guided Wave Testing of Concrete Anchor Penetrations

The ultrasonic guided wave technique has garnered widespread acceptance as an effective tool for screening inaccessible lengths of pipe. It is quickly becoming the technique of choice for lengths of pipe that could not otherwise be evaluated. This paper discusses the technique as it applies to the screening of short segments of piping that are encased within concrete blocks. Actual field data is presented and compared to a number of cases where the concrete anchor has been removed and the indications noted from the guided wave data have been confirmed. This paper goes further to discuss lessons learned with respect to the need for adequate performance procedures, and also highlights the experience gained on ambient temperature effects on the data quality.