Olson Instruments NDE-360 User manual

IMPACT ECHO (IE)
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S
SY YS ST TE EM M R RE EF FE ER RE EN NC CE E M MA AN NU UA AL L 2 20 00 08 8
IMPACT ECHO TEST
NDE-360
NDE-360 Platform with WinTFS Software Version 2.3

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NOTICES
Errors and Omissions
This document is believed to be accurate, but Olson Instruments, Inc. will not be responsible for
errors or omissions, which may be found. Further, Olson Instruments will not be responsible for any
damages resulting from any errors or omissions.
Proprietary Information
This document, as well as all software written by Olson Instruments, Inc., is proprietary to Olson
Instruments, Inc. This manual may not be sold, reproduced, or used with any other product other than the
Olson Instruments Impact Echo system unless approved by Olson Instruments, Inc. Further, this manual
and the accompanying software may not be used by any party other than the original purchaser without
prior approval of Olson Instruments, Inc.
Warranty
(See Sales Contract Documents)
Copyright
Copyright 2008 by Olson Instruments, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the
above named copyright holder.
Written by:
Olson Instruments, Inc.
12401 W. 49th Avenue
Wheat Ridge, Colorado, USA 80033-1927
Ofc: 303/423-1212
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Revised: April 2008

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The Olson Instruments Impact Echo (IE) system is commonly 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.
When used for quality assurance, forensic testing, and condition evaluation of structures, the IE test with
the NDE-360 system is a powerful, easy to handle and operate tool in verifying structure integrity,
locating defects and determining thickness of the structure. The IE test with the NDE-360 system allows
the user to collect data easily and fast by a single operator with the light handheld device platform and a
touch screen feature to operate the system.
The NDE-360 system with the IE test consists of several basic components. These components include
the 4 channel NDE-360 platform for data acquisition, analysis and display, an IE head with automated
solenoid and a displacement transducer, and cables. Details of the hardware and its usage are included in
Section 2.0.
The Windows WinTFS software is a post data analysis program with a number of specialized IE analysis
tools built-in. This manual covers step-by-step hardware assembly, software setup, data acquisition, data
analysis, and output generation.
This operation manual for the IE test with the NDE-360 system manufactured by Olson Instruments
includes all required instruction for the use of the hardware and software included with the system. Also
included at the end of the manual is a troubleshooting guide for the system to help overcome any
problems experienced or answer any questions. If any problems with the system appear that are not
covered in this manual, please call Olson Instruments at the number included in the front of this manual.
Note that training in the use of the system by Olson Instruments personnel is recommended for the most
effective operation of this system.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Organization and Scope of Manual

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Impact Echo (IE) – IE investigations are performed to assess the condition of slabs, beams, columns,
walls, pavements, runways, tunnels, and dams. Voids, honeycomb, cracks, delaminations and other
damage in concrete, wood, stone, and masonry materials can be found utilizing the IE method. IE
investigations are also performed to predict the strength of early age concrete if the member thickness is
known and to measure the thickness of structural members. An advantage of the IE method over the
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) method is that only one side of the structure needs to be accessible for
testing. In addition, the IE method will provide information on the depth of a flaw or defect, in addition
to mapping its lateral location and extent. For large area investigations such as slabs, bridge decks,
beams, pipes, etc. where shallow voids or delaminations are of primary concern, Olson Instruments
manufacturers an IE Scanner, which can record data at 1 to 2 inch increments for an entire scan path. IE
Scanning is used in locating post-tensioning (PT) cables used in reinforcing various structures and
determining duct grout condition. The scanning technology allows tracing of the PT cables through slabs
and beams. The scanning device application of the IE method was developed by Olson Instruments and is
a patented technology. For simple investigations on slabs, pipes, or walls where the overall thickness is
the primary concern, a hand-held NDE360 with an Impact Echo option will quickly and easily provides
the thickness of an unknown concrete member.
The IE tests involved impacting the concrete/masonry member with an impactor solenoid and identifying
the reflected wave energy with a displacement transducer as shown in the figure below. Note that the
solenoid impactor and a displacement transducer are built in the IE head. The test head was pressed
against the top of the tested member and held while tests were performed at each test point. The resonant
echoes of the displacement responses are usually not apparent in the time domain, but are more easily
identified in the frequency domain. Consequently, amplitude spectra of the displacement responses are
calculated by performing a Fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis to determine the resonant echo peak(s).
The relationship among the resonant echo depth frequency peak (f), the compression wave velocity (VP)
and the echo depth (D) is expressed in the following equation:
D = βVp/(2*f) (1)
where βis a geometric shape factor equal to from 0.8 for a
pier/column shape to 0.96 for a slab/wall shape. A slab/wall
shape has a single thickness resonance while beam and
column shapes have multiple resonances due to their cross-
sectional shape.
1.2 Test Methodology

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The IE system with the NDE-360 platform consists of several
basic components packaged into a padded carrying case. The
padded case stores the NDE-360 data acquisition platform,
power supply, battery charger, accelerometer, hammer, grease,
and cables. A description of each of these components as well
as their connection and operation is included in the following
sections.
Component Name QTY Description
1) Olson Instruments NDE-360
Platform
1 Platform for data acquisition, analysis
and display of IE time domain data
2) IE Test Head
1 The test head includes an automated
solenoid impactor and a displacement
transducer
3) IE Cable
1 To connect the IE head and the NDE-
360
2.0 HARDWARE
2.1 Hardware Component Listing

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Component Name QTY Description
4) Power Supply
1 Power supply for the NDE-360
platform.
5) Charger
1 Battery charger must be connected to
the power supply on one end and the
NDE-360 on the other end
6) Card Reader and Compact Flash
Card
1 To transfer the IE data files to the
analysis computer

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Battery Charging:The power supply (Item 4) must be plugged into the charger (Item 5) only. Then the
charger (Item 5) must be connected to the NDE-360 system.
Location of Battery: The panel housing the battery is located on the back of the NDE-360 system.
Move the switch to remove the battery cover if battery needs to be replaced.
2.2 Basic Components and Maintenance of NDE-360 Platform
Power Supply
Charger
NDE-360 System
Power Supply
Charger
NDE-360 System
Time required for a fully charge of batt
ery is 8 hours.
Fully charged
battery will power the NDE-360 system for 8 – 10 hours.
Battery PanelBattery PanelBattery Panel

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Channel Arrangement: The NDE-360 system is equipped with 4 channels. There are two 4 pin
connectors per each channel. Channel 1 is located on the right hand side if facing the front screen of the
NDE-360 system. In this case, the IE test uses the Impact Echo Channel. Thus four 4 pins channel will
not be used for the IE test.
Do not expose the NDE
-
360 system or the battery to water.
Impact Echo Channel
Ch 1
Ch 2
Ch 3
Ch 4
Wideband Channels
Highpass Channels
Channels used for other tests such as Sonic Echo
Impact Echo Channel
Ch 1
Ch 2
Ch 3
Ch 4
Wideband Channels
Highpass Channels
Channels used for other tests such as Sonic Echo

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Data Storage: A compact flash card is used to store the IE data files. In addition, the master program
controlling the IE test is stored in the compact flash card. The system must start up with the compact
flash secured in place. The card should be located on the left side of the NDE-360 system if looking at
the front screen.
NDE-360 Operation Notes: The NDE-360 system is a self-contained data conditioning, collection,
basic processing and data display platform usable for a number of types of NDT tests. The system was
designed to make it user friendly and easy to handle and operate by a single operator. The main screen
can be navigated using a touch screen feature.
Compact Flash CardCompact Flash Card
If the compact flash card is missing from the system, the system will not allow
the test to continue. Do not remove the compact flash card while the system is
turned on.
Never impact the screen with any sharp object!

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1. Connect the cable (Item 3) to the IE head (Item 2) by aligning the pin on the cable with the
corresponding hole in the IE head
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the IE Channel on the NDE-360
3. The picture below shows a complete hardware setup for the IE test.
2.3 Hardware Setup

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4. The picture below shows the complete IE system with the IE head on top of a concrete cylinder
(ready to acquire data). Note that the concrete cylinder is not included in the system.

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1. Turn on the NDE-360 system (with the hardware in Section 2.0 connected). Make sure that
the compact flash card is secured in place. The master software to run the system is located
in the compact flash card. Press on the “Continue” button on the upper right corner of the
screen. If the compact flash card is not in place, the “Continue” button will not appear on the
screen.
3.0 IE DATA ACQUISITION
Press on this button to continue
Press on this button to turn on the system
Press on this button to continue
Press on this button to turn on the system
If the continue button disappears from the screen, turn off the system and
insert the compact flash card in place and turn the system on again.

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2. Press on the “IE” option. The option included in the unit may be different depending on the
order. The picture below shows the screen with IE and UPV (Ultra Sonic Pulse Velocity)
options.
Click on the IE OptionClick on the IE Option

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3. The system is ready to acquire data. In the IE test, the initial gain will be automatically set to
100. This is a good value for most of the IE test. However, if higher gain is required, simply
press on the + button of the gain for Ch 1.
4. The system is loaded with a default parameter that is applicable for most of the IE tests.
However, if the parameters need to be adjusted, press the Param buttom. In the parameter
setup screen, the user can change the following parameters by touching the button to toggle
the value. Touch the “Back” button after the parameter setup is complete.
•Change Date/Time. This option allows the user to enter the correct date and time of testing
•Time/Point or Sampling Rate means how often (in time domain) the system will acquire data
points within a given data trace. In the case shown in the picture below, the Time/Point was set at
20 microseconds. This means the system will acquire data at 20 microsecond intervals. This
parameter can not be changed after the data was taken.
•Points Per Record is number of sampling points for each waveform. The higher this value, the
more data is acquired in each waveform. The total time of a record is affected by both the
Sample Rate and the Record Size. This parameter can not be changed after the data was taken.
•Velocity. The software uses this velocity to calculate the thickness echo. If velocity calibration
is not possible, a typical concrete velocity of 12,000 ft/sec may be used as a default. This
parameter can be changed later in the post data analysis.

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•# Recs. Number of Record is a total number of IE data records you want to save. This parameter
can not be changed after the data was taken.
•Pre-Trigger is number of points before the triggering point that data collection starts. This
parameter must be 0 for the IE test. This parameter can not be changed after the data was taken.
•Trigger Level %is the minimum signal amplitude (in terms of percentage full scale) to trigger
data acquisition. In this case, the trigger level was set at 6%. Therefore, the system will start
acquiring data once the absolute amplitude of the signal exceeds 0.6 volt. This parameter can not
be changed after the data was taken.
•Channel Setup. For the IE test, only one channel (connected to the IE head) will be used. Ch 1
must be turned on for the IE test and this cannot be changed.
•Sol. This value can be “on” or “off”. If the solenoid is on, the system will use the solenoid in the
IE head as a source. If this value is off, the system will wait for the external hammer as a source.
•Sol Time. This is the time to drive the solenoid. The default value is 12 us. However, this value
may need to be higher for the underside or underwater testing.

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5. The filename arrangement of the NDE-360 uses a fixed prefix of letters and a suffix of
number. The prefix can be set at the beginning of any test. If the prefix is not changed, a
higher suffix number will be added to the current prefix for the new filename. To change the
prefix, press on the “Files” button and press number 5 and then number 1. Then a virtual
keyboard will appear on the screen and the user can change the prefix part of the filename.
Press the “A” button on either side to accept the new prefix of the filename.
6. After the parameter setup is complete press the “Back” button to return. Now the system is
ready to take the IE data. Push the IE test head on the tested member and press “Test” button
to acquire the IE data.
Accept ButtonAccept Button

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7. If the solenoid mode is on, the NDE-360 system will fire the solenoid inside the IE head and
the displacement transducer in the IE head will record the data. If the solenoid mode is off,
hit the external hammer on the structure next to the IE head (or accelerometer). The screen
below shows the spectrum of the time domain data acquired from a 5 in concrete cylinder.
Press “A” button
8. Repeat Step 7 until all the records are collected.
9. After all the records are collected. Press “2” to save the data or “1” to exit without saving.
10. To perform more IE tests, repeat Steps 7 – 9.
11. The data can be recalled in the NDE-360 system by pressing the “File” button on the main
screen and then select Option 2.
12. The data files on the compact flash card can be moved to the analysis computer for post-data
analysis.
To accept the dataTo accept the data

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This section covers step-by-step instructions for post data analysis and output generation for the Windows
WinTFS software.
1. Prerequisite software (NIDAQ version 7.4 or higher) prior to installing the WinTFS software is
required. The NIDAQ drivers can be located in the enclosed CD or downloaded at:
http://joule.ni.com/nidu/cds/view/p/id/319/lang/en
If retrieving files from the web, download the file named NIDAQmx8.1.ZIP. Unzip the file and
install the NIDAQ program. Note that an account (free of charge) may be required to proceed to
the download page.
2. Uninstall the previous version or delete “c:\program
files\olsoninstruments\WinTFS\WinTFS.exe” if the older file exists
3. Run “Setup.exe” from the Olson Instruments install CD
4. Follow the default setup
5. After finishing the installation, the “WinTFS.exe” file will be found on: drive C:\Program
Files\Olson Instruments\WinTFS\ . The shortcut to the WinTFS.exe can be located on the
desktop/
For updates to software, the only file that is necessary is the WinTFS.exe file. This file must be copied
into the C:\Program Files\Olson Instruments\WinTFS directory. If not, the shortcut on the desktop
references the old version of WinTFS. Simply replace the existing WinTFS.exe by copying and pasting
the new version into the directory.
The followings are steps to uninstall the WinTFS Software
1. Click on Start/Settings/Control Panel
Failing to install the p
rerequisites will result in an error when running the
WinTFS software
4
.0
WinTFS Software
4.1
WinTFS Software Installation
Failing to uninstall the previous version of the WinTFS software will prevent
the installation of the new version
4.2
Software Updates
4.3
Software Uninstallation

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2. Select “Add/Remove Programs”
3. Highlight WinTFS, select “Remove”
4. The uninstall process will begin automatically, removing all installed components including the
shortcut.
If the WinTFS software is executed for the first time, the program detects missing software key
(OlsonWinTFSKey.dat). The program will display a warning that the software key file is missing and
will only enable two options on the main menu. Select the “Software Key” button and then enter the
software key attached to the case of the installation disk. Exit the software and restart the software.
Now the software will detect missing parameter file and then will automatically generate a default file.
The user will notice an applet shown below for the type of acquisition card. Select “No data Acquisition
Card” option to continue.
4.4
First Time Executing the WinTFS Software

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1. Read the Data file: To read the data file, go to File/Read Data from NDE-360 and select the
filename to analyze.
2. Accept or Reject Data: The IE time domain raw data will appear on the top trace of the plot. The
second trace shows a spectrum of the data from the top trace. The third trace shows a spectrum
from an average of data. Click on “Accept” or “Reject” button to either include or exclude the
current record on the screen.
4.5
Data Analysis