PCE Health and Fitness PCE-HT 224E User manual

PCE Americas Inc.
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PCE Instruments UK Ltd
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United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
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www.pce-instruments.com/english
www.pce-instruments.com
CONCRETE TEST HAMMER
PCE-HT 224E
OPERATION MANUAL

CONTENTS
CONTENTS .........................................................................................................................................................1
1. Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1. Brief Introduction to the Device ............................................................................................................2
1.2. Structure of Concrete Test Hammer ...................................................................................................... 2
1.3. Specification ..........................................................................................................................................4
1.3.1. Mechanical Index of Rebound Apparatus ......................................................................................... 4
1.3.2. Appliance Indexes.............................................................................................................................. 4
1.4. Parameter Specification......................................................................................................................... 4
1.5. Concrete Strength Calculation............................................................................................................... 5
1.5.1. Concrete strength calculation under standard measuring mode...................................................... 5
1.5.2. Calculation of concrete strength under customized measuring mode.............................................. 7
1.6. Operation Procedure ............................................................................................................................. 8
1.6.1. Start to test new components...........................................................................................................8
1.6.2. Testing zone is completed. ................................................................................................................ 8
1.6.3. Test part is completed ....................................................................................................................... 8
1.7. Calibration Test ...................................................................................................................................... 8
2. Button Description..................................................................................................................................... 9
3. Measuring ................................................................................................................................................ 10
3.1. Start measuring ...................................................................................................................................10
3.2. Test mode setup .................................................................................................................................. 10
3.2.1. New project.....................................................................................................................................10
3.2.1.1. Setting part’s name..................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.1.2. Setting the number of test time..................................................................................................11
3.2.1.3. Setting the number of test zone ................................................................................................. 11
3.2.2. Test zone setup................................................................................................................................ 12
3.2.2.1. Setting test angle ........................................................................................................................ 12
3.2.2.2. Setting poured surfaces ..............................................................................................................12
3.2.2.3. Setting carburized depth............................................................................................................. 12
3.2.2.4. Setting strength curve.................................................................................................................14
3.2.3. Re-testing the current zone............................................................................................................. 14
3.2.4. Basic Measuring .............................................................................................................................. 14
3.3. Review data ......................................................................................................................................... 16
3.4. Memory ............................................................................................................................................... 17
3.5. Data transfer........................................................................................................................................ 17
3.6. Function menu.....................................................................................................................................18
3.6.1. Exit...................................................................................................................................................18
3.6.2. Unit setup........................................................................................................................................ 18
3.6.3. Upper-Lower limit setup.................................................................................................................. 18
3.6.4. Rights management ........................................................................................................................18
3.6.5. Power-saving mode setup ............................................................................................................... 20
3.6.6. Date of test setup............................................................................................................................ 20
3.6.7. Counter............................................................................................................................................20
3.6.8. Battery power..................................................................................................................................21
3.6.9. Info of instrument ........................................................................................................................... 22
3.6.10. Calibration................................................................................................................................... 22
3.7. Completion of test zone and test part.................................................................................................22
4. Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................23
5. Introduction of PC software..................................................................................................................... 23
5.1. Connect PC and hammer.....................................................................................................................23
5.2. Driver installation ................................................................................................................................ 23
5.3. Software Installation............................................................................................................................ 23
5.4. Start PC software ................................................................................................................................. 25
Appendix 1- Common Mechanical Failures and Maintenance Methods of Apparatus ................................... 26
Appendix 2 - Conversion table of concrete strength value of test zone.......................................................... 28

1. Overview
1.1. Brief Introduction to the Device
PCE-HT 224E Digital Rebound Apparatus is a product designed according to Technical
Regulations for Concrete Compressive Strength Test by Rebound Method (JGJ/T23-2001)
(hereinafter referred to as Regulations) and developed in order to meet actual
requirements for the field test of concrete compressive strength, applicable to the non-
destructive testing of common concrete compressive strength in all kinds of construction
engineering. It is specifically applicable to the on-site quality sampling inspection by
Engineering Quality Supervision Institutions and Supervising Units, for the compressive
strength test result of the inspected concrete structure can be got immediately; when the
Construction Quality Testing Institution carries out on-site test for real construction objects,
it can further reflect the fairness, scientificity and accuracy of the test, greatly improving
the working efficiency of testing, data processing and inspection report formation.
PCE-HT 224E Digital Rebound Apparatus has the following characteristics: integrated design,
small in size; adopt non-contact optical coupler sense to realize data collection, without
changing the original physical structure of mechanical rebound apparatus, in which way the
optical coupler sensor has no contact nor friction with the mechanical part of rebound
apparatus and thus its service life is extended; inside of the apparatus, national curve and
local curve are provided, can be set optionally by yourself; angle, tested surface, pumping
or not, carbonization depth and other parameters can be set on site; after detecting data
of original value, the original rebound value, testing zone strength value, component overall
strength value and other data of the completed component can be checked immediately;
self-contained access control further reflects the fairness and safety of the test; equipped
with USB data transmission interface, able to transfer data to computer; computer software
saves the test data as Excel format, and reporting format can be created immediately,
simple and convenient for the later software process; memory space of original data are as
much as 1000 components.
1.2. Structure of Concrete Test Hammer
The Concrete Test Hammer is mainly composed of flip system, value-indicating system and
shell component．Its structure is shown in Fig．1． The diagram shows the state that the
impact hammer has finished impact in the test and the pushbutton has locked the
movement，ie．retaining state of resilience value．

Structure of Concrete Hammer
1. Lock nut
2. Trip screw
3. Paw
4. Pin
5. Guide disk
6. Push button
7. Hammer body
8. Housing (downside)
9．Hammer guide bar
10. Hammer mass
11. Guide sleeve
12. Two-part ring
13. Felt washer
14. Impact plunger
15. Cap
16. Retaining spring
17. Impact spring
18. Housing-Aluminum ring
19. Housing (upside)
20. Pointer piece
21. Sensor
22. Pointer block
23. LCD display
24. Circuit
25. Battery
26. Guide rod
27. Buttons
28.Pawl spring
29. Compression spring
30. Rear cover

1.3. Specification
1.3.1. Mechanical Index of Rebound Apparatus
Metrological verification specifications: Verification Regulations of Rebound Apparatus
(JJG_817-2011)
Impact energy: 0.225kgm (2.207J±0.100J), for testing ordinary building and
bridge construction
Rigidity of recoiling tension spring: 785±30.0N/m
Length of pointer: 20.0±0.2mm
Friction of pointer: 0.65±0.15n
Spherical radius of recoiling rod: R25±1.0
Active length of recoiling tension spring: 61.5±0.3mm
Impact length of recoiling rod: 75.0±0.3 mm
Initial bouncing position of recoiling hammer: graduated scale“0”+1
Calibration value on steel anvil: 80±2
Graduating position “100” of shell calibration: overlap with the side of positioning gap
of calibrator cover plate of the rebound apparatus.
Consistency of test indicating value: ≦±1
Operating Temperature: -4ºC-+40ºC
1.3.2. Appliance Indexes
Display screen: high-light blue OLED display screen
Resolution: 256X64
Mass Memory: Maximally can store components: 1000
Maximum number of testing zones:16
Maximum number of test points in a testing zone: 16 times
National unified curve: 1
Customized curve: 2
Battery: can charge high-capacity Li-ion battery
Data interface: Mini-USB interface
Types of sensor: non-contact optical coupler type sensor
Strength unit: Mp, N/mm2, Kgf/ mm2
Communication mode:serial port communication, wireless communication (optional)
1.4. Parameter Specification
Test times (test point), for each test point in each testing zone, according to Regulations,
the test times are 16.
Testing zone, a test unit for testing concrete compressive strength of structure or
component, with an appropriate area no more than 0.04 ㎡.
Equivalent value of concrete strength in testing zone refers to the concrete compressive
strength value of the tested unit calculated based on the average rebound value and
carbonization depth of testing zone via strength-measuring curve.
Test angle, casting surface, if the rebound apparatus is not in horizontal direction or the
tested surface is non-concrete casting side, after setting the test angle and casting surface
respectively, the apparatus can automatically conduct angular correction and casting
surface correction of rebound value.

Carbonization depth: concrete carbonization depth is a kind of chemical corrosion of
concrete, and the process reducing concrete alkalinity is called concrete carbonization.
Carbonization depth value can be obtained according to the relevant methods of
Regulations. When input carbonization depth, only have to input a number between
0.0mm and 6.0mm and then the apparatus can, according to the input carbonization depth
value, calculate the concrete compressive strength value.
Test of pump concrete strength, set the curve as “national-pumping”. According to the
Regulations, the apparatus calculate the corrected value of pump concrete strength and
strength-measuring curve, and the calculated concrete compressive strength value is the
strength value of pump concrete.
Strength-measuring curve, the apparatus has four optional curves in total, “national
standard-pumping”, “national standard-non pumping”, “specific curve 1” and “specific
curve 2”. “National-pumping” curve is a strength-measuring curve formulated according to
national unified curve and corrected value of pump concrete strength. When testing the
concrete compressive strength, shall choose “national standard-pumping” for strength-
measuring curve. “National standard-non pumping” curve is a strength-measuring curve
formulated according to national unified curve. For “specific curve 1” and “specific curve
2”, Test Unit can formulate specific strength-measuring curve for itself according to the
relevant provisions of Regulations, which can be used right after being saved in the
apparatus via equipped software, and the national standard curve is directly preset in the
apparatus.
Strength value displayed by test surface and rebound value at the same time; it is calculated
in a different way from that used for the rebound strength value achieved by completing
testing zone or structure test. According to the set parameters, rebound value is corrected
accordingly, and then the strength result is calculated according to the set curve. The
treatment of average value and taking out the max and min value is not conducted, so this
strength value is only a reference value.
1.5. Concrete Strength Calculation
1.5.1. Concrete strength calculation under standard measuring mode.
Under standard measuring mode, the parameters setting, strength curve and calculating
method of the apparatus all conforms to the relevant provisions of Regulations.
Calculation rules of average rebound value of the testing zone: Each testing zone shall be
at least tested 16 times. After 16 times measurements, take 3 maximum values and 3
minimum values out of the 16 rebound values, and get the average value of the remained
10 rebound values. This average value is the average rebound value of testing zone.
Angular correction: when testing concrete casting side in non horizontal direction, angular
correction value shall be added to average rebound value. Angular correction value
(Appendix 1). For example, average rebound value is 24, test angle is 30 upward, angular
correction value is -2.8 and the corrected rebound value shall be 21.2.
Casting surface correction: when testing the concrete casting top surface or bottom surface
in horizontal direction, casting surface correction value shall be added to average rebound
value. Casting surface correction value (Appendix 2). For example, average rebound value
is 24, casting surface is top surface, top surface correction value is +2.1, the corrected
rebound value is 26.1.
When testing, if the rebound apparatus is in non horizontal direction, and the tested
surface is non concrete casting side, shall conduct angular correction at first and then
conduct casting surface correction. For example, average rebound value is 24, test angle is

30 upward, casting surface is top surface. If the angular correction value is -2.8, then the
corrected rebound value is 21.2; if the angular correction value is +2.1, then the corrected
rebound value is 23.3.

If testing the concrete casting side is in horizontal direction, then angular correction and
casting surface correction are not needed. Before the test, test direction and concrete
casting surface are set, so the apparatus will correct the average rebound value
automatically.
Concrete strength value of testing zone: after testing, it needs to calculate the average
rebound value of testing zone and conduct relevant correction. According to user’s
requirement, it needs to choose “national standard-pumping” or “national standard-non
pumping” and then get concrete strength value of testing zone according to carbonization
depth value. For example, average rebound value is 24, test angle is 30 upward, casting
surface is top surface, carbonization depth is 0.5mm. If angular correction is -2.8 and then
the corrected rebound value is 21.2; if top surface correction value is +2.1, the corrected
rebound value is 23.3; rebound value 23.3 and 0.5mm carbonization depth corresponds to
the concrete strength of 13.4Mp.
Concrete strength value and standard deviation of components: after testing the
components, the apparatus shall calculate the concrete strength value and standard
deviation of components automatically and save them, according to the relevant formulas
of Regulations.
1.5.2. Calculation of concrete strength under customized measuring mode.
When user’s preset parameter does not confirm to Regulations, that is, customized
measuring mode, such as the test times are less than 16.
Calculation of average rebound value of testing zones. After the testing, maximum and
minimum values are not taken out, only conduct the average calculation.
For angular correction, casting surface correction, the setting, calculation, standard
measuring mode and correction method of these two parameters are the same.
Concrete strength value of testing zone: after testing, it needs to calculate the average
rebound value of testing zone and conduct relevant correction, if the user chooses
“national standard-pumping” or “national standard-non pumping”, it can get concrete
strength value of testing zone according to carbonization depth value. This concrete
strength value can only be used as a reference value, because it does not conform to the
relevant provisions of Regulations. If the user has already formulated its own specific curve,
and set the apparatus strength-measuring curve as this specific curve, the apparatus will
refer to the table to get the concrete strength formulated by user itself.
Concrete strength value and standard deviation of components: after testing the
components, the apparatus will average the contained concrete strength value of testing
zone and get the concrete strength of component, and calculate the standard deviation
automatically according to the relevant formulas.
If the parameters, calculating method and apparatus used by the user are different from
the set ones, the original rebound value can be transmitted to computer taking
components as unit via the equipped upper computer software.

1.6. Operation Procedure
1.6.1. Start to test new components
After startup, press confirm key to enter main interface, choose “test mode” and enter,
then choose “test a new component” interface, after entering, the test of a new component
is started, and you cannot return to top level menu at this moment. The default standard
parameters setting: component name GJXXX, test times 16, number of testing zones 16,
national standard-non pumping (national unified curve GB/T23-2001), horizontal zero
degree, side, carbonization depth 0.0mm are users’ frequently-used setting options, as the
default standard setting convenient for test personnel to use. After the setting is completed,
choose “ok” to enter test interface，thus the test starts. The apparatus will save the
parameters and current test condition of the setting automatically; If restart the computer
after turning it off, the unfinished test before turning off the computer can be continued.
During the test process, if some parameters shall be corrected. Press confirm key to enter
main interface, and choose “test mode”, and then choose “testing zone set” interface. On
this interface, test angle, casting surface and strength-measuring curve can be modified.
After modification, choose “ok” to exit, and the apparatus will save the corrected content
automatically.
1.6.2. Testing zone is completed.
If the recoiling times reach the set test times, the testing zone test is completed. Apparatus
prompts: “testing zone is completed” and it will enter the next testing zone after a 3-second
stop.
1.6.3. Test part is completed
When finishing the setting of the last testing zone, the test part is completed. Then the
apparatus enters test part completion interface. In this interface, users can choose to: check
the testing zone result, check test part result, measure new test part and measure the
current testing zone again.
1.7. Calibration Test
Calibration test is a test, according to the relevant provisions of verification and rebound
apparatus calibration experiment in Regulations, in order to test the correction of testing
result of rebound apparatus. According to Regulations, the calibration value of rebound
apparatus shall be kept between 80±2, and specific calibration interface is set in the
apparatus, convenient for users to conduct routine calibration verification before carrying
out the test. After entering the interface, according to the relevant provisions of rebound
apparatus calibration experiment, conduct 4 groups of recoiling test (4 times for each
group). After the test, press confirm key to exit.

2. Button Description

3. Measuring
Turn on the instrument, and go to the measuring interface. If no parameter setting is
needed, simple measurement can be done.
Turn on the instrument; click the Enter button to go to main menu.
3.1. Start measuring
Select Start measuring from the menu and press to enter measuring mode. In this
mode, you can take measurement.
3.2. Test mode setup
Select Test mode setup from the menu and press to enter test mode setup interface.
3.2.1. New project
Select New project and press to enter New project interface, it will create a new part.
The default setting for the new part is as below:
Part name is GJXXX, like GJ001
Number of test time is 16
Number of test zone is 16

3.2.1.1. Setting part’s name
In the parameter setting interface of new part, use the up and down arrows to select PART
NAME, and press Enter button to begin to set the name. Adjust the value of each digit
of the name with Upward button (each digit has 36 alternatives, namely 0-9 and A -Z).
Press Downward button to move to the next digit, and so on, until the last digit is
adjusted. Click the Enter button, the part name will be saved and return to the parameter
interface of test part.
3.2.1.2. Setting the number of test time
In the interface of new part, use upward and downward buttons to select Test time, and
press Enter button to enter setting interface. Press and to adjust the number of
test times (1-16), press to save.
3.2.1.3. Setting the number of test zone
In the parameter setting interface of new part, use upward and downward buttons to select
the number of testing zone, and then press Enter button to set the number of testing zone.
Press and to adjust the number of testing zones (1-16), press to save and return
to the parameter interface of test part.
After finishing test part setting, select Confirm and press Enter button to move to test
zone setting.

3.2.2. Test zone setup
There are four parameters for test zone: test angle, pouring surface, carburized depth and
strength curve.
3.2.2.1. Setting test angle
On the parameter interface of new test zone, use upward and downward buttons to select
test angle, and then press Enter button to set test angle. There are a total of 9 angles
available. Press and to select, then press to save and return to the parameter
interface of test zone.
3.2.2.2. Setting poured surfaces
On the parameter interface of new test zone, use upward and downward buttons to select
pouring surface, and click Enter button to set pouring surface. There are a total of 3 surfaces
available (Top surface, Bottom surface and Side surface). Press and to select, then
press to save and return to the parameter interface of test zone.
3.2.2.3. Setting carburized depth
In the parameter setting interface of test part, use upward and downward buttons to select
the carburized depth, and then press Enter button to set carburized depth. Press and
to adjust carburized depth from 0.0-6.0 (13 alternatives, 0.0mm, 0.5mm, 1.0mm,
1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.0mm, 3.5mm, 4.0mm, 4.5mm, 5.0mm, 5.5mm and 6.0mm).

Press to save and return to the parameter interface of test part. After selection, the
default carburized depth of each test zone is the same as that of this test part. The
carburized depth of each test zone can be modified in the parameter setting of test zone.

3.2.2.4. Setting strength curve
On the parameter setting interface of new part, use upward and downward buttons to
select strength curves, and then press Enter button to set strength curves. The default curve
is the national standard curve. Press and to select, then press to save and
return to the parameter interface of test part.
After finishing test part setting, select Confirm and press Enter button to return to
measuring mode.
3.2.3. Re-testing the current zone
Press to enter main menu, select Test mode setup and press to enter test mode
setup interface. Select Re-testing the current zone and press to re-test the current
zone. The test no. will return to 0.
3.2.4. Basic Measuring
Press to enter main menu, select Test mode setup and press to enter test mode
setup interface. Select Basic measuring and press to enter basic measuring mode.
In this mode, only Ruler, Rebound value, MPa value, Limit alarm and Battery indicator will
be displayed on LCD. A new part will be created in this mode, it can store 100 x rebounder
data and 100 x strength data, all data could be reviewed. When the storage is full for this
part, a new part will be created automatically.

3.3. Review data
Click Enter button to go to main menu. Then select Review data and click Enter button
to enter the Review data menu.
1) Exit from current menu and enter measuring interface.
2) Re-view part data: review the results of completed test parts.
3) Re-view zone data: review the results of completed test zones.
Enter Re-view zone data, the data of last test zone of current test part will be displayed on
LCD. Press or to page up or page down; press to exit.

3.4. Memory
Click Enter button to go to main menu. Then select Memory and click Enter button to
enter Memory menu.
1) Exit from current menu and enter measuring interface.
2) Delete current part: clear data for current part.
3) Delete all data: clear all measured data.
4) Memory capacity: Show the percentage of memory capacity (0~100%), the memory
capacity is up to 1000 part’s data.
3.5. Data transfer
Click Enter button to go to main menu. Then select Data transfer and click Enter to
enter Data transfer menu.
Before creating communication between instrument and PC, use USB cable to connect PC
and the instrument, then enter Data transfer menu to select Data transfer mode. Cable for
USB connection, Bluetooth for Bluetooth wireless connection (option). Off to disable
Bluetooth connection.
Then select Send to PC, “Transfering” will be displayed on LCD, which means the instrument
is in communication mode.
Regarding the operation of PC software, please refer to Chapter 5.

3.6. Function menu
3.6.1. Exit
Exit from current menu and enter measuring interface.
3.6.2. Unit setup
Select different units.
3.6.3. Upper-Lower limit setup
Set up upper/lower limit of rebound value (00~60). Press and to change the number,
then press to save.
3.6.4. Rights management
In this menu, user can enable, disable and change password for this instrument. After
enable and set password, the password needs to be input for Re-view data, Upper-Lower
limit setup and rights management.

Press to move cursor to next number, press to change current number from 0 to
9.