Enter the path length and the time of travel into the calculator to determine the concrete pulse velocity.

Concrete Pulse Velocity Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Concrete Pulse Velocity.

CPV = L / T
  • Where CPV is the concrete pulse velocity (in/s)
  • L is the path length (in)
  • T is the time of travel (s)

To calculate the concrete pulse velocity, divide the path length by the travel time.

What is a Concrete Pulse Velocity?

Definition:

A concrete pulse velocity is a measure of the speed that ultrasonic waves travel through a piece of concrete. This velocity depends on elastic modulus, density, and integrity.

How to Calculate Concrete Pulse Velocity?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines the steps and information needed to calculate Concrete Pulse Velocity.

First, determine the path length. In this example, the path length is found to be 5 inches.

Next, determine the time of travel. For this problem, the time of travel is found to be .02 seconds.

Finally, calculate the Concrete Pulse Velocity using the formula above:

CPV = L / T

CPV = 5/.02

CPV = 250 in/s

FAQ

What factors affect the concrete pulse velocity?

The concrete pulse velocity can be affected by several factors including the material’s density, its elastic modulus, and its overall integrity. Variations in these properties can lead to changes in how quickly ultrasonic waves can travel through concrete.

Why is measuring concrete pulse velocity important?

Measuring concrete pulse velocity is crucial for assessing the quality and integrity of concrete structures. It helps in identifying potential defects, variations in density, and areas of deterioration without causing damage to the concrete itself.

Can concrete pulse velocity be used to determine the strength of concrete?

While concrete pulse velocity is an indicator of the material’s quality and integrity, it is not a direct measure of strength. However, it can provide valuable insights into the concrete’s condition, which, when combined with other tests, can help estimate its strength.