Ultra Sonic Pulse Echo
(MIRA)
The Ultrasonic Shear-wave Tomography technique (MIRA) represents a revolutionary approach to concrete ultrasonics. MIRA is an ultrasonic tomography device that can be used to diagnose subsurface concrete condition using an array of dry point contact (DPC) "touch-and-go" transducers (doesn't require surface preparation). Each transducer can both transmit and receive low frequency (55 khz) shear waves. The DPC transducers provide the necessary consistency of impact and wavefront penetration for diagnostics up to 3 ft deep for typical concrete surface textures. MIRA incorporates 10 channels each comprised of 4 transducers in a multi-static array. This linear array allows for 45 transmitting and receiving pair measurements in each approximately 1 second scan that can be applied at a high productivity (unlike the traditional ultrasonic methods, which typically produce one pair of waves per measurement).
The ultrasonic tomography device, MIRA, can be used for the following applications:
- Thickness: Concrete thickness estimation up to 3 feet deep with high accuracy
- Reinforcement location: Accurate estimation of reinforcement depth
- Delamination/debonding: Detection of cracking in the PCC layer or de-bonding between PCC layers.
- Joint diagnostics: Detection of concrete deterioration, dowel position, spalling, etc. at PCC joints.
- Flaw detection: Defect/honeycombing/poor consolidation detection/ mud balls
- Material properties: Diagnostics of relative PCC strengths or asphalt compaction level
1 pair per measurement
45 pair per measurement (MIRA)
MIRA Visual Output Examples
Delaminating (left) and sound concrete (right).
MIRA detection of reinforcement
MIRA identification of honeycombing defect.