ASTM C1383-15 PDF Download

The ASTM C1383-15 standard is a test method used to measure the P-wave speed and thickness of concrete plates using the impact-echo method. It is applicable for determining the thickness of concrete slabs, pavements, bridge decks, walls, or other plate-like structures.

The standard consists of two procedures: Procedure A and Procedure B. Procedure A involves measuring the time it takes for the P-wave generated by a short-duration, point impact to travel between two transducers positioned a known distance apart along the surface of a structure. The P-wave speed is calculated by dividing the distance between the two transducers by the travel time. Procedure B measures the frequency at which the P-wave generated by a short-duration, point impact is reflected between the parallel surfaces of a plate. The thickness is calculated from this measured frequency and the P-wave speed obtained from Procedure A.

There are certain limitations and conditions specified in the standard. It is applicable to plate-like structures with lateral dimensions at least six times the thickness to prevent interference from other modes of vibration. The maximum and minimum thickness that can be measured is limited by the testing apparatus. The standard is not applicable to plate structures with overlays or in the presence of mechanical or electrical noise.

The standard also mentions that there may be a certain level of systematic error in the calculated thickness due to the discrete nature of the digital records used, and that the wave speed may vary from point-to-point in the structure. The procedures described in the standard are not influenced by traffic noise or low frequency structural vibrations, and any notes and footnotes provided should not be considered as requirements of the standard.