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Model : JY-8S Steel Bar Position Tester Operation Manual
Model : JY-8S
Steel Bar Position Tester
Operation Manual
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Content
I. Summary……………………………………………………………….2
II. Instrument configuration and maintenance……………………………5
III. Operation interface…………………………………………………...6
IV. Measurement………………………………………………………...20
V. Test Methods for Steel Bar Measurement……………………………26
VI. Software…………………………………………………………….28
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I. Summary
(I) Introduction
It is used to determine the position and distribution of steel bar, thickness of concrete
protection layer with known diameter of steel bar, and diameter of steel bar and
thickness of concrete protection layer when diameter of steel bar is unknown, for quality
inspection of new and old concrete reinforcement structures, such as bridge, tunnel,
and civil protection structure, etc. It can scan steel bar path. What’ more, it can also be
used to determine position of magnetic substance and conductive substance in the
nonmagnetic substance and non-conductive substance, such as cable, and pipes, etc,
in the wall. It is a nondestructive equipments with functions of automatic determination,
data storage, and data output.
(II) Main functions
1. To determine position and distribution of steel bar in the concrete reinforcement
structures.
2. To estimate diameter of steel bar and thickness of protection layer.
3. To determine thickness of protection layer of steel bar (known diameter).
4. To determine thickness of protection layer under a side and show grid.
5. To determine thickness of protection layer under a line and show sectional diagram
of steel bar.
6. Self-calibration of detector.
7. Store and browse test data.
8. Data output.
(III) Main characteristics
1. It can accurately locate the steel bar, and determine the diameter of steel bar and
thickness of protection layer.
2. It has functions of grid scan and sectional scan. It can accurately determine the
thickness of steel bar.
3. Let the sensor over and parallel to the steel bar, and it can determine the diameter
of steel bar and thickness of protection layer at this measurement state. It can
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make determination rapidly without changing measurement state.
4. It is precise in diameter of steel bar and thickness of protection layer determination.
5. It can show the grid and sectional diagram of steel bar intuitively.
6. The software interface is simple and it is easy to operate.
(IV) Main technical specification
1. Steel bar diameter range: Ф6mm～Ф50mm;
The common diameter of steel bar: Ф6, Ф8, Ф10, Ф12, Ф14, Ф16, Ф18, Ф20, Ф22,
Ф25, Ф28, Ф32, Ф36, Ф40, andФ50.
Thickness of protection layer nominal scale range:
Table 1 Nominal Scale Range of Thickness of Protection Layer Unit: mm
Diameter of
steel bar
First Nominal Scale Range Second Nominal Scale Range
Lower limit Upper limit Lower limit Upper limit
6 6 70 7 90
8 7 70 10 100
10 7 80 11 126
12 7 80 14 126
14 8 80 15 126
16 8 80 16 126
18 8 80 16 126
20 8 86 18 160
22 9 86 18 160
25 9 86 19 160
28 9 86 21 160
32 9 90 21 180
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2. Max. error of displayed value (Protection layer thickness)
Table 2 Max. error of displayed value (Protection layer thickness) Unit: mm
Max. errorNominal Scale Range of Protection Layer
First Nominal Scale Range Second Nominal Scale Range
±1 6～59 7～79
±2 60～69 80～119
±3 70～90 120～180
3. Diameter nominal scale range: Ф6mm～Ф32mm;
4. Max. error of displayed value of diameter of steel bar:
Table 3 Displayed Value of Diameter of Steel Bar Unit: mm
Dia 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 25 28 32
Max.error +2
0
±2 ±2 ±2 ±2 ±2 ±2 ±2 ＋3
－2±3 ＋4
－3
0
－4
5. Data storage capacity: 131000 pieces of measurement data;
6. Working environment:
(1) Ambient temperature: -10 ℃～+40 ℃;
(2) Relative humidity: <90% RH;
(3) Electromagnetic interfere: Without strong magnetic field;
7. Battery: 6 pieces of No.5 LR6 (Alkali) batteries, it can provide power continuously
for more than 35 hours;
8. Instrument weight:
(1) Main unit: 220 mm*150 mm*90mm; 772 g;
(2) Detector: 110 mm*55mm*28mm; 240 g;
(3) Small vehicle: 130 mm*95mm*68mm; 160 g;
(V) Working principle:
It is composed of main system, signal transmission system, signal collection system,
detector, and man-machine joint. The signal transmission system will generate excitation
signal to excite detector under the control of main unit. The detector will detect the steel
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bar and generate output signal, which will be changed into digital signal by signal
collection system. Then the digital signal will be processed by the main unit to determine
the position of steel bar, thickness of protection layer, and diameter of steel bar.
It has characteristics of automatic self-calibration, and self-adaptation. It has
advantage of high precision, easy operation, large storage capacity, and humanization
interface.
II. Instrument configuration and maintenance
(I) Instrument configuration
The instrument is composed of main unit, two signal cables, detector, and small
vehicle (scan dolly); See Fig.1.
Fig.1
(II) Preparation before use
Take out of the instrument from package. If you make thickness determination and
diameter detection, you can just connect the main unit with the detector. If you need make
steel bar scan, you should connect the main unit with the detector and small vehicle (scan
dolly). Then press the button to the initial interface.
(III) Battery change
If there is less power or the voltage is less than 6.5, it will show “less power” in the
interface. Please change these batteries.
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(IV) Notes
1. Please keep it away from any substance with strong magnetic field, such as
magnet, and transformer, etc.
2. If it is not used for a long time, please take out of batteries in the instrument to
avoid any damage to the circuit caused by battery leaking.
3. It is forbidden to disassemble the instrument without any permission.
III. Operation interface
Press any button in the initial interface to the function selection interface, see Fig.2. It
has items, such as thickness determination (to determine thickness of protection layer),
steel bar grid, diameter determination, data transmission, data browse, and data delete.
Press the Up or Down button to select an item, and then press the Enter button to the
corresponding interface.
Fig.2
Fig.3
(I) Thickness determination
The thickness determination interface is shown as Fig.3. First, preset project details.
The preset methods when the diameter (default value is 16 mm) and serial number (The
first number is 1) are known, are shown as following: Press the Left or Right button to
move cursor and press the Up or Down button to modify the value. Press the Enter button
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to confirm after setting. It will make self-calibration for detector automatically. The detector
should be in the air and far away from strong magnetic interfere. There will be word “Wait!”
shown on the interface. When the word “Wait” disappears, it indicates that the calibration
procedure is over. It will enter into the measurement state, see Fig.4.
Fig.4
The current signal value of detector will be shown at the right side of the signal item,
the quantity of test data of thickness measurement saved will be shown at the right side of
the storage item, and the thickness of protection layer of steel bar will be shown at the
right side of the thickness item. The length of black bar over the signal item indicates
distance between the detector and the overhead of steel bar. When the black bar
increases, it indicates the detector is more close to the overhead of steel bar. When the
black bar decreases, it indicates the detector is leaving away from the overhead of steel
bar. After the detector scan from the overhead of steel bar, the instrument will make an
alarm. The thickness value of protection layer of steel bar will be shown at the right side of
the thickness item at the same time. Press the Save button to save the test data, and then
the value at the right side of the storage item will add 1 automatically.
If you press the Back button during measurement procedure, it will return to project
information preset state. Press the Enter button to calibrate the detector. The detector
should be in the air and far away from steel bar and strong magnetic field. When the word
“Wait” disappears, the calibration procedure is over and you can continue making
measurement. Press the Convert (Change) button, it can convert between the first
nominal scale range and the second nominal scale range. Please press the Enter button
to calibrate the detector again after nominal scale rage change. Otherwise, the test data
will be incorrect.
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In order to find the overhead of steel bar, please scan the concrete reinforcement
structure roughly at first. When you hear the alarm, you can move the detector backward.
Because you may move the detector quickly at the first time, it may lose some data. Then
you should move the detector slowly when you move it backward after you hear the alarm.
When you hear the alarm the second time, the value at the right side of signal item will
change at the same time. Repeat these procedures until the value at the right side of
signal item is at the max. Then the center of the arrow (it is used to show the overhead of
steel bar) on the detector is the overhead of steel bar.
Note: When the thickness of protection layer is out of the lower limit of nominal scale
range of thickness of protection layer, the interface will show ≤XX. If the thickness of
protection layer is large than 50 mm when you make measurement using the first nominal
scale range, you can make measurement using the second nominal scale range for higher
precision.
(II) Steel bar scan
Please connect the small vehicle to the main unit and assemble the detector and
small vehicle (Insert the detector into the small vehicle) before steel bar scan. Press the
Up or Down button to select desired item in the steel bar scan interface (See Fig.5). Press
the Enter button to the corresponding interface.
Fig.5
Fig.6
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1. Grid scan
The grid scan interface is shown as Fig.6. Press the Up or Down button to select
suitable length and width. Press the Enter button to the corresponding interface.
Fig.7
The interface for steel bar grid of 0.5*0.5 m is shown as Fig.7. Please preset the
project information at first. This includes known lateral (Y) steel bar diameter and
longitudinal (X) steel bar diameter (the default value is X, Φ16mm and Y, Φ08 mm), and
project serial number (The first number is 3). Then press the Left or Right button to move
cursor, and press the Up or Down button to modify value. Press the Enter button after
setting. Then it will make calibration for the detector. The detector should be in the air and
far away from strong magnetic field. There will show word “Wait!” in the interface during
calibration. When the word disappears, it indicates the calibration procedure is over and it
is in the measurement state.
The positive direction of small vehicle is the side with a wheel and plug. The small
vehicle only can move in the positive direction during measurement. The number below
the distance item will increase during movement.
The number below the distance item indicates the horizontal distance between the
detector and the zero point. Its unit is mm. The number below the thickness item is the
thickness of protection layer of steel bar. The direction shown at the right side of direction
item is the scan direction of small vehicle, or steel bar direction got from design
information or experience. If there are not sure, please refer to Test Methods for Steel Bar
Measurement to determine the position of steel bar. When the direction is → at the right of
the direction item, you should determine the longitudinal steel bar. The measurement
point should be chosen at a cross point of steel grid, so that to avoid any affects to the
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determination of longitudinal steel bar caused by the lateral steel bar. Hold the small
vehicle and move it from left to right horizontally (The direction of longitudinal steel bar;
the speed of small vehicle should not exceed 20 mm/s). It will show a black block moving
from left to right horizontally in the interface. When there is an alarm, it indicates that there
is steel bar under the detector and the steel bar will be shown in the interface vertical to
the X-axis. The thickness of protection later will be shown below the thickness item.
Continue moving the small vehicle, and when the small vehicle moves more than 500 mm,
there will be continuous alarm. Then press the Down button to change the direction to ↓.
Then you can make determination for the lateral steel bar. As the same, you should
choose the cross point as the measurement point to avoid any affects to lateral steel bar
caused by longitudinal steel bar. Hold the small vehicle and move it from up to down
horizontally. There will be a black vehicle moving from up to down in the interface. When
there is an alarm, the steel bar will be shown in the interface parallel to the X-axis, and the
thickness of protection layer will be shown below the thickness item. Continue moving the
cursor, and when it moves more than 500 mm, there will be continuous alarm. Then press
the Save button to store test data.
Press the Convert button during determination to convert between the first nominal
scale range（ ） and the second nominal scale range ( ). Press the Enter button to
calibrate the detector after nominal scale range change. Otherwise, the test data is
incorrect. When the direction is →, press the Down button, and the direction will change to
↓. Then it will make determination for the lateral steel bar. Press the Save button to store
test data (The test data can be saved only when the direction is ↓). Press the Enter button
for self-calibration of detector. Please let the detector in the air and be away from steel bar
and strong magnetic field. When the word “Wait!” disappears, the calibration procedure is
over. Then you can continue making determination.
The difference of operation methods for 1.0*1.0 m, 2.0*2.0 m and 0.5*0.5 m is that
the moving distance of detector relative to the zero point in lateral and longitudinal
direction for 1.0*1.0 m and 2.0*2.0 m is ≤1.0m and ≤2.0m relatively. Other operation
methods are the same.
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No border scan is convenient for user making scan in wide range. There is no limit on
the scan area, so it can enlarge the scan area to 10*10 m. The displayed area for no
border scan in each screen is 2.0*2.0 m. When the distance is out of this range, it will
change displayed area automatically. The difference of operation methods between no
border scan and 0.5*0.5 m is that the moving distance of detector relative to the zero point
in lateral and longitudinal direction is less than 10 m for no border scan. Other operation
methods are the same.
Note: The moving speed of small vehicle should not be more than 20 mm/s for no
border scan, or some steel bars may not be measured and there will be a mess appears in
the display. When the approximate scan range is known, it is better to select scan with
limit border. Then it can show distribution of steel bar more intuitively.
2. Section scan
Section scan is used for measuring steel bars, which are distributed abreast. The
section scan interface is shown as Fig.8. Press the Up or Down button to select the
desired length. Press the Enter button to the measurement interface of selected length.
Fig.8
Fig.9
The interface for section scan of 0.5 m is shown as Fig.9. Please preset the project
details, diameter of longitudinal steel bar (Default value is 16 mm), and serial number (The
first number is 4). Press the Left or Right button to move cursor, and press the Up or Down
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button to modify value. Press the Back button to the function selection interface. Please
press the Enter button to confirm after setting and make self-calibration of detector. The
detector should be in the air and away from strong magnetic field during calibration. There
will be word “Wait!” shown on the interface during calibration. When the word “Wait!”
disappears, it indicates the calibration is over. Then it will enter into the measurement
state.
The number below the distance item indicates the relative distance between the
detector and the zero point. Its unit is mm. The number below the thickness item is the
thickness of protection layer of steel bar. The direction shown at the right side of direction
item is the scan direction of small vehicle. Please decide steel bar direction from design
information or experience. If it is not sure, please refer to Test Methods for Steel Bar
Measurement to determine the position and direction of steel bar. Hold the small vehicle
and move it from left to right horizontally at a constant speed not more than 20 mm/s (The
detector is parallel to the steel bar). It will show a black block moving from left to right
horizontally in the interface. When there is an alarm, it indicates that there is steel bar
under the detector and the steel bar will be shown in the interface. The thickness of
protection later will be shown below the thickness item. Continue moving the small vehicle,
and when the small vehicle moves ≥ 500 mm, there will be continuous alarm. Then press
the Save button for data storage.
Press the Convert button during determination to convert between the first nominal
scale range（ ） and the second nominal scale range ( ). Press the Enter button to
calibrate the detector after nominal scale range change. Otherwise, the test data is
incorrect. Press the Save button to store test data. Press the Enter button for
self-calibration of detector. Please let the detector in the air and be away from steel bar
and strong magnetic field. When the word “Wait!” disappears, the calibration procedure is
over. Then you can continue making determination.
The difference of operation methods for 1.0 m, 2.0 m and 0.5 is that the moving
distance of detector relative to the zero point in lateral direction for 1.0 m and 2.0 m is
≤1.0m and ≤2.0m relatively. Other operation methods are the same.
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No border scan is convenient for user making scan in wide range. There is no limit on
the scan length, so it can enlarge the scan length to 10 m. The displayed area for no
border scan in each screen is 2.0 m. When the distance is out of this range, it will change
displayed area automatically. The difference of operation methods between no border
scan and 0.5 m is that the moving distance of detector relative to the zero point in lateral
and longitudinal direction is less than 10 m for no border scan. Other operation methods
are the same.
Note: The moving speed of small vehicle should not be more than 20 mm/s for no
border scan, or some steel bars may not be measured and there will be a mess appears in
the display. When the approximate scan range is known, it is better to select scan with
limit border. Then it can show distribution of steel bar more intuitively.
(III) Diameter measurement
Fig.10
The diameter measurement interface is shown as Fig.10. Please preset the project
No. (The first number is 2) at first. Press the Left or Right button to move cursor, and press
the Up or Down button to modify value. Press the Enter button to confirm after setting and
make self-calibration of detector. Please let the detector in the air and keep it away from
strong magnetic field. There will be word “Wait!” appears in the interface during calibration.
When the word “Wait!” disappears, it indicates the calibration is over, see Fig.11. Then it
will enter into the measurement state.
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Fig.11
The current signal value of detector will be shown at the right side of the signal item,
the quantity of test data saved will be shown at the right side of the storage item, the
estimated diameter of steel bar is shown at the right side of the diameter item, and the
thickness of protection layer of steel bar will be shown at the right side of the thickness
item. The length of black bar over the signal item indicates distance between the detector
and the overhead of steel bar. When the black bar increases, it indicates the detector is
more close to the overhead of steel bar. When the black bar decreases, it indicates the
detector is leaving away from the overhead of steel bar.
In order to find the overhead of steel bar and accurately measure the diameter of
steel bar and thickness of protection layer, please scan the concrete reinforcement
structure roughly at first. When you hear the alarm, you can move the detector backward.
Because you may move the detector quickly at the first time, it may lose some data. Then
you should move the detector slowly when you move it backward after you hear the alarm.
When you hear the alarm the second time, the value at the right side of signal item will
change at the same time. Repeat this procedure until the value at the right side of signal
item is at the max and the black bar is longest. Then the center of the diamond (it is used
to show the overhead of steel bar) on the detector is the overhead of steel bar. Press the
Convert button and wait for a while, and then it will show the estimated diameter of steel
bar and thickness of protection layer, which will be shown at the right side of the diameter
item and thickness item in bold. Then you can press the Save button for data storage. The
value at the right side of storage will add 1 automatically. It indicates the quantity of data
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saved. You can continue making measurement now. Press the Back button to the project
details preset state.
Press the Enter button for self-calibration of probe during calibration. Please put the
probe in the air and keep it away from steel bar and strong magnetic field. When the word
“Wait!” in the interface disappears, it indicates the calibration is over. Then you can
continue making measurement.
Note: When the thickness of protection layer is less than the lower limit of the
thickness of protection layer in the table 4, the words “too thin” will be shown at the right
side of the diameter item. If the thickness of protection layer is larger than the higher limit
of the thickness of protection layer in the table4, the words “too thick” will be shown at the
right side of the diameter item. Then it can’t determine the diameter of steel bar.
Table 4 Nominal Scale Range of Diameter of Steel Bar Unit: mm
Diameter of steel bar The lower limit of thickness
of protection layer
The higher limit of thickness of
protection layer
6 7 60
8 10 60
10 11 65
12 14 65
14 15 65
16 16 65
18 16 65
20 18 65
22 18 65
25 19 65
28 21 65
32 21 65
(IV) Data transmission
The data transmission interface is shown as Fig.12. Press the Up or Down button to
select suitable data transmission mode. Press the Enter button to relative interface.
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Fig.12
1. USB transmission
The USB transmission interface is shown as Fig.13. Press the Enter button for data
transmission. Press the Back button to the function selection button without data
transmission. There will be words “Sending …” shown in the interface during transmission,
see Fig.14. There will be word “End” shown in the interface after transmission, see Fig.16.
Press any button to the function selection interface.
Fig.13
Fig.14
Fig.15
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Fig.16
2. Serial port transmission
The interface for serial port transmission is shown as Fig.15. Press the Enter button
for data transmission. Press the Back button to the function selection interface without
data transmission. There will be word “End” shown in the interface after data transmission,
see Fig.16. Press any button to the function selection interface.
(V) Data browse
The data browse interfaces are shown as Fig.17, Fig.18, Fig.19 and Fig.20. The left
side is the project No. area, and the left side is the data area of selected project. The item
with project No. in the mode of “1XXX” contains data of the thickness of protection layer
when the diameter of steel bar is known. The item with project No. in the mode of “2XXX”
contains data of the diameter of steel bar and the thickness of protection layer when the
diameter of steel bar is unknown. The item with project No. in the mode of “3XXX”
contains data of grid scan. The item with project No. in the mode of “4XXX” contains data
of section scan. Press the Up or Down button to select desired project number. The
number with arrow is the selected one, and the data shown in the data area at the right
side is the data of selected project.
Fig.17
Press the Left or Right button to browse data of selected project in different pages.
Press the Right button to browse data of current project in next page and press the Left
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button to browse data on the previous page. Press the Back button to the function
selection interface.
Press the Up or Down button to select project No. in the mode of “1XXX”, see Fig.17.
The known diameter item is the diameter you preset according to the design information.
The data below it is the data of measured thickness of protection layer.
Press the Up or Down button to select project No. in the mode of “2XXX”, see Fig.18.
The data area at the right side contains data of diameter of steel bar and thickness of
protection layer. The diameter of steel bar is corresponding to the thickness of protection
layer. The first data of a line in the thickness column is corresponding to the first data of
same line in the diameter column. The second data is the same.
Fig.18
Press the Up or Down button to select a project No. in the mode of “3XXX”, see
Fig.19.
Fig.19
The data area at the right side contains data of diameter of steel bar, thickness of
protection layer, and relative distance between the steel bar and the zero point. The No.
item contains the serial number of steel bar. The Xφ16 item indicates preset longitudinal
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diameter of steel bar for current project number. For the data below this item, the first line
is the measured thickness of protection layer of longitudinal steel bar and the second line
is the relative distance between steel bar and the zero point. The Yφ08 item indicates
preset lateral diameter of steel bar for current project number. For the data below this item,
the first line is the measured thickness of protection layer of lateral steel bar and the
second line is the relative distance between steel bar and the zero point.
Press the Up or Down button to select project No. in the mode of “4XXX”, see Fig.20.
The data area at the right side contains serial number of steel bar, thickness of protection
layer of steel bar, and relative distance between the steel bar and the zero point. The data
below the No. item is serial number of steel bar. The data below H/16 item is measured
thickness of protection layer when the diameter of steel bar (16 mm) is known. The data
below Dx item is the relative distance between steel bar and the zero point.
Fig.20
Fig.21
(VI) Data delete
The interface for data delete is shown as Fig.21. Press the Enter button to delete all
test data. It will return to the function selection interface after deletion. Press the Back
button to the function selection interface without data deletion.
Note: These data will not be recovered after deletion. Please think twice before
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deletion.
(VII) End
Press the button to turn off the instrument.
Note: In order to lower down impact to the screen, you can turn on the instrument
again at least 30 seconds after you turn off the instrument.
IV. Measurement
(I) Notes
1. When it enters into the measurement state (thickness measurement, diameter
measurement, and steel bar scan), it will automatically calibrate the detector. Then you
should let the detector in the air or keep it away from metal substances and other
magnetic substances.
2. Please make sure the measurement surface is flat so as to improve measurement
accuracy and to avoid any wrong determination.
3. Please try your best to move the detector at a constant speed during determination.
Don’t move it backward before you find a steel bar. Or you may get wrong determination
results.
4. The moving speed should not be more than 20 mm/s, or there will be greater
measurement error, even data missing.
5. When it runs continuously for a long time, in order to improve measurement
accuracy, you should let the detector in the air and keep it far away from steel bar, and
press the Enter button to reset it once every 5 minutes to eliminate measurement error (If
you have doubts on the determination results, you can make measurement again after
reset).
6. When you make determination for thickness of protection layer (thickness
measurement) with the diameter of steel bar is known, in order to ensure the accuracy of
thickness of protection layer measurement, the preset diameter should be equal to the
real diameter of steel bar. The response of detector is different for steel bar of different
diameter, so the test results may be difference when you make determination for a steel
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bar using different setting value of diameter.
7. The Convert button is used to change between the first nominal scale range and
the second nominal scale range. In order to improve the measurement accuracy, please
press the Enter button to reset the instrument once after change.
8. Please pay more attention to the moving direction of small vehicle. It is forbidden to
move it backwards before it finds the steel bar. Or this may cause wrong determination.
(II) Reset
1. Please let the detector in the air and keep it away from metal substance (It should
be at least 0.5 m distance from the metal substance).
2. Press the Enter button to reset the instrument in the interfaces of thickness
measurement, diameter measurement, and steel bar scan, so that to eliminate the effects
of environment.
3. After about 3 seconds, the word “Wait!” will disappear and the reset procedure is
over. Then you can make measurement normally. If there is strong magnetic field around,
it will take long time to reset the instrument.
Note: Don’t reset the instrument when the detector is close to the steel bar. Or the
test data will be incorrect.
(III) Single steel bar location, thickness of protection layer and diameter of steel bar
determination.
A. To determine thickness of protection layer when the diameter of steel bar is known
1. Take out of the instrument from package and connect the detector.
2. Turn on the power supply of the instrument and select function of thickness
measurement. Preset the diameter of steel bar as the known value got from design
information, and project No. of the measurement.
3. Let the detector in the air and keep it away from metals (at least 0.5 m). Press the
Enter button to reset it, so that to eliminate effects of environment.
4. Please decide the steel bar direction according to design information or experience.
If it is not sure, please make multi-point scan in two orthogonal directions to determine the
position of steel bar, see Fig.22.
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Fig.22
5. Put the detector on the surface of structure to be determined. Let the detector
parallel to the steel bar and move it at a constant speed (less than 20 mm/s) in the
direction vertical to the steel bar direction. When the detector reaches to the overhead of
steel bar to be determined, the instrument will make an alarm indicating there is steel bar
below. It can automatically show the thickness of protection layer. Press the Save button
to save test data under current project number. Move the detector in the contrary direction
slowly and observe the value at the right side of interface. When the value is the minimum
and the signal value is the maximum, the position of detector is the accurate position of
steel bar. The center of steel bar will coincide with the diamond on the detector.
6. Value judgment
When the thickness of protection layer is larger than a certain value, the signal of
detector will be very weak. Therefore, in order to lower down wrong determination, it is
better not to make judgment for the position of steel bar automatically by the instrument.
The user should decide the position of steel bar according to the change of current value.
The judgment of users is called as value judgment. Observe the value shown at the right
side of the interface. When the value changes from large to small, it indicates the detector
is close to the steel bar gradually. When the value changes from small to large, it indicates
the detector is leaving away from steel bar. Move the detector slowly in a reciprocating
way. When the value is the smallest and the signal value is the largest, the position is the
correct position of steel bar.
B. To determine the thickness of protection layer and the diameter of steel bar when
the diameter of steel bar is unknown.
It can make determination for the thickness of protection layer and the diameter of
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steel bar at the same time when the diameter of steel bar is unknown.
1. Take out of the instrument and connect the detector.
2. Turn on the power supply and select the diameter measurement item. Preset the
project No. of this determination.
3. Let the detector in the air and keep it away from metal substances (at least 0.5 m).
Press the Enter button to reset the instrument, so that to eliminate the effects of
environment.
4. Please decide the steel bar direction according to design information or experience.
If it is not sure, please make multi-point scan in two orthogonal directions to determine the
position of steel bar, see Fig.23.
Fig.23
5. Put the detector on the surface of structure to be determined. Let the detector
parallel to the steel bar and move it at a constant speed (less than 20 mm/s) in the
direction vertical to the steel bar direction. When the detector reaches to the overhead of
steel bar to be determined, the instrument will make an alarm indicating there is steel bar
below. Move the detector in the contrary direction slowly in a reciprocating way and
observe the signal value in the interface. When the signal value is the maximum, the
position of detector is the accurate position of steel bar. Keep the detector stable, and
press the Convert button. It can show the diameter of steel bar and thickness of protection
layer after a while. Their values will be shown at the right side of the diameter item and the
thickness item in bold. Press the Save button to save test data under current project
number.
(IV) Location of several steel bars and thickness of protection layer determination
In general, the steel bar distribution modes for several steel bars adopts several
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abreast distributed steel bars (main steel bars) with ties (such as beams and poles) or
web type (such as boards and walls).
A. Steel bar grid determination
1. Take out of the instrument and connect the small vehicle and the detector.
2. Turn on the power supply of the instrument and select the steel bar scan item.
Then select the grid scan item and select suitable size. Preset the diameter of steel bar as
the known value get from design details. If the diameter of steel bar is unknown, please
set it as the default value. Preset the project No. of the determination.
3. Let the probe in the air and keep it away from metal substance and strong
magnetic field (at least 0.5 m). Press the Enter button to reset the instrument to eliminate
the effects of environment.
4. To decide the direction of steel bar according to design details or experience. If it is
not sure, please refer to Test Methods for Steel Bar Measurement to determine the
direction of lateral steel bar and longitudinal steel bar of steel bar grid, as well as their
position.
5. Put the small vehicle and detector on the surface to be determined. Let the
detector parallel to the steel bar to be determined and move it at a constant speed less
than 20 mm/s. Please move the small vehicle as the direction → shown at the right side of
the direction item. Please determine the longitudinal steel bar at first. The measurement
point should be at the cross point of steel bars to avoid any affects to the longitudinal steel
bar caused by lateral steel bar. Hold the small vehicle and move it from left to right (The
speed should not be more than 20 mm/s). There will be a black block moving from left to
right in the interface. When you hear an alarm, it indicates the detector finds the steel bar
and the measured steel bar will be shown on the interface as a line vertical to X axis, and
the thickness of protection layer of steel bar will be shown below the thickness item.
Continue moving the small vehicle to right. When the moving distance is ≥500/1000/2000,
there will be continuous alarm appears. Then you can press the Down button to change
the direction to ↓. It can make determination for the lateral steel bar now. You should
select the cross point of steel bars as the measurement point to avoid any affects to lateral
steel bar caused by longitudinal steel bar. Hold the small vehicle and move it from up to
25
down. There will be a small black block moving from up to down in the interface. When
you hear an alarm, the measured steel bar will be shown in the interface in the mode of a
line parallel to the X axis and the thickness of protection layer of steel bar is shown below
the thickness item in the interface. Continue moving the small vehicle, when the moving
distance is ≥ 500/1000/2000, there will be continuous alarm appears. Then you can press
the save button to save test data under current project number. The project No. will add 1
and you can continue making determination using the new project number. Press the
Back button to the scan mode selection interface.
B. Section steel bar measurement
1. Take out of the instrument and connect the small vehicle and detector.
2. Turn on the power supply of the instrument and select the steel bar scan item.
Select the section scan item and select suitable size next. Preset the diameter of steel bar
as the known diameter of steel bar got from design details. If it is unknown, you can preset
it as default value. Then preset the project No. of the determination.
3. Let the detector in the air and keep it far away from metal substance and strong
magnetic field (At least 0.5 m). Then press the Enter button to reset the instrument to
eliminate effects of environment.
4. To decide the direction of steel bar according to the design details or experience. If
it is not sure, you should determine the direction and position of steel bar using the
instrument at first.
5. Put the small vehicle and detector on the surface to be determined. Let the
detector parallel to the steel bar to be determined and move it at a constant speed less
than 20 mm/s. Please move the small vehicle as the direction shown at the right side of
the direction item, so that to determine the steel bar vertical to the moving direction of
small vehicle. There will be a black block moving from left to right in the interface. When
you hear an alarm, the measured steel bar will be shown on the interface in the mode of
small black block and the thickness of protection layer of steel bar will be shown below the
thickness item. Continue moving the small vehicle to right. When the moving distance is
≥500/1000/2000, there will be continuous alarm appears. Then you can press the save
button to save test data under current project number. Press the Back button to the scan
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mode selection interface.
V. Test Methods for Steel Bar Measurement
In general, the distribution of steel bar in the concrete reinforcement structure adopts
several abreast distributed steel bars with ties (such as beam, and pole) or web type
distribution (such as board, and wall). But the position of steel bar in the concrete is not
sure. Therefore, in order to improve measurement efficiency and measurement accuracy,
we should make determination as per some rules. Now we have established suitable
methods for steel bar measurement from large quantity of experiences.
(I) Get design information
Get the design details of concrete reinforcement structure to be determined and
decide the approximate position, direction, and diameter of steel bar in the structure.
Preset the diameter of steel bar as the design value. If you could not get these details, you
can preset the diameter of steel bar as the default value. Then you can measure the
diameter of steel bar and thickness of protection layer using grid scan, section scan, and
diameter measurement.
(II) To decide the measurement area
Please select an area as the measurement area on the concrete reinforcement
structure to be determined. Please select a smoother surface to improve measurement
accuracy.
(III) To determine the position of main steel bar (The steel bar at the upper layer)
Select an initial measurement point and make scan along the vertical direction of
main steel bar (for beam, and pole, etc) or vertical direction of steel bar at the upper layer
(for board, and wall, etc) to determine the position of main steel bar or steel bar at the
upper layer. Then move horizontally for certain distance and make other scan, see Fig.24.
Connect measured points during two scan procedures using lines. Notes: If the scan line
is just over the ties of main steel bar or the steel bar in the lower layer, see Fig.25, it may
not find the steel bar or get a wrong position of steel bar. Then the position of steel bar
when you repeat the scan procedure may have great deviation. You should move the scan
line for certain distance equal to twice of diameter of steel bar and make scan again.
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Fig.24
Fig.25
Fig.26
(IV) To determine the position of ties (or lower layer bar)
Make scan in the middle of two measured steel bars along the vertical direction of ties
(or lower layer bar) to determine the position of ties (or lower layer bar). Then make scan
in the middle of another two measured steel bars and connect measurement points during
two scan procedures using lines, see Fig.26.
V. To determine the thickness of protection layer and diameter of steel bar
The methods to determine thickness of protection layer when the diameter of steel
bar is known: Select the thickness measurement item. Preset the project No. and
diameter of steel bar. Make scan in the middle of two ties (or lower layer bar) along the
vertical direction of main steel bar (upper layer bar) to determine the thickness of
protection layer of main steel bar (upper layer bar). Make scan in the middle of two main
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steel bars (upper layer bars) along the vertical direction of ties (lower layer bar) to
determine the thickness of protection layer of ties (lower layer bar). Please note to preset
the state of steel bar grid.
The methods to determine thickness of protection layer and diameter of steel bar:
Select diameter measurement item. Preset the project No. and make scan in the middle of
two ties (lower layer bar) along the vertical direction of main steel bar (upper layer bar) to
determine the position of main steel bar (upper layer bar). Then put the detector parallel to
overhead of steel bar to be determined and make determination for the diameter of steel
bar and thickness of protection layer. Make scan in the middle of two main steel bars
(upper layer bar) along the vertical direction of ties (lower layer bar) to determine the
position of ties (lower layer bar). Then let the detector parallel to overhead of steel bar to
be determined and preset state of steel bar grid to make determination for the diameter of
steel bar and thickness of protection layer.
VI. Software
(I) The software is used for further process of test data. It can run on the computer
with operation system of Windows95/98/Me/2000/NT/XP.
(II) Installation
The installation methods of this software are the same as that of normal Windows
software.
1. Open the software CD. Double click the Setup icon in the software folder. The
computer will copy file at first and start installation after copy. Click Next to continue
installation and click Cancel to quit from installation interface. Click Continue to the
installation interface and click exit to exit from software installation.
2. Click the View to change installation path in the installation interface. Click Next to
start installation. Click Previous to previous interface. Click Cancel to quit from installation.
3. It will need to install USB driver during installation procedure. Click INSTALL to
install USB driver. Then use USB cable to connect the instrument with the computer. Click
Enter to end USD driver installation.
4. Click Finish to complete installation.
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(III) Software structure and functions
1. Software interface
The software interface mainly includes the following parts: Menu column, Tool column,
Control panel, and Window area.
Menu column is composed of menu items. Click each item and there will be a
dropdown menu. The submenu items of four menu items contain all functions of the
software. When a menu item is in gray color, it indicates the item could not be used at
current state.
Fig.27
Tool column is composed of buttons. Each button is corresponding to a normal
function. Though you can realize these function using menu items, it is convenient to use
buttons in the tool column. Let the mouse stay at a button for a while, it will show the
function of button automatically. When the button is in gray color, it indicates the button
could not be used at current state. The tool column can realize functions of Open, Save,
Print, Preview, Save as bmp file, Save as txt file, create Word report, create Excel report,
data transmission, show or hide control panel, insert data before current line, insert data
after current line, delete data, and about, etc. Its functions are the same at that of menu
items.
Control panel: The user can complete browse operation for test data.
Window area: It is used to show the data and diagram relative to current project No.
you selected in the project No. list.
(1) Open: Open the file you need to process or browse.
It is a dialog box of standard Windows type. Select the file you would like to open from
the Range item, and file type from the file type box. Input the file name from file name box
or select a file from the file list box. Then press the Open button to open the file.
(2) Save: It will save test data to a file.
Select a folder from Save as box and input the file name in the file name box. Then
press the Save button to save it.
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(3) Save as TXT file: Save test data to a txt file.
(4) Save as BMP file: Save section diagram of steel bar or grid diagram of steel bar to
a BMP file.
Fig.28
(5) Create Word report: It will run Microsoft Word automatically (you computer should
have Microsoft Word software, or it could not continue) and create report in the Word
format. It will ask you to input relative parameters for the report, see Fig.28. It contains
memory function for these parameters. It will use relative parameters you preset at last
time.
(6) Create Excel report: It will run Microsoft Excel automatically (You computer should
have Microsoft Excel software, or it could not continue) and create Report in the Excel
format.
(7) Save as: Save test data in other path and file name.
(8) Print: To print our content in current file.
(9) Preview: To show printing effects before printing.
(10) Print set: To preset parameters for printing, see Fig.29. It contains memory
function for these parameters. It will use relative parameters you preset at last time.
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Fig.29
Fig.30
(11) Exit: Exit from the software.
2. Data transmission
It is used to send test data from the instrument to the computer for further process
(See Fig.30).
(1) File path: To preset file path to save data got from the instrument to a computer.
(2) Port type: To select communication medium (USB port or serial port);
(3) Equipment No./Port No.: For transmission from USB port, it is used to select the
instrument for transmission (One computer can connect to several pieces of instruments).
The default value is Device1. For serial port transmission, the default value is COM1.
(4) State: It is used for serial port transmission. It can show the communication state
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of serial port.
(5) Send: It is different in operation for serial port transmission and USB port
transmission.
For serial port transmission, press the button after you connect the computer with the
instrument using serial port cable and preset relative parameters. The computer is in the
waiting state. Then you should use the transmission function of the instrument for data
transmission.
For USB port transmission, press the button after you connect the computer with the
instrument using serial port cable and preset relative parameters, and then it can make
data transmission automatically.
Fig.31
3. View Menu
It can show or hide tool column, state column, and control panel (See Fig.31). If there
is before a item, the item will be shown. Or it will be close.
(1) Control panel (Ctrl Panel): see Fig.32. The user can select suitable measurement
type from optional items. There are three measurement types, signal point measurement,
section measurement, and grid measurement.
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Fig.32
a. Parameter area
When you select a project No. from project No. list, its parameters will be shown in
the parameter area. If there is before a project No. in the list, it indicates printing,
creating report, and creating report form, etc will involve this project.
Project name: to show the name of current project.
Project No.: to show serial number of current project.
Design thickness: read design thickness;
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Upper limit of deviation: The upper limit of thickness deviation;
Lower limit of deviation: The lower limit of thickness deviation; please note the input
value should be negative.
Known diameter: To show the known diameter of steel bar when you make thickness
measurement.
Data (group) quantity: To show quantity of test data or data group.
Max. thickness: The max. value of thickness measurement data of current project.
Min. thickness: The min. value of thickness measurement data of current project.
When you double click current project No. in the project No. list, it will show dialog
box as Fig.33. You can modify the project name, design thickness, and upper limit of
deviation and lower limit of deviation.
Fig.33
b. Data area
Data display: The data area is used to show test data of the thickness of protection
layer for current project in the project list and judge whether they can meet the
requirements.
Thickness of protection layer judgment: When you input the design thickness of
protection layer and deviation tolerance, click the measurement area, and then the
software will judge whether it can meet your requirements. There will be “√” before data,
which can meet the requirements, and “Χ” before data, which can’t meet the
requirements.
(2) Section measurement
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When you select the section measurement item, it will appear an interface shown as
Fig.34. It will show test data of current project in the data area of control panel, and show
position diagram of steel bar got from section measurement in the window at the right side.
The Y coordinates will show the thickness of protection layer, and the X coordinates will
show the position of steel bar. A black point indicates a steel bar.
Fig.34
The methods for project name modification are the same as the methods for single
point measurement. You can also add or delete test data of steel bar. The methods are
described as following:
a. Add test data of steel bar. Select a line of test data. Press the button on the
tool column to insert a line of test data before the selected line, or press the button on
the tool column to insert a line of test data below selected line. Then modify data in the
line added to add test data of a steel bar.
b. Modify test data of steel bar. You can also make modification for measured test
data directly.
c. Delete test data of steel bar. Select test data of a steel bar in the data area. Press
the button on the tool column to delete test data and the steel bar shown on the
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diagram.
(3) Grid measurement
When you select the grid measurement item, it will appear a interface shown as
Fig.35. It will show test data of current project in the data area of control panel, and show
the position diagram got from grid measurement in the window at the right side. The Y
coordinates indicates position of steel bar got from vertical measurement and the X
coordinates indicates position of steel bar got from horizontal measurement. The black
lines indicate steel bars.
Fig.35
