Steel I-Beam Inspection

Paul S. Fisk, President NDT Corporation

Ultrasonic Metal Thickness
Measurements Taken on an
I-Beam Embedded in Concrete

Determining Steel I-Beam Dimensions

NDT uses ultrasonic measurements to determine the length and thickness of a steel I-beam's web and flanges. These measurements are critical factors for an engineer in determining the structural capacity of a beam in a building or bridge structure.

Often steel I-beams are embedded in concrete on a bridge or behind finished ceilings, walls or floors in a building. NDT technicians use GPR to identify critical locations and drill small holes in the structure to enable access for ultrasonic transducers to measure I-beam dimensions.

Ground Penetrating Radar
Measurements Determine
I-Beam Location

Our testing data are used to determine critical dimensions of steel I-beams in structures including:

• Support beams for commercial construction
• Support columns for elevated trolleys & people movers
• Mezzanines & platforms
• Bridges

We also test for:

• Condition of concrete walls, floor and roll slabs
• As-built thickness and reinforcing of concrete and masonry walls and abutments
• Foundation conditions - pile lengths, location of piles and pile caps