Ultrasonic Thickness Testing
Precision Steel Section Measurement for Corrosion Assessment
Overview
Ultrasonic thickness testing measures the remaining wall thickness of steel structural elements by transmitting an ultrasonic pulse through the material and measuring the echo return time. This measurement, accurate to ±0.1mm, directly quantifies section loss due to corrosion.
For marine and coastal infrastructure, industrial facilities, and aged steel-framed buildings, corrosion-induced section loss is typically the controlling factor in structural adequacy assessment. UTT answers the essential question: how much steel remains, and is it sufficient?
SiteOps uses UTT systematically across structural elements to develop corrosion profiles — maps showing where section loss is concentrated and how it varies across the structure. These profiles feed into structural analysis models for residual capacity assessment.
UTT is rapid, portable, and non-destructive. A single measurement takes approximately 5 seconds, requiring access to only one surface of the element being measured.
Applications
Corrosion Section Loss
Measuring remaining wall thickness to quantify section loss and determine residual load-carrying capacity.
Marine Steel Assessment
Systematic thickness surveying of steel piles, bracing, and connections in marine environments.
Steel Pipe & Vessel Inspection
Measuring wall thickness of pipes, tanks, and pressure vessels.
Steel Frame Assessment
Evaluating section loss in building frames at connection zones and base plates.
Corrosion Rate Estimation
Comparing thickness measurements over time to estimate active corrosion rates.
Technical specifications
| Measurement Range | 0.5mm – 500mm |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | ±0.1mm (smooth surfaces) |
| Resolution | 0.01mm |
| Measurement Time | ~5 seconds per point |
| Standards | AS 2083, ASTM E797, BS EN 14127 |
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FAQ
Common questions
How accurate is UTT on corroded steel?+
On smooth surfaces ±0.1mm. On heavily corroded surfaces, accuracy reduces but wire-brushing and multiple readings provide reliable minimum thickness data.
Does UTT require access to both sides?+
No — UTT requires one side only. The pulse reflects from the far face internally.
Deploy UTT on your asset
Share drawings, exposure conditions, and programme constraints — we will propose an investigation scope aligned to Australian standards and your risk profile.
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