Method and apparatus for the measurement of corrosion and damage in installed bolts, rods and bars

摘要

An apparatus and method are described for measuring the structural integrity of a rod of constant cross-section without visual or other physical access to the full length of the rod. The present invention is useful for measuring the degree of rust and corrosion of such rods, as well as change in their chemical and structural composition and physical damage such as fractures or cracks. The invention is particularly useful when applied to rods or bolts such as those installed in telephone poles, bridges, concrete buildings, and other structures where there is no access to the middle or center portion of the rod. The present invention uses transmitted and/or reflected acoustic energy to determine the structural integrity of the rod under test.