ASTM C1383-23 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Measuring the P‑Wave Speed and the Thickness of Concrete Plates Using the Impact‑Echo Method. This ASTM standard describes two complementary nondestructive procedures — a P‑wave speed measurement and an impact‑echo thickness determination — for estimating the thickness of slabs, pavements, bridge decks, walls and other plate‑like concrete structures.

Abstract

ASTM C1383‑23 establishes procedures for measuring P‑wave propagation speed on concrete surfaces (Procedure A) and for using the impact‑echo resonance frequency to determine plate thickness (Procedure B). The standard clarifies recommended test setups, calculation methods (thickness from resonance frequency and P‑wave speed), units (SI), and limitations related to discrete digital records and accuracy. It is intended as a nondestructive alternative or complement to coring for thickness verification.

General information

• Status: Active (current edition C1383‑23).
• Publication date: Released mid‑December 2023 (effective date reported as 15 December 2023); ASTM record shows an update/confirmation in February 2024.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 91.100.30 (Concrete and concrete products).
• Edition / version: C1383‑23 (replaces earlier C1383 editions, e.g., C1383‑15 and its 2022 revision).
• Number of pages: 11 pages.

Scope

This test method covers two procedures for determining the thickness of concrete plates by nondestructive means: Procedure A (P‑wave speed measurement using two transducers separated by a known surface distance) and Procedure B (impact‑echo resonance frequency measurement to compute thickness using the P‑wave speed). The standard applies to slabs, pavements, bridge decks, walls and other plate‑like structures; it may be used alone or in conjunction with coring. Unless otherwise specified, both procedures are performed at each point where thickness is determined.

Key topics and requirements

• Procedure A — P‑wave speed measurement: instrumentation, transducer spacing, travel‑time measurement and calculation of P‑wave velocity from surface measurements.
• Procedure B — Impact‑echo test: generation of short‑duration point impact, spectral analysis to identify resonance frequency, and thickness calculation from resonance and P‑wave speed.
• Requirement to perform both procedures at points of thickness determination unless an exception is specified.
• Use of SI units as the standard unit set; notes and footnotes provide explanatory material but are not normative.
• Statement of limitations: discrete digital records and other factors can introduce systematic error in calculated thickness; guidance on interpretation and accuracy is included.
• Referenced standards and terminology cross‑references (examples include ASTM C597, ASTM C125 and ASTM E1316).

Typical use and users

Commonly used by nondestructive testing (NDT) technicians, civil and structural engineers, bridge and pavement inspectors, forensic engineers, materials laboratories, contractors and owners who need to verify concrete plate thickness without coring or to complement coring data. Typical applications include quality control of new placements, evaluation of existing structures, rehabilitation planning, and condition assessment.

Related standards

Standards frequently referenced with C1383 include ASTM C597 (Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Through Concrete), ASTM C125 (Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates), and ASTM E1316 (Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations). C1383‑23 replaces earlier C1383 editions (for example C1383‑15 and its 2022 revision). A work item (WK91038) to revise aspects of velocity measurement was opened in 2024, indicating further updates under consideration.

Keywords

impact‑echo; P‑wave speed; thickness measurement; nondestructive testing (NDT); concrete plate; slab thickness; resonance frequency; ultrasonic testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C1383‑23 is a test method that defines procedures for measuring P‑wave speed and using the impact‑echo method to estimate the thickness of concrete plate‑like structures in a nondestructive manner.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers two procedures: Procedure A (surface P‑wave speed measurement between two transducers) and Procedure B (impact‑echo resonance frequency measurement and thickness calculation). It includes test setup, calculation formulas, units, limitations and normative references.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: NDT technicians, structural and civil engineers, inspectors, contractors, materials laboratories and owners involved in construction quality control, condition assessment, and forensic investigation.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The current edition is C1383‑23 (effective mid‑December 2023) and is listed as active. It supersedes earlier editions such as C1383‑15 (and associated revisions). ASTM records show the document was active and updated/confirmed in early 2024; a revision work item was initiated in 2024 for further changes.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: C1383 is part of ASTM Committee C09 (Concrete and Concrete Aggregates) test methods related to nondestructive and in‑place testing. It is commonly used alongside related ASTM standards such as C597, C125 and E1316.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: impact‑echo, P‑wave speed, thickness measurement, nondestructive testing, concrete plate, resonance frequency.