hollow or solid 2

[eriksasha]

Are there any devices on the market for determining if a leg of a tower is solid or not without tampering with the steel? Can ultra sound be used?

I'm analysing masts and have trouble finding out if the members are hollow or not.

 

[valleyboy]

Can you drill the steelwork with a very small hole to check for the presence of a thin wall?

Another option would be to view the ends of the members of concern - if there is a welded cap or end plate, the section is likely to be a hollow one.

 

[Ron]

Ultrasonic thickness measurements will tell you. Also, tapping with a wooden mallet will likely tell as well.

 

[eriksasha]

I'm strictly not allowed to tamper with the steel.
I've tapped the legs and have not been able to come to a satifying conclusion. This ultra sonic device sounds interesting! Do you know any manufacturers?

 

[LittleWheels]

Ultrasonic or impact echo would work, so would a number of electro-magnetic methods.

Google on non-destructive investigation or testing for some ideas on methods and suppliers.

 

[Ron]

Krautkramer-Bransen or Sonic Instruments both have ultrasonic thickness devices.