Ultrasonic pipe testing
[edit] Introduction
Changes in building occupation patterns, and the ambitious plans for green recovery stated in governments recent announcements, are prompting organisations to stage plans for refurbishment of their buildings.
Although not at the forefront for refurbishment-related decision taking, a well-maintained and safe pipework system is a key component of success in achieving a building’s refurbishment targets. Healthy pipework is also a prerequisite for any building to function well and to prevent heating and water system failures through pro-active maintenance.
[edit] The need to monitor
Over time, corrosion and erosion of pipes lead to leakages that can cause wide ranging damage to the building structure and have costly consequences for businesses.
Ultrasonic thickness testing of pipework systems is often used to determine the condition of the pipework. It is useful to consultants or contractors to validate the state of the existing system they are going to work on, to justify replacement or reuse.
Ultrasonic testing is a non-invasive survey and can be done using a portable meter to provide wall thickness results for pipework. It helps determine the condition of the pipework non-destructively and provides sanity checks on existing systems when new works are planned or after a failure has occurred.
Ultrasonic testing is also an important part of a preventive maintenance strategy to keep systems safe from leakage, as, when performed regularly, it provides valuable information about the trends in the system's history which helps proactive maintenance regimes.
While ultrasonic testing is a relatively simple measuring process, it takes experience and good corrosion and water system knowledge to know where to test and how to understand and use the obtained data.
This article was originally published on the BSRIA website as "Ultrasonic pipe testing gives a quick but meaningful view on the state of a building’s pipework." in December 2020.
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2025
Highlighting the continuing threat to trades persons.
The context, schemes, standards, roles and relevance of the Building Safety Act.
Retrofit 25 – What's Stopping Us?
Exhibition Opens at The Building Centre.
Types of work to existing buildings
A simple circular economy wiki breakdown with further links.
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
The smart construction dashboard, as-built data and site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill
An outline of the bill with a mix of reactions on potential impacts from IHBC, CIEEM, CIC, ACE and EIC.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.