CoverMaster
Purpose
CoverMaster covermeters are used for the following purposes:
- Locate reinforcing bars and metal cable ducts in concrete structures
- Measure the cover depth of reinforcement
- Estimate the size of reinforcing bars
- Locate other metal objects embedded in concrete
Principle
CoverMaster instruments are based on the pulse-induction technique. A repetitive current pulse is applied to the coils in the search head (below left). During each pulse, current increases gradually in the coils but is turned off rapidly. The sudden end of the pulse causes a sudden collapse in the magnetic field produced by the coils, which induces eddy currents in a bar located within the coils’ influence zone. As the eddy currents decay, a decaying magnetic field induces a secondary current in the coils (below right). The instrument measures the amplitude of the induced current, which depends on the orientation, depth, and size of the bar. The search head is directional and maximum signal is obtained when the bar is aligned with the long axis of the search head. The pulse-induction technique is uniquely stable, is not affected by moisture in concrete or magnetic aggregates, and is immune to temperature variations and electrical interference.
Applied current pulse
Magnetic field induced by decaying eddy currents in bar
Recommendations on the use of covermeters can be found in BS 1881:204
CoverMaster P331-2
Basic features:
- Large graphics display of cover depth
- Signal strength indicator and variable tone to identify proximity to bar
- Precise indication of bar direction
- Easy-to-use, menu driven instrument
- Single-handed operation; search head includes key function buttons
- Maxpip™ mode (emits sound when search head is over center of bar)
- Under cover mode (emits sound when minimum cover has been detected)
- International bar sizes included
- Quick release battery pack and charger
- Can be used with different search heads (See below)
- Includes standard search head, cable, carrying case, and instruction manual
- Rechargeable battery pack
Optional Search Heads
In addition to a choice of four search heads, the CoverMaster P331-2 can also be used with half-cell probes to measure the half-cell potential (see pg. 94). A borehole probe is also available for locating a second layer of reinforcement or deeply embedded tendon ducts. The borehole probe can be switched from the “forward looking” to the “side looking” mode.
Standard
For general purpose use; maximum cover 70 to 95 mm
Narrow Pitch
For resolving closely-spaced bars; maximum cover 60 to 80 mm
Deep Scan
Maximum cover 160 to 180 mm
Dual Search Head
For high strength and stainless steel
Borehole Probe
For measurement of second layer of reinforcement and tendon ducts
Half-Cell Potential Kit
Cu/CuSO4 or Ag/AgCl
Sample Display
CoverMaster P331-2 Models
Model B includes the basic features listed on previous page.
Model BH includes all of the features of Model B with the additional of capability to make half-cell potential readings
Model SH includes all the features of Model BH plus the following:
- Automatic bar sizing (auto size mode for quick estimate or orthogonal method for greater accuracy)
- Orthogonal mode bar diameter determination
- Min-Max cover limits (enter minimum and/or maximum cover to check with specifications)
- Data storage (up to 1000 individual cover measurements in linear sequence)
- Up to 10 linear batches can be stored
- Software to upload stored data to PC
Model TH includes all the features of Model SH plus the following:
- Data storage up to 240,000 points
- Linear and grid data storage (data stored in 2-D format, up to 1000 grids)
- User defined 2-D testing grid (up to 255 rows by 255 columns)
- Graphics plot and threshold plot
Model THD includes all the features of Model TH plus a stainless steel measurement probe.
CoverMaster P331-2 Feature Comparison
| Description | Model | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | BH | SH | TH | THD | |
| Rebar location, orientation and depth of cover | • | • | • | • | • |
| Cover thickness reading in mm and inches | • | • | • | • | • |
| Graphics display with backlight | • | • | • | • | • |
| Multiple language menu structure | • | • | • | • | • |
| Signal strength display | • | • | • | • | • |
| Interchangeable heads with LED and keypad | • | • | • | • | • |
| User selectable bar range sizes and numbers | • | • | • | • | • |
| Measurement sound modes: | • | • | • | • | • |
| Locate (tone increases as head approaches rebar) | • | • | • | • | • |
| Under Cover (tone only sounds for low cover) | • | • | • | • | • |
| Maxpip™ (tone only as head passes rebar center) | • | • | • | • | • |
| Half-cell potential capability | • | • | • | • | |
| Auto size mode for bar diameter determination | • | • | • | ||
| Orthogonal mode for bar diameter determination | • | • | • | ||
| RS232 output to printer or PC | • | • | • | ||
| EDTS Excel Link Software | • | • | • | ||
| CoverMaster® Software | • | • | • | ||
| Statistics | • | • | • | ||
| Minimum and maximum cover limits | • | • | • | ||
| Date and time | • | • | • | ||
| Memory | • | • | • | ||
| Graphics plot | • | • | |||
| Threshold plot | • | • | |||
| Stainless steel probe | • | ||||
| Rugged waterproof case (IP65) | • | • | • | • | • |
| Adjustable beep volume and earphone socket | • | • | • | • | • |
| Bar Diameter Ranges | |
|---|---|
| Metric | 5 to 50 mm in 21 values |
| U.S. Bar Numbers | #2 to #18 in 16 values |
| ASTM/Canadian | 10 to 55M in 8 values |
| Japanese | 6 to 57 mm in 17 values |
