{"id":15260,"date":"2012-12-01T10:51:14","date_gmt":"2012-12-01T15:51:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/?p=15260"},"modified":"2017-01-20T14:53:03","modified_gmt":"2017-01-20T19:53:03","slug":"inspections-testing-and-the-diagnostic-toolkit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.constructionspecifier.com\/inspections-testing-and-the-diagnostic-toolkit\/","title":{"rendered":"Inspections, testing, and the diagnostic toolkit"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Photo<\/a>
Photo \u00a9 BigStockPhoto\/Oliv\u00e9r Sv\u00e9d<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This follow-up to a previous article on the importance of field verification, testing responsibilities, and reporting protocol describes some of the equipment and instruments this author frequently uses when visiting construction sites.\u00a0(For the first part of this article, see the author\u2019s \u201cTrust, but Verify: Tools and Tricks for the Design Professional\u201d in the February 2012 issue of The Construction Specifier<\/a>.)<\/i><\/p>\n

Testing can normally be divided into two categories\u2014nondestructive (NDT), which does not harm or damage the entity or require its removal, and destructive (in which case the subject is altered or removed from the location and repair is later required). Regardless of which of these two paths is chosen, it is usually best that the test equipment is used and maintained by the same person. This ensures the equipment\u2019s condition is always known after each use, and it is operated properly, with clear maintenance and calibration history.<\/p>\n

Further, when the same person uses the equipment, he or she gains valuable experience and treats the devices in the same manner. When multiple individuals use the same equipment, accidents or neglect is more probable, and problems may not be communicated to others.<\/p>\n

Some equipment does not require batteries, some equipment uses rechargeable ones, and others employ disposable. This author feels more comfortable with the latter because the charge seems to last longer. It is very easy to grab the needed spares as opposed to maintaining a whole wall of electrical outlets to accommodate the different rechargeable batteries and their rechargers.<\/p>\n

Choose your weapons<\/b>
\nWhen selecting test equipment, it is usually advantageous and more economical to avoid entry-level equipment. One should check capabilities and features and compare to ultimate needs. Initially, entry-level equipment may be easier to learn than advanced equipment, but these devices may quickly become inadequate and no longer meet needs. As experience is gained, there may be an impulse to upgrade equipment. Thus, it would be prudent to purchase one\u2019s \u2018second\u2019 instrument first. Upgrading can be expensive and can leave a person with a drawer full of unused gadgets and black boxes.<\/p>\n

\"Air<\/a>
Air monitors determine suitable conditions for painting by measuring ambient temperature, humidity, and wind speed.<\/span>
Photos courtesy Cris Crissinger<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The display is a vital part of the usefulness of the meter. Although a digital display can provide readings more precisely than a pointer, unless the screen is non-glare or has high contrasting readings and background (or is backlit), the information can be difficult to read, especially when viewed in bright light or at an angle. Some instruments have a lit background, but this usually offers little improvement. Usually, a needle display is much easier to read thana digital display under varying light conditions, but precision in reading may be sacrificed with a needle display.<\/p>\n

The following list of diagnostic tools is neither all-inclusive nor overly detailed. Instead, it represents selected items from the author\u2019s toolbox repertoire of useful equipment. When choosing tools, one should consider those with which he or she is familiar and complements his or her specialty. For instance, a structural engineer may not need a moisture meter or sound meter, but a metal scanner, dry film gauge, or inclinometer would be useful.<\/p>\n

Infrared thermometer<\/i>
\nThis device measures surface temperature without contacting the surface. It should have a minimum distance ratio of 12:1 and a temperature range of \u201318 to 370 C (0 to 700 F), and be able to quickly determine whether asphalt is too hot or cold, if surfaces are too hot or cold to paint, or if surfaces are approaching dewpoint.<\/p>\n

Air monitor<\/i>
\nAir monitors show ambient temperature, relative humidity, dewpoint, and wind speed. They are used to determine suitable conditions for painting, interior casework installation, and other tasks. (Wind speed should also have an fpm scale to measure HVAC airflow.)<\/p>\n

Sling psychrometer<\/i>
\nThe sling psychrometer tool very accurately measures ambient wet bulb and dry bulb temperature for conversion to relative humidity and dewpoints using integral scales.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Smoke<\/a>
Smoke sticks serve as a quick and simple method<\/span>
for determining air movement.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Smoke stick<\/i>
\nA simple and fast, but non-quantitative, way to detect the slightest air movement.<\/p>\n

Moisture meter: pin-type<\/i>
\nDetermining moisture at or close to the substrate surface can be done with these devices. Since the meter produces two small pinholes (\u2018fang marks\u2019), it is a destructive test.\u00a0(Refer to this author\u2019s two-part article, \u201cMysteries of Moisture Meters,\u201d in the May and June 2006 issues of The Construction Specifier<\/a><\/i>.)<\/p>\n

Moisture meter: pinless<\/i>
\nMore versatile than the pin type, these devices can be used on different substrates such as cementitious and clay materials, drywall, wood, insulation, and various roof membranes.\u00a0(For practical applications of various moisture meters, refer to this author\u2019s articles, \u201cFacing Floor Failures over Concrete,\u201d and \u201cWood Flooring Woes: Considerations for Finishes and Substrates,\u201d in the May and November 2010 issues of The Construction Specifier<\/a><\/i>.)<\/p>\n

Moisture meter: concrete<\/i>
\nThese meters measure actual percent moisture and relative humidity in concrete. When the hood method is used to measure RH, it is a non-destruct test. If the test is conducted using probes set below the concrete surface, then the test is destructive.<\/p>\n

RILEM tube<\/i>
\nThis device\u2014bearing the French acronym for the International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems, and Structures\u2014evaluates masonry\u2019s resistance to wind-driven rain and the effectiveness of sealers. Different tubes with applicable calibrations can be used on either CMUs and concrete.\u00a0(For more, see this author\u2019s article, \u201cMeasuring Masonry\u2019s Moisture: Understand the role of the RILEM Tube Test,\u201d in the November 2009 issue of Construction Canada<\/a>.)<\/i><\/p>\n

Dry-film gauge<\/i>
\nThis tool measures dried paint film. It should be able to measure paint thickness on ferrous and nonferrous metals ranging up to 99 mils (i.e.<\/i> 2.5 mm) thick.<\/p>\n

Wet-film gauge<\/i>
\nThis measures paint thickness in the wet state for comparison with the manufacturer\u2019s recommended wet film thickness.<\/p>\n

Tooke gauge<\/i>
\nUsing basic trigonometry, a calibrated scale, and a magnifier, this device identifies the number of coats of paint and the thickness and approximate color of each one. Works best on smooth and firm substrates. Since it cuts the paint film and top of substrate, it is a destructive test.<\/p>\n

Pocket microscope<\/i>
\nA pocket microscope (i.e.<\/i> 30-power, with focus and integral light) can be useful for viewing close-up observations, such as paint finishes, surface preparation, corrosion, and hard-to-distinguish print.<\/p>\n

\"Moisture<\/a>
Moisture meters are often employed with concrete.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Digital microscope<\/i>
\nA 27-power digital microscope with a built-in camera (which takes JPEG photos and has a USB connection for easy downloading) is helpful for reviewing and recording close-up observations.<\/p>\n

Binoculars<\/i>
\nA good digital binocular\u201410 x 28 with central focus and an integral digital camera, integral light, removable memory card, date and time stamp, and LCD viewer\u2014can aid in viewing and recording distant or difficult-to-reach locations, such as steep-sloped roofs, cornices, flashing, and windowsills.<\/p>\n

Borescopes<\/i>
\nA beneficial digital borescope will have removable wireless LCD screens with an 18-m (60-ft) range, integral light, and digital camera that takes JPEG photos or video.<\/p>\n

Digital camera<\/i>
\nMemories regarding detail can be short, and a photo can clarify uncertainty and simplify reports. At minimum, one needs a 3.0 zoom, 7 MP, date stamp, and a viewfinder. The viewfinder is a must because it is difficult to see a subject on an LCD screen in the bright sun.<\/p>\n

Digital voice recorder<\/i>
\nRecorders can reduce preparing reports to minimum typing, some editing, and organizing. It is important to opt for voice activation, with application to convert recordings to written text for word processing.<\/p>\n

Metal scanner<\/i>
\nThese devices locate ferrous and nonferrous objects in cementitious substrates; the screen shows location and approximate depth of objects. Scanners are useful in finding reinforcing, metal studs, and piping.<\/p>\n

Inclinometer<\/i>
\nInclinometers are useful for measuring slope in ramps, floors, and roofs. They should be at least 609 mm (24 in.) long, with an LCD screen to show slope in degrees, percent, and inches per foot.<\/p>\n

Sound meter and field calibrator<\/i>
\nSound meters measure background noise and sound reduction of walls, doors, and windows. These devices should:<\/p>\n