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hollow or solid
2

hollow or solid

hollow or solid

(OP)
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.

RE: hollow or solid

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.

RE: hollow or solid

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

RE: hollow or solid

(OP)
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?

RE: hollow or solid

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.

RE: hollow or solid

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

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