The Development of an Apparatus for Diagnosing the Interior Condition of Walls

Methods to diagnose the condition of walls include the use of supersonic sound and infra-red light, but their use is difficult and accuracy is sometimes questionable. The conventional method of using a hammer and interpreting the sound waves is also open to differing interpretation. The author has , however, adapted the hammering method and applied electronic techniques to the analysis of the damping properties of the sound waves produces, whereby accurate diagnosis can be made. Additionally, analysis can be conducted in real time by an unskilled operator, and can diagnose separation up to approximately 40mm within the wall. The apparatus can be used in elevated positions by hand, or can be mounted on a wall traversing inspection robot.