Nondestructive Concrete Characterization System

"Traditional concrete protective structures encountered by ground forces typically have unconfined compressive strengths of between 3,000 to 6,000 psi. Recent advances in concrete technology have resulted in new concrete materials with compressive strengths of 30,000 psi or greater. No field instrument currently exists that can simultaneously determine the compressive strength, thickness, and rebar configuration of concrete structures across todays wide range of possible compressive strengths. In STTR Phase I/II efforts, NLA Diagnostics LLC (NLAD) developed a prototype instrument that accurately measures both compressive strength and concrete thickness up to 33,000 psi and 6 ft respectively. NLAD has also mapped out a technical course to locate rebar within the concrete. This proposed project will take input from military operators to improve packaging of the existing technology and to implement a rebar mapping capability in order to enhance military capabilities to defeat concrete protective structures, accelerate the ability to deploy concrete characterization instruments with operating forces, and reduce the technical risks associated with engaging concrete protective structures in tactical situations."