Digital Concrete Rebound Hammer: Instruction Manual
Digital Concrete Rebound Hammer: Instruction Manual
Digital Concrete Rebound Hammer: Instruction Manual
MA NUA L CO DE
C 3 8 6N
GENERAL INDEX
Chapter 6 MAINTENANCE
6.01 Ordinary Maintenance
6.02 Authorised maintenance centres
Chapter 8 INACTIVITY
1.01 WARNINGS
The manufacturer does not accept any responsibility for direct or indirect damage to people, things or animals and use of the
appliance in different conditions from those foreseen.
The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the documentary information or to the appliance without advance
notice.
Check the machine responds to the standards in force in the state in which it has been installed.
All operations necessary for maintaining machine efficiency before and throughout use are the operator’s responsibility
Carefully read the entire manual before operating the machine.
It is vital to know the information and limitations contained in this manual for correct machine use by the operator.
Interventions are only permitted if the operator is accordingly competent and trained.
The operator must be knowledgeable about machine operations and mechanisms.
The purchaser must ensure that operators are trained and aware of all the information and clarifications in the supplied
documentation.
Even with such certainty the operator or user must be informed and therefore aware of potential risks when operating the
machine.
Safety, reliability and optimum performance is guaranteed when using original parts.
Any tampering or modifying of the appliance (electrical, mechanical or other) which has not been previously authorised in
writing by the manufacturer is considered abusive and disclaims the constructor from any responsibility for any resulting
damage.
All necessary operations to maintain the efficiency of the machine before and throughout use are the responsibility of the
user
The machine has been designed and constructed according to the current norms and consequently with mechanical and
electrical safety devices designed to protect the operator or user from possible physical damage. Residual risks during use
or in some intervention procedures on the device are however present. Such risks can be reduced by carefully following
manual procedures, using the suggested individual protection devices and respecting the legal and safety norms in force.
This manual includes “Warning” and “Danger” indications in relevant chapters. These indications are shown with the words
“Danger” or “Warning” in bold font and uppercase to make them highly visible.
“WARNING” Indicates that machine damage could be caused should indications be ignored.
Indicates that machine damage and/or injury to the worker could be caused should
“DANGER”
indications be ignored.
“DANGEROUS ZONE” indicates any zone inside or in the proximity of the appliance in which a person is exposed to the risk
of injury or damage to health.
This manual has been edited with the aim of providing all machine operators with all the necessary information on
installation, use and maintenance from production to scrapping in as comprehensive and clear manner as possible.
All the procedures useful for any foreseeable emergency situations have been listed by the manufacturer and can be verified
during use.
Operators, for whom this manual has been written, due to their competence must give instructions or operate the machine
themselves.
The instructions manual must be carefully consulted by laboratory or site safety managers, equipment operators and any
internal and external maintenance workers.
The manual is integral to the product and refers to this appliance only.
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The manual must be safeguarded and always kept near the equipment so that it can be easily consulted whenever
necessary.
IMPORTANT: The manual does not substitute the experience and technical training of the worker but must be considered a
guide for carrying out its functions.
Furthermore all the norms and rules the operator should be aware of or consult for correct use of the machine and/or test
performance can be found in the manual.
This responsibility is entrusted to the installer and Laboratory or Site Manager where the machine is installed.
The Constructor is available to provide further information.
This manual reflects the state at the time of the launch of the machine on its market. If any modifications, improvements or
adjustments have been made since machine supply the Manufacturer does not have to intervene on the marketed machine
and will not consider the machine or the manual deficient or inadequate.
MATEST SPA
Via Delle Industrie, 25
24048 Treviolo
(Bergamo) Italy
Tel +39 0352055011
Fax +39 0352055055
Email : matest@matest.com
Internet : www.matest.com
MODEL : C386N
1.07 EC STAMP
SEE EC DECLARATION
1.08 USAGE
Tests on hardened concrete already in use which quality and mechanical characteristics can be divided into destructive and
non destructive tests.
One of the non destructive tests consists of the ‘mechanical’ method which determines surface hardness. This method
involves using the hammer and is based on the existing correspondence between the unit load of compression breakage and
surface hardness (obtained by measuring the remaining elastic energy – rebound theory).
The hammer tests are used to evaluate, on site and with the due procedure limitations, concrete compression
resistance (and uniformity); they therefore allow zones or areas of low (or deteriorated) quality present in already
manufactured structures.
The Digital Hammer performs tests with continuous and automatic registration of all parameters according to the standards
UNI EN 12504-2, ASTM C805, BS 1881:202, NF P18-417, DIN 1048, UNI 9189, UNE 83307. The acquired data can also be
transferred to a PC (via a USB interface).
It is furnished with data transfer software, USB cable, battery charter, abrasive stone, transportation case.
This appliance is for the exclusive use which it has been conceived for.
Any other use is considered improper and therefore negligent.
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Machine use is allowed only in places free from danger of explosion or fire.
During operation check for conditions of danger.
Immediately stop the machine should it be working irregularly, and consult the authorised dealer’s Sales Service department.
It is the Client’s responsibility to verify at the time of installation and use that no conditions of use arise which are different to
those indicated.
Refer to the Constructor when in doubt
The principle for the function of the instrument is that a mass launched from a spring strikes a piston in contact with
the surface and the result of the test is expressed in terms of the bouncing distance of the mass.
The equipment is constituted by a mobile mass with a certain initial energy, which strikes the surface of a concrete mass.
There is a redistribution of the initial kinetic energy following the strike and namely a part is absorbed by the concrete in the
form of plastic or permanent deformation energy and another part of the energy is returned to the mobile mass which
bounces for a tract in proportion to the remaining energy.
An essential condition for the distribution of such energy is that the concrete mass is practically in infinite relationship with the
mass of the mobile equipment, otherwise a part of the initial energy, being independent from the relative masses of two
bodies that will collide, would be transferred to the concrete in the form of kinetic energy.
The condition for infinite mass for the concrete is realized by using very small impact masses.
In order to obtain the necessary energy for the impact a spring system is used.
The bounce run is determined by the energy of the bounce following the strike with the concrete and by the characteristics of
the spring system.
All the test devices that are based on the use of the results from the impact energy, must be equipped with a
calibration control in that, after prolonged use, the springs modify their elastic constants.
1.10 OPERATORS
”QUALIFIED PERSONNEL” means people who, due to their training, experience and education, as well as knowledge of the
relevant standards, limitations and measures, have been authorised by the “PLANT SAFETY MANAGER” to carry out any
necessary activity and are able to recognise and avoid any possible danger.
The manufacturer recommends that the instructions, procedures and recommendations in this manual and the work safety
legislation in force be scrupulously adhered to, even with the use of appropriate protection devices (whether individual or part
of the machine).
Knowledge and respect of the instructions, safety warnings and danger in this manual are all necessary for installation,
operation, management and machine maintenance with a minimal risk.
The “PLANT SAFETY MANAGER” has the following responsibilities and duties:
- To know the machine functions, its commands, safety and protection devices, possible dangers of use and all the
information in this manual in detail. This knowledge can only be gleaned from detailed reading of this manual.
- To know the safety legislation in force in detail in order to operate the machine
- To recognise the “QUALIFIED PERSONNEL” for transportation, handling, installation, use, maintenance, disposal, etc.
- Correctly train and educate the “QUALIFIED PERSONNEL” before allowing them access to the machine. The personnel
must also be exhaustively trained with regards to the machine’s protection devices.
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- Ensure the machine’s safety devices are not tampered with or removed and are checked on a daily basis. Provide the
operator appropriate individual protection devices according to the laws in force.
- The constructor is available for clarification, assistance and training and declines all responsibility for damage to things or
people resulting from improper, incorrect and negligent use by untrained personnel.
1.11 STORAGE
The appliance must be stored and conserved in the original packaging and in a closed
WARNING environment, protected from atmospheric agents with a minimum temperature of -15C°,
and a maximum of +60C° and a maximum humidity of 70%.
In order to avoid irreparable machine damage, move with care, do not overturn, protect
WARNING from rain, do not stack, protect the packaging and its contents from bumps and sources
of heat.
During transportation and movement it is important to avoid bumps, overloading with other packages, exposure to freezing or
heating atmospheric agents, or any other potentially harmful condition to the device, things or people. Machine
transportation and movement must be entrusted to Qualified Personnel who can ensure correct movement.
After removing the packaging check the machine is complete and that there are no visibly damaged parts. DO NOT USE
THE MACHINE and refer to the constructor when in doubt.
The components used for packaging (plastic bags, polystyrene, nails, screws, wood, etc)
DANGER must be kept out of reach of children, as they are sources of danger. These components
should be placed in the appropriate containers.
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A6 A7 A8
CONTROL DESCRIPTION
A1 PERCUSSION STEM Mass that give the “hit” to the concrete surface to test, just press to release
the mass.
A2 MAIN BODY Same at the analog version.
A3 DISPLAY New display for a rapid visualization of the value.
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LENGTH 320 mm
WIDTH 65 mm
HEIGHT 75 mm
WEIGHT 2 kg
POWER UNIT/ BATTERY CHARGER INPUT 100 ÷ 240 VAC, 50 ÷ 60 Hz, 200 mA
OUTPUT 12 VDC, 700 mA (100 VAC), 800 mA (240 VAC)
BATTERIES Ni-Mh 9 V, 2400 mA/h
The instrument functions with rechargeable batteries. The power unit supplied with the tool must be inserted to recharge the
batteries.
The instrument does not have to be switched on for the battery to be recharged. The instrument can be switched on and
used when being recharged.
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N.B.: The batteries are usually completely recharged in 8 hours. Recharging stops automatically when the battery has
reached its maximum charge.
DURING USE
When operating check there are no conditions of danger. Immediately stop the machine when it is functioning irregularly.
Contact the authorised Sales Service department.
• For the operator’s safety do not touch any part of the appliance when testing and use the appropriate individual
protection devices in order to keep the operator safe.
MAGNETIC FIELDS
Magnetic fields or the presence of strong intensity radiations must be avoided as far as
possible.
WARNING The static electricity or magnetic fields produced by other equipment may interfere with
the internal components, resulting in damages to the data stored on the memory card or
to the internal circuits of the instrument
Tampering with the protections or any appliance modification could cause risks to users or other exposed people.
The manufacturer does not assume any responsibility for direct or in direct damage to people, things or animals
following tampering with the protections.
DEFINITION: Protections are all the safety measures that consist of the use of specific technical means (repairs, safety
devices) to protect people from dangers which cannot be limited reasonably in design.
The instrument does not have any safety devices as there are no particular risks for the operator during normal use.
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4.01 LOCATION
The equipment must be placed in an ideal position and environment for the use it has been conceived for (laboratory use and
protected from atmospheric agents) and that the machine is placed by a qualified operator.
TEMPERATURE CHANGES
Avoid exposing the instrument to sudden change of temperature; sudden variation of
temperature could generate condensation inside the body of the instrument with possible
ATTENZIONE failures of the electrical components.
We suggest to wrap the instrument or to put it back in its case in order not to shock it due
to thermic change.
ELECTRIC TOLERANCES:
The manufacturer assumes no liability for any damages to people, things and animals caused by the non-compliance of the
above instructions
Before setting the machine in motion it is essential that the Operator and Safety
DANGER Manager have read the Instructions Manual and understood all parts of the
WARNING machine and activities linked to it (Risks, Dangers, Functionality, Operation,
Protections, Commands, etc.)
The concrete elements to be subjected to the test must be at least 100 mm in thickness and fixed inside a
structure.
Smaller sample pieces may be subjected to testing as long as these pieces are rigidly supported.
Areas that contain the presences of gravel nests, flaking, course textures or others porous elements and in the
proximity of significant inertia must be avoided.
It should also be avoided, by performing a preliminary rebar locator investigation, the carrying out of sclerometric
strikes in areas of passing armatures and in the vicinity of pre-compression cables and wires.
In the selection of an area to be subjected to the test the following factors should be considered:
The area to be subjected to the test must be approximately 300 mm x 300 mm.
Ensure that the distance between the two points of impact are not less that 25 mm and that neither is less that
25mm from the edge.
The preparation of the test is carried out using an abrasive medium grain carborundum stone.
The smooth or float surfaces may be subjected to testing without rectifications.
Remove eventual water residue present on the cement surface.
Before using the appliance it is highly recommended to check that the appliance and all its accessories work properly and are
in good conditions, without defects or damaged parts
The data on the main screen (seen when appliance is switched on) are as follows:
1. Lean the spherical edge of the percussion bracket A1 on the selected surface.
2. pushing the body of the instrument with both the hands and keeping it in a perpendicular position.
3. Apply a gradual pressure to the surface until the percussion is obtained.
4. Keep the instrument firmly pressed against the surface and wait for the audio signal
5. Now is possible to remove the instrument from the surface The rebound index (lRb) shows the value of the latest
test
6. Repeat the test maintaining the same tilt of the instrument (all the measurements must have coherent angling with
the first one, otherwise data acquisition will not take place) up to a maximum of 10 readings per sequence with a
wait of at least 2 seconds between one reading and the next.
If over 20% of all the measures fluctuates from the average by more than 6 units, the entire set of measurements taken will
have to be discarded.
The value measured during the test and the current “job” are transferred to the USB (see chapter “TEST
DESCRIPTION”) so that they may be read and used by another instrument connected to it (i.e.: Ultrasonic tester).
Check all the tracks left by the instrument on the surface after the impact; if the impact has crashed or perforated the surface,
do not consider the test result.
Humidity, carbonatization alterations, chemical aggressions, micro cracks, composition and history of the concrete, status of
scabrous surface and underlying mass object of the percussions, are all elements that influence the bounce index value.
A correctly proportioned concrete presents a highly alkaline (pH13) environment which inhibits the oxidization reactions of the
armature.
The concrete is however permeable therefore the carbon dioxide may distribute within reacting with the substances that it
encounters giving way to the phenomenon of carbonatization (environment pH9) and to dimensional variations that
determine the concrete cracks.
The cracking sustains the penetration of both carbon dioxide and water vapor which in turn triggers another process: the
oxidization of the armature bars/rods, with notable effects.
1. Check that a sequence of measurements has been selected (new or saved to file).
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d)
Description of the test area/s preparation;
e)
Concrete details and conditions;
f)
Date and hour of the test run;
g)
Test results (average value) and orientation of the test hammer for each test area;
h)
Eventual deviations from the standardized test method;
i)
Declaration of the person responsible for the test, whom can attest that the 12504-2:2001 test has been performed
excepting that referred to in point (h).
Where necessary, the report may also include the single test hammer readings
5.05 CONFIGURATION
Some test descriptives can be defined using the appropriate screen. Proceed as follows:
5.07 CALIBRATION
IMPORTANT: The calibration procedure can be cancelled at any time (and return to the main screen) by pressing .
The actual standards EN 12504-2 command the checking of the calibration of the test
hammer with an anvil for each tests session (EN 12504-2 paragraph 6.1.3).
ATTENTION The standard give mandatory indications on how verify and how often, before and after each
test sessions. Measures taken on the reference anvil must be saved and compared (EN
12504-2 paragraph 6.3)
For this reason arise from the standard that is unnecessary a certificate of calibration for the test hammer, also if it is
provided from the producer or another authority that use a different anvil of calibration, because the value obtained result not
comparable with the ones obtained from the user before and after the test on his own anvil of calibration.
1. While in the main window, keep pressed F1 to turn off the instrument.
2. Lean the spherical edge of the percussion bracket A1 on the selected surface.
3. pushing the body of the instrument with both the hands and keeping it in a perpendicular position.
4. Apply a gradual pressure to the surface until the percussion is obtained.
DO NOT TOUCH THE SIDE STOP BUTTON “A9” WHILE YOU’RE PRESSING THE
PERCUSSION STEM AND/OR WHEN THE HAMMER MASS IS MOVING,
ATTENTION OTHERWISE THE INSTRUMENT WIL BE DAMAGED.
THE STOP BUTTON MUST BE PRESSED ONLY TO MOVE THE HAMMER MASS
BACK TO ITS HOUSING. ANY OTHER USE IS CONSIDERED INAPPROPRIATE.
5. Keep the instrument firmly pressed against the surface and wait for the audio signal
6. Keeping the instrument firmly pressed against the surface, press the A9 stop button.
7. Gradually reduce pressure on the instrument and ensure the rod is kept inside.
5.09 BATTERIES
In order to grant a longer long-lasting of the batteries, the instrument switch off automatically the rear-lighting after 30
seconds when the machine is not in use.
After 15 minutes, the instrument switch off completely loosing the measurement not previously stored.
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The download software is normally compatible with the majority of the existing
operating systems. Anyway considering: continuous evolution of these systems,
several versions available on the market, potential programs configurations on
ATTENTION PCs and eventual disturbs generated by some protection softwares like antivirus
and firewalls, incompatibility cases cannot be excluded. Should an incompatibility
occur or difficulties during installation or use be encountered, please contact
Matest technical service.
This procedure will allow you to install the software to transfer data from the instrument C386N to a standard personal
computer. Be sure you have the enclosed CD Rom before starting.
1. Insert the CD Rom into the driver of the computer you want to download.
2. With the “autoplay function” ON, the installation procedure starts automatically; otherwise browse the CD
and double click on the file .<CD-ROM drive>:\setup.exe.
3. Follow the screen instructions and confirming the default settings, install the software.
4. Double click on the file <CD-ROM drive>:\Driver USB\OneSetup.exe to start installation for the driver for USB
connection.
5. Follow the screen instructions and confirming the default settings, install the driver.
6. Connect the USB cable between the instrument and the computer and wait for the periphery to be recognised.
7. Confirm with OK and NEXT on every window which appears until installation has been completed.
To transfer data from the rebound hammer, switch on the software, selection the correct communications port from the
options menu and carry out data transfer of the instrument.
NB: In some O.S. it is mandatory to access with the account of Administrator to install the software.
a. Double click on <CD-ROM drive>:\Driver USB\OneSetup.exe file, follow the instructions shown on the
video, confirm the default settings, and wait for the end of the setup process.
OR
b. Double click on <CD-ROM drive>:\Driver USB\CDM20814_Setup.exe file and wait for the end of the
setup process.
Chapter 6 MAINTENANCE
Carry out a calibration check (“USAGE” CHAPTER) every time new tests are carried out.
Do not perform maintenance – interventions on the machine which have not been
DANGER quoted and described in this instructions manual without first contacting the
manufacturer.
WARNING Periodically clean all machine parts and oil the unpainted parts in order to preserve
the machine and its efficiency.
Avoid the use of solvents which damage paint and parts in synthetic material.
For information on the nearest authorised help centre it is essential to contact the manufacturer.
Chapter 8 INACTIVITY
Ensure all machine parts are in safe working order before operating it again should the machine be inactive for a long period
of time. When in doubt contact the Manufacturer.
This symbol, shown on the device or on the package and/or the documentation, suggests that the device
should not be disposed together with other home garbage at the end of its life cycle.
To avoid further environment, or health-care damage, caused by the unsuitable disposal of garbage, the user
should separate this device from other different types of garbage and recycle it in responsibly to avoid the
reuse of material resources. Users must take care at the disposal of the equipment by taking it to the nearest
recycling site for appropriate recycling treatment for electrical and electronical devices. Gathering and Recycling deplete
devices allow the preservation of natural resources and grant them the adequate treatment by respecting health and
environment.
For further information on your local recycling site please contact your local council or city waste treatment department. The
developer, as producer of electrical and electronical devices, will provide to finance the recycling and treatment services for
deplete devices that will come back through these recycling sites, according to the local statement.
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