Vol.

Vol. 13,
19, No.
No. 1
1

FOCUS

FROM THE EDITOR

Ultrasonic Testing of Anchor Bolts
by David J. Reid
Welcome to a New Year!
Hello! I would
like to introduce
myself as the
new editor Editor’s note: In the January 2016 edition so windy, I wouldn’t have given much
for The NDT of The NDT Technician, the author thought to the nuts not being in firm
Technician (TNT).
provided a review of ultrasonic testing contact with the base plate.
Some of you
may recognize (UT) for bolts and pins. In this article, Bolt failure in four-bolt cantilever signs
my name—I’ve the author will build upon the first article has been documented. High wind loads
been part of the with an in-depth review of the ultrasonic were a primary reason why these anchor
publications department since 2017,
first as editor of Materials Evaluation
testing of steel anchor bolts on highway signs bolts failed (Garlich and Thorkildsen
and more recently as editor of our and traffic signals. His experience working 2005, p. 7).
new conference newspaper, ASNT with three different state departments of Ultrasonic testing (UT) can be used to
Daily. I’m excited to take the reins from transportation led him to write this article inspect these types of signs. In some states,
my very capable predecessor, Haley
Cowans, who has moved over to the based on his experience and research working the use of UT has been expanded to the
books team here at ASNT. with cantilever signs. inspection of all highway signs and traffic
As C.S. Lewis said, “You are never signals.
too old to set another goal or dream a
new dream.” If you have any ideas for Background
TNT, please don’t hesitate to share! Before going in-depth on ultrasonic Visual Inspection Prior to
Here’s to reaching more goals and inspection for cracked anchor bolts, it Ultrasonic Inspection
dreaming new dreams in 2020! helps to understand why these inspections A diagram of the typical four-bolt
Jill Ross, Periodicals Editor are necessary. cantilever sign is shown in Figure 1. Top
614-384-2484;
email [email protected] One very windy day, I witnessed two and bottom nuts that are not in firm
different four-bolt cantilever signs rocking contact with the base plate and loose bolts
back and forth. Both of these signs were at the chord-pole connection are a couple
in the downtown area of a large city with of reasons why an anchor bolt could crack.
high volumes of traffic driving past them. These can be checked by hitting the nuts
My immediate thought was, this is an and washers with a hammer to see if they
accident waiting to happen. If it wasn’t move. If you have ever, on a very windy
The American Society for
Nondestructive Testing
asnt.org

ASNT...CREATING A SAFER WORLD! ® TNT · January 2020 · 1

FOCUS | UT of Anchor Bolts

foundation and the bottom of the base a top nut with 75% or more thread
plate is more than 2× the bolt diameter, engagement is acceptable (Garlich and
as demonstrated in Figure 2 (Garlich and Thorkildsen 2005, p. 80).
Thorkildsen 2005, p. 32). For nuts with less than full thread
Cantilever sign engagement, it should be noted on the
inspection report that the ultrasonic
Ultrasonic Inspection Procedure scanning area will be reduced because
Each state department of transportation
the transducer cannot get as close to the
should have a specific ultrasonic inspection
edge as it could in the case of full thread
Chord Chord-pole Pole procedure, not just a reference to ASTM
connection engagement (Figure 5).
E114. A common problem is that these
inspection procedures and reports do not
have all the information that both the Preparation for Inspection
technician and engineer need to know. Preparation of the anchor bolts for the
The result could be misleading or cause inspection requires the top surface of the
Anchor bolt incomplete inspection results, and in a bolt to be ground smooth, flat, and level.
Base plate worst-case scenario, a cracked anchor bolt That would require having an electrical
could be missed. generator on site and two different types
Foundation As an example, a procedure that calls for of grinders. The generator would need to
a 0°, 5 MHz, 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) diameter have enough running wattage to run the
transducer might be limited to a 1 in. grinders. For bolts where the nuts have
Figure 1. Diagram of cantilever sign. (25.4 mm) diameter and larger anchor full thread engagement, an angle grinder
bolts. Bolts smaller than 1 in. (25.4 mm) is needed. But if the nuts have less than
may require a different transducer and full thread engagement, a technician
day, stood next to a highway sign with nuts reference standard. The following sections would need a rotary tool grinder with a
that are not in firm contact with the base illustrate examples of other things the small-diameter grinding stone. If the top
plate, you will see the sign rocking back inspection procedure might not tell a surface of the bolt has not already been
and forth. practitioner. ground smooth, it is recommended that
Another reason why anchor bolts crack the product marking as defined by ASTM
could be the stress put on them if the F1554 be noted on the report, as seen in
Transducer for the Inspection Table 1 (ASTM 2018, paragraphs 18 and
standoff distance between the top of the
Typically, the transducer required is 0°,
S3). While grinding, look for cracks on the
5 MHz, and 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) in
top of the bolt (Figure 6).
diameter, but the procedure might not
Anchor bolt specify that a cable connection on the top TABLE 1
will be needed. A transducer with the cable ASTM F1554 product markings*
Top nut
connection on the side might not be able Color Blue Yellow Red
Projection distance

Top nut
to properly sit on top of the bolt being
Stamp AB 36 AB 55 AB 105
Base plate tested if the nut has 75% or less thread
engagement (Figure 3). Grade 36 55 105
Leveling Full thread engagement is when the * ASTM 2018, ASTM F1554-18: Standard Specification
Leveling nut
nut Standoff end of the bolt is even with or above the for Anchor Bolts, Steel, 36, 55, and 105-ksi Yield
distance Strength, ASTM International, West Conshokocken, PA.
outer face of the nut. The percentage of
thread engagement should also be reported.
This can be solved with basic math. As an
Foundation In addition to the grinding disks and
example, if a top nut is 2 in. (50.8 mm)
small-diameter grinding stones, the
tall but the anchor bolt is 0.5 in. (12.7 mm)
technician will also need some cutting
Figure 2. Diagram of anchor bolts
below the top surface of the nut, that
wheels. On some structures, the anchor
and nuts, and standoff and projection equates to 1.5 in. (38.1 mm), or 75% of
bolt nuts have covers on top. If the erection
distance. the threads engaged (Figure 4). Typically,

2 · Vol. 19, No. 1

crew sets the bolts too high, they will need heat-treated). The height of a heavy hex nut Reference Standard for the
to cut off the top of the bolt so they can is equal to the bolt diameter. The height
Inspection
put covers on. Often when this happens, of a regular hex nut is less than the bolt
Most of the procedures require a special
the cut that is made is not a straight, diameter. It is often a problem when “soft”
reference standard made from a 10 in.
smooth, level cut that is ready for an regular hex nuts are tightened using a “turn
(254 mm) long section of an anchor bolt. It
ultrasonic inspection. It would need to be of the nut method,” the threads strip out
should state the minimum diameter of the
cut again to get it right. before the bolt reaches the required pre-
reference standard. If a technician does not
If the technician finds a nut welded to tension (Garlich and Thorkildsen 2005,
already have one, they may have to make
the bolt or base plate, it should be reported. pp. 33, 35; SSTC 2016, pp. 111, 132).
one. If the technician’s state department of
Anchor bolt nuts are supposed to be a Welding the nut to the bolt may look
transportation does not have a spare bolt,
heavy hex type that has been heat-treated sufficient, but in reality, the bolt has not
a local concrete precast fabrication shop
“hard.” Regular hex nuts are “soft” (not been properly pre-tensioned.
may have one. The procedure may call for a
reference standard with a 0.25 in.
(6.35 mm) deep saw cut in the threaded
portion of the bolt, 3 in. (76.2 mm) from
the end. This allows the technician to
standardize the distance for 3 in. (76.2 mm),
7 in. (177.8 mm), and 10 in. (254 mm)
before establishing the sensitivity reference
level as detailed by the inspection procedure.

Range Setting on the Ultrasonic

Unit
When conducting the actual inspection, the
(b) procedure may specify a 10 in. (254 mm)
(a)
range setting on the ultrasonic equipment. A
Figure 3. Transducer types: (a) top connection; (b) side connection. common problem is that a 10 in. (254 mm)
range setting is not adequate in all
situations. Cracks in anchor bolts can occur
about 0.125 in. (3.175 mm) below the top
of the base plate, but typically occur about
0.75 in. (19.05 mm) below the top of the
foundation the bolt is embedded in. With
this in mind, the range setting should be
equal to the projection distance plus 2 in.
(50.8 mm) (Figure 2). As a result, a 15 in.
(381 mm) range setting might be required.

Ultrasonic Inspection for Cracks

The technician should scan the top surface
of the bolt as detailed in the inspection
procedure. Indications from cracks are
typically tall, sharp, and tight due to the
large difference in the acoustic impedance
across the reflection interface between
the base metal and the crack, which is
Figure 4. A nut with 65% thread engagement. essentially air. The indications should be
evaluated as required by the procedure.

TNT · January 2020 · 3

FOCUS | UT of Anchor Bolts

Measuring the Length of

Anchor Bolts
Reporting requirements may include
noting the length. What the inspection
procedure might not tell you is there are
two basic types of anchor bolts: straight end
and hook end (figure 1 in ASTM 2018),
and there are differences in how they are
measured. The length can be rounded up
or down to the nearest inch to get the
approximate length. It is only when the
technician finds a reject indication that
accuracy to the nearest thousandth of an
inch would be required. (As a note, the
author sets the gate trigger on “flank”
instead of “peak” since measuring the
distance to the reject indication is the
primary purpose of this inspection.)
Measuring the length requires a longer
range setting than what is used for the
Figure 5. Transducer over a reject indication. crack inspection. In the field, anchor bolt
lengths can range from 25 in. (635 mm) to
140 in. (3556 mm). With this in mind, a
150 in. (3810 mm) range setting is a good
starting point. For a straight end bolt, a
gain setting of approximately 18 dB above
the sensitivity reference level is adequate to
measure the length. For a hook end bolt, a
higher gain setting (approximately 36 dB
above the sensitivity reference level) might
be required to measure the length.
Measuring the length of a straight end
bolt is straightforward and simple. It
is similar to a crack; the left side of the
indication is perpendicular, but it might
be wider along the horizontal baseline
(see the blue sound path in Figure 7).
Measuring the length of a hook end bolt
is subjective. There may be one or two
(a) (b)
indications, or nothing. Indications from
Figure 6. An example of a cracked anchor bolt: (a) top view; (b) side view. a hook end are similar in appearance to
corrosion: short, fat, and sloppy. If there
is only one indication, it could be the
Indications from corrosion are typically an indication caused by corrosion. It is length of the bolt plus the hook length
short, fat, and sloppy due to the small recommended that a visual inspection of (see the red sound path in Figure 7). If
difference in the acoustic impedance the bolt be done between the top of the there is a second indication located to
across the reflection interface between foundation and the bottom of the base plate. the left of the first indication, it could be
the base metal and the corrosion. A Further evaluation of the indication would from the radius of the bend that forms the
common problem is that most procedures require the cognizant NDT Level III to hook (see the green sound path in Figure
do not address how to evaluate or report provide written guidance. 7). And then sometimes the soundwaves

4 · Vol. 19, No. 1

 measurements might be the length of the these recommendations into the way one
bolt plus the length of the hook. performs these types of inspections for
their local jurisdiction. h
Sound path
After the Inspection AUTHOR
Once the inspection is complete, it David J. Reid: AWS CWI, ICC S1 Bolting
is recommended that the technician Inspector, NDT Level II in MT, PT, and
clean the bolt tops and apply a cold UT; [email protected]
Bolt length

galvanizing compound. It is sold as a

Hook
length
spray at most hardware stores. REFERENCES
ASTM, 2018, ASTM F1554-18: Standard
Specification for Anchor Bolts, Steel, 36,
Conclusion 55, and 105-ksi Yield Strength, ASTM
International, West Conshokocken, PA,
If your state department of
(a) (b) Figure 1, Paragraphs 18 and S3.
transportation refers to only
Garlich, Michael J., and Eric T. Thorkildsen,
ASTM E114 or has an ultrasonic
Figure 7. Measuring anchor bolt length: 2005, FHWA NHI 05-036: Guidelines for
(a) straight end; (b) hook end.
inspection procedure that does not the Installation, Inspection, Maintenance and
address some of the issues mentioned Repair of Structural Supports for Highway
here, it is recommended that the NDT Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals, Federal
bounce off into left field, and the technician ask the cognizant NDT Level Highway Administration, Washington, DC,
technician gets nothing. If the policy is pp. 1, 6, 7, 32, 33, 35, and 80.
III or structural engineer to review this
to record the length of hook end anchor article. Approval in writing should be SSTC, 2016, Structural Bolting Handbook
bolts, it should be understood that the 2016, Steel Structures Technology Center
received before incorporating any of Inc., Howell, MI, pp. 111 and 132.

TNT · January 2020 · 5

 FYI
Aerospace NDT
Part 1: Introduction to Structure, Design, and Inspection Considerations for
Aerospace Vehicles

The following article is the first of a two-part series on nonde- of aerospace structures and systems is determined by using
structive testing (NDT) for the aerospace industry. These articles some level of nondestructive testing (NDT) both during
have been excerpted from Aerospace NDT, an ASNT Industry manufacturing and throughout the life cycle of the vehicle.
Handbook (2014), for which I served as technical editor. Avionics are generally the aviation electronics,
Part 1 is a brief introduction to structure, design, and material computers, and software that govern guidance and control,
selection considerations for aerospace structure taken from the communication, navigation, weather, weapons, and
chapter written by Joe Gabris. Because of the serious consequences anticollision systems. Systems may be broken into many
of a failure in aircraft and aerospace systems (loss of human life categories, such as propulsion, environmental control,
and/or significant cost), NDT plays a significant role in the hydraulics, and armament. Some typical components of
design and material selection decisions that must be made. aircraft structure are illustrated in Figure 1.
Part 2, which will be published in April, will focus on NDT Aerospace vehicles are commonly segregated into four
of composites, which are now widely employed in aircraft and categories: aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and rockets. The
spacecraft structures. This article will touch on the key NDT intended use or mission of the air vehicle provides the basis
methods that are selected for applications in the aerospace for system and structure design.
industry.
—Richard H. Bossi, Technical Editor of Aerospace NDT, an
ASNT Industry Handbook
Nondestructive Testing Overview
Nondestructive testing, inspection, evaluation, and
characterization (NDT, NDI, NDE, and NDC) are all
Background terms that relate to using processes that check for quality
Aerospace vehicles include air vehicles, spacecraft, rockets, and and suitability for service without altering the product being
missiles. Ensuring the integrity of the vehicle structure and examined. NDT and NDI are usually used synonymously
associated avionics and systems is essential when considering for the examination and measurement process and for
manufacturing costs, the value of items that are transported, comparisons to specification-based accept/reject criteria.
and human safety. NDE and NDC are terms that are used for relating the
The structure is the aerospace vehicle’s frame, which carries nondestructive measurements to fitness of the object for
the loads during initiation of flight, during execution of the service. In aerospace applications, the consequences of failure
mission, and in some cases during recovery of the vehicle. of a component are often dire in terms of risk to life or cost.
Aerospace structure is commonly divided into (1) primary Thus, NDT, in all its forms, becomes a very fundamental part
structure, the failure of which will cause loss of life or loss of every aerospace product.
of the vehicle, and (2) secondary structure. The integrity

6 · Vol. 19, No. 1

 In the first edition of the Nondestructive Testing Handbook, editor NDT engineering plays an important role in the design process
Robert McMaster described the importance of NDT. Table 1 lists and throughout the life cycle of aerospace vehicles. The use of
his critical points. All these points are useful to keep in mind when lower safety factors typically requires NDT to identify smaller
designing for and implementing NDT in aerospace products. discontinuities with higher probabilities of detection to ensure that
Because of the nature of aerospace products, the NDT procedures rogue anomalies are not present in the structure.
and acceptance criteria are among the most stringent of all
industries. This can be understood by the safety factors that are used
in aerospace design. They may run as low as 1.15 for some military
Conceptual and Initial Design Phases
The design of an aircraft is an iterative process. It begins with
applications and up to as high as 1.5 to 2.5 for commercial aircraft.
a conceptual phase that defines the mission and operational
This is compared to safety factors of between 4 and 10 that are
parameters. This phase triggers an initial design phase
commonly applied to other industrial products and construction.
complemented with trade studies and test programs, including
Lower safety factors allow the design and use of thinner and/
(1) preliminary weights and loads (static and fatigue),
or lower strength structure, thereby reducing weight, which may
(2) aerodynamics, (3) propulsion concepts, (4) proposed materials
reduce propulsion needs and increase range and payload. As such,

Figure 1. Basic aircraft components.

TNT · January 2020 · 7

FYI | Aerospace NDT: Part 1

TABLE 1
begins with the primary design of the vehicle followed by the
The importance of nondestructive testing (ASNT 1959) manufacture and assembly of the first several air vehicles that will
To ensure product reliability be used in the certification process. During primary design, the
basic external applied loads are established, which allows calculation
To prevent accidents and save human lives
of internal element loads. External loads are then distributed
To make a profit for the user (add value) into the allowable internal element loads that will meet strength
To ensure customer satisfaction and to maintain the manufacturer’s good requirements. Factors of safety are determined for the primary
reputation structure that serves as the major load path. With this knowledge,
To aid in better product design selection of material and geometry of the structure may be defined
and the parts sized for the aircraft structure. Initial sizing is
To control manufacturing processes
based upon static loads, but fatigue loading becomes the primary
To lower manufacturing cost consideration in the final design of the structure. Systems design
To maintain a uniform quality level occurs in parallel with structure design, and as the general shape
and size of the structure is refined, so are the systems. Although
systems do not carry primary structural aircraft loads, system parts
and construction geometry, (5) integration of new fabrication are designed and sized based on reliable functioning of the system
and assembly processes, (6) exploration of tooling concepts for for the life of the vehicle.
fabrication and assembly, and (7) performing effects of anomalies After parts are sized, initial vehicle weights are adjusted and
study programs. power plant requirements for lift, thrust, and range are refined.
This phase may last several years, with the results of the various Production drawings (or models) are then completed. During
analytical and laboratory testing reported to the design team to this period of sizing and design, NDT engineers develop process
create a refined definition of all aspects of the air vehicle. Prime specifications that establish requirements for the various test
contractors of the vehicle typically partner with subcontractors of methods, including the acceptance/rejection criteria for features
systems and propulsion systems to ensure a parallel initial design or anomalies that may be detected by the selected NDT method.
phase to be integrated in the overall air vehicle. NDT plays an These criteria are established by testing or analysis and coordinated
important role during the initial design phase, where there is a great with the structural and materials engineers. NDT engineers work
deal of interaction with structural and design engineers on activities. with the design engineers to identify the NDT process specifications
This can include: and acceptance criteria to be called out on the engineering drawings
l Evaluation of various inspection methods to provide the optimum
and models. NDT engineers also participate in the evaluation
inspection for the material/geometry. and qualification of subcontractors that will perform NDT on
l Determination of the type, size, and effects of anomalies that can
production and test parts. Close communication between the NDT
be found in a material or geometry. Where inspections cannot be engineer and quality assurance NDT specialists is necessary early
performed, structural engineers will have to assume an anomaly in the design process to develop the NDT philosophy and provide
could be present in their analysis, which can result in heavier adequate time to plan NDT activities before the fabrication of
structure to compensate. parts. Some of the NDT activities that require advance planning
l Evaluation of specimens for material property tests (before,
are (1) development of detailed inspection techniques, (2) design of
during, and after testing). associated tooling for NDT equipment and to hold objects during
Structural and design engineers use the results of these studies NDT operations, (3) identification and procurement of NDT
to determine allowable loads, refine design geometries, select equipment, (4) design and fabrication of reference standards, and
fabrication processes, and develop in-service inspection concepts (5) determination of inspection sequence during the manufacturing
during the primary design phase. NDT personnel involved in and assembly process.
these activities need to be knowledgeable about the variety of test A critical design review (CDR) is normally performed when
techniques and alternatives that may be applied, as well as the most of the structural design has been established and at the early
consequences of variations in their application. stages of fabrication. As fabrication of parts begins, raw material
manufacturers perform NDT on raw material and starting stock for
Primary Design and Fabrication key structural components as required by engineering drawings and
The primary design and fabrication process has also been known as models. After raw material is fabricated into parts and assembled,
the full-scale development (FSD) or the engineering manufacturing NDT is performed at various stages to verify that discontinuities
development (EMD) phase of an aircraft program. This phase do not exceed the acceptance criteria. Typically, the first few fully

8 · Vol. 19, No. 1

assembled aircraft, along with several of the major subassemblies Nondestructive testing plays a key role during ground, flight,
and systems, are subjected to ground, flight, and functional and functional test programs to identify system and structural
testing as part of flight certification. Ground tests may include integrity and key failure points. NDT is typically performed
a destructive test article and tests of small assemblies as well as before the start of these tests to verify the initial condition, at
full-scale tests. Destructive tests typically allow coupons to be key points during the tests, and at the conclusion of the test
cut and tested to verify performance and critical features in a to make a final determination of the integrity of the structure
part. They also provide an opportunity to verify anomalies seen or systems. This information is used to refine design features
during NDT by excising pieces and performing section cuts. of structure and systems before beginning low rate initial
Ground testing for static loads is normally completed before production or full-scale production. h
initiating a flight test program. Static test articles are usually REFERENCES
disassembled and evaluated with NDT to determine if any ASNT, 1959, Nondestructive Testing Handbook, ed. R. McMaster,
damage was incurred during statically applied loading. first edition, 2 vols., Ronald Press, New York, NY, reprinted by the
A flight readiness review is typically performed around the American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Columbus, OH.
time that static and fatigue testing begin. The review must be
EDITOR’S NOTE
completed before any flight operations. Fatigue ground tests The information in this article was excerpted and adapted for
and flight testing usually run concurrently and can last from publication from Aerospace NDT, an ASNT Industry Handbook
several months to several years. One of the key elements of (2014), ed. Richard H. Bossi. Content was excerpted from a chapter
flight testing is to verify flight loads and increase the operation written by Joe Gabris.
envelope of the aircraft. Additional full-scale tests may be Aerospace NDT, an ASNT Industry Handbook is available for purchase
performed that are related to mission performance of structure from the ASNT Store at asnt.org.
and systems, such as corrosion, drop, flutter, mechanical
vibration, environmental, and leak tests.

TNT · January 2020 · 9

 Crossword Challenge | Radiographic Testing
Content adapted from Nondestructive
Testing Handbook, fourth edition:
1 2 3

Vol. 3: Radiographic Testing 4

—coming soon in 2020!

6 7 8

9 10 11

12 13 14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

ACROSS DOWN
4. Radioscopic inspection technique by which computer analysis 1. The adjustment of an NDT instrument using an appropriate
of the radiation passing through an object at many orientations reference standard, to obtain or establish a known and
(projections) about the object is used to construct virtual two- reproducible response.
dimensional slices or three-dimensional representations of a 2. Hollow spot, depression, or cavity.
component (two words). 3. Scale for temperature based on 32 °F as the freezing point
5. Photometric brightness of a light source defined by the density of water and 212 °F as the boiling point of water at standard
of its luminous intensity, measured as luminous flux per unit solid atmospheric pressure.
angle per unit area in a given direction. 6. The ratio of apparent image size of an object viewed through an
11. Material or object used to reduce intensity of, or exposure to, optical system to its actual size.
penetrating radiation. 7. Ability of a material to regain its former shape after removal of
13. Device that measures exposure to, or dose rate of, ionizing applied stress.
radiation. 8. Instrument that provides enlarged images of small objects.
15. Decrease in energy or signal magnitude in transmission from one 9. Permissible deviation or variation from exact dimensions or
point to another. standards.
16. Penetrating electromagnetic radiation emitted when the inner 10. Planar discontinuity, generally an area of unbonded materials.
orbital electrons of an atom are excited and release energy. It may be encountered in wrought products, such as plate, or in
18. For film, semi-logarithmic graphical representation of the composite laminate materials.
relationship between optical density and the logarithm of relative 12. In welding, a single bead of weld metal along the entire joint or
exposure. Also called sensitometric curve, hurter and driffield curve, the process of laying down that bead.
H & D curve, or density curve (2 words). 14. Reflection and refraction of radiation caused by interaction with
19. A response to a nondestructive test that requires interpretation to material it strikes or penetrates.
determine its relevance. 17. Single addressable point in a raster digital image. The image from
20. Particle of light, hypothesized to explain those behaviors of light a conventional computer is an array of these, and each has a
in which its behavior is corpuscular (such as little particles), rather numerical value.
than wavelike.
21. Image grayscale or signal levels from a test object that constitute
the intensity variations from which a discontinuity is detected.
10. delamination 6. magnification 19. indication 13. dosimeter
17. pixel 9. tolerance 3. fahrenheit 18. characteristic curve 11. shielding
14. scattering 8. microscope 2. void 21. background 16. X-ray 5. luminance
12. pass 7. elasticity 1. standardization 20. photon 15. attenuation 4. computed tomography
Down Across

10 · Vol. 19, No. 1

TNT · October 2019 · 11
 NDT Professional Connections
Products and Services

Professional Connections allow companies to showcase their business cards. Check out the
various products and services on display each issue to see what may be of value to you.

12 · Vol. 19, No. 1

 Technologies Consulting
International, Inc. (TCI)
www.tcindt.com
e: [email protected]
Hussein M. Sadek
President

• Consulting Services (Level I, II, & III)

• Training and specialized inspection services for
ET, RFT, ACFM, MFL, UT, VT, MT and PT
• NDT Program Development

TCI, Inc.
2020 Independence Commerce Drive, Suite E & F
Matthews, NC 28105
Ph: (704) 321-7272 Fax: (704) 321-3052

Make plans today to take part in the next issue of

The NDT Technician (TNT) newsletter advertising
program. TNT is published quarterly in January,
April, July, and October. For more information on
,
advertising in the next issue, published in April,
contact: Advertising Supervisor Jessica Miller
at (800) 222-2768 X209 (US/Canada); email
[email protected].

TNT · January 2020 · 13

 Practitioner Profile
Kristen Groenewald

Kirsten Groenewald spends her career manager assistant and NDT technician. I received additional
in the office, lab, and the fabrication on-the-job training and through FlawTech’s employer-
and machine shop overseeing the based SNT-TC-1A program, I have obtained my Level II
quality, safety, and compliance of certifications in MT and PT. I am currently working on
flawed specimens for the purpose of obtaining my Level II for UT.
nondestructive testing for FlawTech. Q. Can you describe the work that you do?
She holds Level II certification in A. I am the quality assurance manager and operations manager
MT and PT through her employer- for FlawTech. I provide oversight to quality and safety
based SNT-TC-1A program, as well related project scopes, ensuring that work is performed in
as associate’s degrees in topography compliance with the applicable quality assurance procedures,
and civil engineering, and an work instructions, and delivery schedules. I maintain our
associate’s degree in nondestructive nuclear safety-related quality assurance program that is in
examination from Central Piedmont accordance with 10CFR50 Appendix B and ASME NQA-1,
Community College. which includes performing and hosting vendor/supplier
audits. A large part of my day includes quoting and cost
Q. How did you first become involved in NDT? estimating. I also provide technical support to customers,
A. I started my college education by completing an associate’s which includes reviewing procedures, recommending
degree in topography. At that time I was an aspiring products, and offering technical assistance on our products.
architect; I wanted to design neighborhoods. In addition I also assist as needed with MT, PT, and UT inspections.
to topography, I completed an associate’s degree in civil Q. What is your typical working environment?
engineering technology, gaining additional certificates
A. I spend the majority of my time in an office, lab, or in our
specializing in project supervision, construction materials
fabrication and machine shop. We have about 20 employees
testing, and survey fundamentals. It was at this time that I
involved in manufacturing and machining and about five
was introduced to NDT and was instantly fascinated with
administrative/office personnel.
the industry. Fulfilling my curiosity, I enrolled in a few
classes and later graduated from the program. Q. Is your work focused on a particular field?
A. FlawTech manufactures flawed specimens for the purpose
Q. Can you tell us about your certification and training/
of NDT testing. We provide service to the nuclear,
education?
petrochemical, aerospace, automotive, medical, and
A. I completed the associate’s degree program in nondestructive
transportation industries and to educational institutions.
examination from Central Piedmont Community College
We primarily use UT, MT, PT, and VT at our facility. We
in June 2014. This gave me the required classroom and
manufacture a very large number of items, so inspection can
training hours for MT, UT, PT, VT, RT, and ET. I was hired
range from a small bolt to a huge forging.
at FlawTech in September later that year as their operations

14 · Vol. 19, No. 1

Q. What do you consider the growth areas of NDT methods? What Q. How helpful have mentoring relationships been in your work?
trends do you see? A. I think it is important to have a mentor. I have often called on a
A. The advancement in UT has had the most effect on me. I was not friend in the industry for help, and this has been an endless source
exposed to a lot of phased array in college, and I was very fortunate of information. It is great to have a brain to pick and someone to
to receive PAUT training on the job on a number of different talk to when you need some extra support.
machines. Being able to perform PAUT in place of conventional Q. What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
UT has been such a huge time saver for me. A. The saying that has always stuck with me has been “It takes 20
Q. What’s been your most interesting/unusual application of NDT? years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think
A. Working at FlawTech I am exposed to a number of very interesting about that, you’ll do things differently.”
applications of NDT. I have been directly involved in some really Q. Can you tell me about your involvement with your ASNT Section?
interesting projects. I once did a liquid penetrant exam of a crack A. I have been a member of ASNT for five years now. I am currently
we induced into a tibia replacement for the medical industry. It the vice chair for the ASNT Charlotte Section, and it is my
was at this time when I really realized how big of an impact NDT third year serving on this committee. I have previously served as
has on our everyday lives. the treasurer and previous to that as the secretary. It has been a
Q. What areas of NDT would you like to learn more about? valuable resource for me in many ways, including the ability to
A. I have not done much eddy current inspection; it’s a method that I network with so many different people across so many different
am interested in gaining more experience in. industries. I would encourage everyone in the NDT industry
Q. What are your professional goals? to get involved in their local section as it can provide endless
A. I would like to obtain my ASNT NDT Level III in MT, PT, and opportunities and crucial resources.
UT. Q. What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work in NDT?
Q. Do you have experience training NDT personnel? What A. I love being part of something that plays a crucial role in everyday
characteristics do you think define a good NDT technician? life. NDT is influenced by so many different industries, which,
A. I do not have any experience training NDT personnel, but it is to me, makes it an extremely desirable career option as the
something I am interested in doing later in my career as I gain employment opportunities are endless. I enjoy the flexibility of
more experience and knowledge in the industry. NDT and how it allows me to be exposed to so many different
I think having and maintaining integrity, confidence in your industries and applications.
skills, ability to pay careful attention to detail, and effective Q. What’s the most difficult part of NDT?
communication skills are all very important characteristics that A. Keeping up with all the new technology, equipment, and codes!
make a good inspector. This is a challenge of NDT that I enjoy, as it never gets old or
boring. I continue to learn each and every day that I work in NDT.
Q. What can the industry do to encourage careers in NDT?
A. Reaching out to our youth and making sure we do our part with
the STEM programs. Investing more time advocating for the NDT
industry with our middle school and high school students. I think
making more people aware of NDT is crucial, especially our youth.
Q. What advice would you offer to individuals considering careers in
NDT?
A. If you want a career with unlimited potential in an unlimited
number of industries, doing an unlimited number of things,
something that is challenging yet fulfilling, a career in NDT is a
great option. There is something for everyone in this industry, and
that is what is so appealing to me. h
You can reach Kirsten Groenewald at [email protected].

Groenewald performs a phased array ultrasonic examination of a

flawed plate for final acceptance.

TNT · January 2020 · 15

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Volume 19, Number 1 January 2020

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