IMPULSE RESPONSE
Impulse Resonse (IR) is a nondestructive testing technique in which "mobility" of the structure under investigation is determined. Mobility is a complex ratio of particle velocity and the applied force. The test involves striking the surface of the structure with an instrumented hammer and measuring vibrations of the structure. The mobility of the structue is determined by obtaining transfer function of the particle velocity and the applied force. The value of the mobility can be used to assess the condition of the structure on a comparative basis.

The tests can be performed on a variety of construction materials such as concrete, masonry, ceramic, and thin metallic plates.