Concrete Structure Evaluation
A concrete structure evaluation is a trial, examination, observation or evaluation used as a means of measuring either a chemical or physical characteristic of a material or a physical characteristic of either a structure or a structural element.
In concrete structure testing, the aim is to determine the quality of the concrete. The testing of concrete, concrete masonry and their reinforcement is commonly used by professionals during retrofit planning and structural assessment. The testing of materials may be performed to supply routine information on the quality of products, to develop better or new information on known materials or to obtain precise measures of basic properties or physical constants.
Methods for Testing Compressive Strength of Concrete
1. Schmidt/Rebound hammer test
In the rebound hammer test procedure, the plunger of a rebound hammer is pressed on the surface of the concrete. The constant energy in the spring-controlled mass is made to hit the concrete surface and at the same time, a spring-controlled mass rebounds back. The extent of rebound is measured and known as Rebound Index or a Rebound Number.
2. Steel Covermeter Testing
This method is used to measure the position of steel reinforcing bars and the distance of the settle reinforcing bars beneath the surface of the concrete.
3. Chloride (CL) Content Determination
Chloride Ingress is the penetration of chloride ion (which comes from salt containing chlorine) through pores into permeable concrete. Corrosion of the reinforcement will initiate when the chloride ion concentration at the steel reaches the threshold level resulting in concrete cracks and deterioration.
4. Sulfate Content (SO3) Determination
Sulfate attack of concrete is a complex process, wherein there is a physical salt attack due to salt crystallization and chemical sulfate attack by sulfates from soil,
groundwater, or seawater. Sulfate attacks can cause the concrete to expand, crack, lose strength, and disintegrate. Samples extracted from the structural
element will be stored in a laboratory and will undergo testing there.
5. Concrete Sampling - Extraction
When an existing structure is to be redesigned, modified or when the structure adequacy needs to be assess, then concrete sampling method is utilised. This method tests the compressive strength in the structure due to defective workmanship or deterioration of concrete due to fire or other causes.
6. Concrete Core Compressive Strength
The extracted concrete core samples tested in the lac are utilised to obtain the ‘Corrected In-situ cube strength’ and ‘Corrected In-situ cube strength. It helps provide a measure of the actual strength of the concrete.
7. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test
The testing method consists of an electrical pulse generator, a pair of transducers, an amplifier and an electronic timing device used for measuring the time interval between the onset of a pulse generated at the transmitting transducer and its arrival at the receiving transducer. To ensure that the ultrasonic pulses generated at the transmitting transducer, it is passed into the concrete and is detected by the receiving transducer. An adequate acoustical coupling such as petroleum jelly is used between concrete surface and concrete transducer to ensure good contact.
Our advanced laboratory testing facilities are equipped with the latest testing and analysis equipment. Plus, our certified staff has adequate experience in construction material testing. So if you have a query or need more information about our other concrete structure evaluation? Get in touch with us.
FAQs
Concrete Structure Evaluation is used to test the quality of the concrete aka the durability performance and mechanical characteristics of the concrete.
You can use the above methods to test and measure the concrete strength on your site.
