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Department of Civil Engineering

Manipur Technical University

NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF


CONCRETE STRUCTURE
Introduction
Non destructive test is a method of testing existing concrete structures to assess the
strength and durability of concrete structure. In the non destructive method of testing,
without loading the specimen to failure (i.e. without destructing the concrete) we can
measure strength of concrete. Now days this method has become a part of quality
control process. This method of testing also helps us to investigate crack depth, micro
cracks and deterioration of concrete.
Non destructive testing of concrete is a very simple method of testing but it requires
skilled and experienced persons having some special knowledge to interpret and
analyze test results.
The aim of the presentation is to address the field engineers engaged in evaluation of
quality of hardened concrete. An attempt has been made to keep the theoretical part of the
subject to an absolute minimum, where necessary tables of std. values, photographs &
comparisons have been included. Research oriented engineers who would want through
treatment of the material and a more basic approach are referred to the original std.
specification, NDT handbooks & original papers and literature on the subject given as
reference. Although nondestructive tests are relatively simple to perform & instrument
based, the analysis and interpretation of the test data are not easy, because concrete is a
complex material, hence the engineers are cautioned that interpretation of the test data must
always be carried out by trained specialists in NDT rather than by technicians performing
the tests.
Objective
This presentation will try to highlight some popular, economical and widely used NDT
tests in the field in general & national highways in particular. The presentation also has
discussion on combined methods, when more than one nondestructive test method is
used and condition assessment is based on the data obtained from Rebound Hammer,
UPV & Core tests.
Purpose of Non-Destructive Tests on Concrete
 Estimating the in-situ compressive strength
 Estimating the uniformity and homogeneity
 Estimating the quality in relation to standard requirement
 Identifying areas of lower integrity in comparison to other parts
 Detection of presence of cracks, voids and other imperfections
 Monitoring changes in the structure of the concrete which may occur with time
 Identification of reinforcement profile and measurement of cover, bar diameter, etc.
 Condition of prestressing/reinforcement steel with respect to corrosion
 Chloride, sulphate, alkali contents or degree of carbonation
 Measurement of Elastic Modulus
Popular NDT Tests for Concrete Used in field are:
1. Penetration method
2. Pull out test method
3. Radioactive methods
4. Rebound Hammer Test- RH Test
5. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity- UPV Test
6. Combined Method UPV & RH Test
7. Core Extraction for Compressive Strength Test
1. Penetration Tests on Concrete
The Windsor probe is generally considered to be the best means of testing penetration.
Equipment consists of a powder-actuated gun or driver, hardened alloy probes, loaded
cartridges, a depth gauge for measuring penetration of probes and other related equipment.
A probe, diameter 0.25 in. (6.5 mm) and length 3.125 in. (8.0 cm), is driven into the
concrete by means of a precision powder charge. Depth of penetration provides an
indication of the compressive strength of the concrete.
Although calibration charts are provided by the manufacturer, the instrument should be
calibrated for type of concrete and type and size of aggregate used
Benefits and Limitations
The probe test produces quite variable results and should not
be expected to give accurate values of concrete strength. It has,
however, the potential for providing a quick means of checking
quality and maturity of in situ concrete.
It also provides a means of assessing strength development
with curing. The test is essentially non-destructive, since
concrete and structural members can be tested in situ, with
only minor patching of holes on exposed faces.
2. Pull-Out Tests on Concrete

A pull-out test measures, with a special ram, the force required to pull from the concrete a
specially shaped steel rod whose enlarged end has been cast into the concrete to a depth of
3 in. (7.6 cm).
The concrete is simultaneously in tension and in shear, but the force required to pull the
concrete out can be related to its compressive strength.
The pull-out technique can thus measure quantitatively the in-situ strength of concrete
when proper correlations have been made. It has been found, over a wide range of
strengths, that pull-out strengths have a coefficient of variation comparable to that of
compressive strength.
Uses:
Determine in-situ compressive strength of the
concrete Ascertain the strength of concrete for
carrying out post tensioning operations.
Determine the time of removal of forms and shores
based on actual in-situ strength of the structure.
Terminate curing based on in-situ strength of the
structure.
It can be also used for testing repaired concrete
sections.
Limitations and Advantages
Although pullout tests do not measure the interior strength of mass concrete, they do give
information on the maturity and development of strength of a representative part of it. Such
tests have the advantage of measuring quantitatively the strength of concrete in place.
Their main disadvantage is that they have to be planned in advance and pull-out assemblies
set into the formwork before the concrete is placed. The pull-out, of course, creates some
minor damage.
The test can be non-destructive, however, if a minimum pullout force is applied that stops
short of failure but makes certain that a minimum strength has been reached. This is
information of distinct value in determining when forms can be removed safely.
3. Radioactive Methods of NDT
Radioactive methods of testing concrete can be used to
detect the location of reinforcement, measure density
and perhaps establish whether honeycombing has
occurred in structural concrete units. Gamma
radiography is increasingly accepted in England and
Europe.
The equipment is quite simple and running costs are
small, although the initial price can be high. Concrete
up to 18 in. (45 cm) thick can be examined without
IRIDIUM-192 EXPOSURE
difficulty.
GAMMA RADIOGRAPHY

COBALT-60

Dangerous
4. Rebound Hammer–RH (Schmidt) Test

In 1948, a Swiss Engineer, Ernst Schmidt from


Zurich developed a test hammer for measuring
the hardness of concrete by the rebound
principle. Since then the Rebound Hammer
(RH) test has gained recognition at construction
site & precast Industry.
Principle

The Schmidt Rebound Hammer is principally a surface hardness tester with little apparent
theoretical relationship between the strength of concrete and the Rebound number of the
hammer. However, within limits, empirical correlations have been established between
strength properties & rebound number. This correlation between the concrete strength and
rebound number is required to be established at site/field laboratories before it is used for
strength estimation of concrete. Sometimes it is referred as fieldcalibration of rebound
hammer. Lab calibration are based on Brinell Hardness & Rebound Nos. are checked on
std. calibrated Anvil for the purpose. Proper site calibrations eliminate the lab calibration,
which is for the checking of hammer performance.
Rebound Number and Compressive Strength
There is a general correlation between compressive strength of concrete and the hammer
rebound number. Coefficients of variation for compressive strength for a wide variety of
specimens averaged 25%. The large deviations in strength can be narrowed down
considerably by proper calibration of the hammer, which allows for various variables
discussed earlier. By consensus, the accuracy of estimation of compressive strength of
test specimens cast, cured, and tested under laboratory conditions by a properly calibrated
hammer lies between ±15 and ±20%. However, the probable accuracy of prediction of
concrete strength in a structure is ±25%.
Limitations and Usefulness

• The limitations of the Schmidt hammer are many; these should be recognized and
allowances be made when using the hammer.
• It cannot be overstressed that this instrument must not be regarded as a substitute for
standard compression tests but as a method for determining the uniformity of concrete
in the structures and comparing one concrete by the Schmidt hammer within an
accuracy of ±15 to ±20% may be possible only for specimens cast, cured, and tested
under identical conditions as those from which the calibration curves are established.
• The prediction of strength of structural concrete by using calibration charts based on
the laboratory test is not recommended.
5. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity-UPV Test
The test instrument consists of a means of
producing and introducing a wave pulse into the
concrete and a means of sensing the arrival of
the pulse and accurately measuring the time
taken by the pulse to travel through the
concrete.
Portable ultrasonic testing equipment are available. The equipment is portable, simple to
operate, and includes rechargeable battery and charging unit. Typically, pulse times of up to
6500 os can be measured with 0.1-os resolution. The measured travel time is prominently
displayed. The instrument comes with a set of two transducers, one each for transmitting
and receiving the ultrasonic pulse. Transducers with frequencies of 25 to 100 KHz are
usually used for testing concrete. These transducers primarily generate compressional
waves at predominantly one frequency, with most of the wave energy directed along the
axis normal to the transducer face.
Factors Affecting UPV Test

Although it is relatively easy to conduct a pulse velocity


test, it is important that the test be conducted such that the
pulse velocity readings are reproducible and that they are
affected only by the properties of the concrete under test
rather than by other factors. The factors affecting the pulse
velocity can be divided into two categories:
Effects of Concrete Properties

• Aggregate Size, Grading, Type, and Content


• Cement Type Other Effects
• Water-Cement Ratio • Transducer Contact
• Admixtures • Temperature of Concrete
• Age of Concrete • Moisture and Curing Condition of Concrete
• Path Length
• Size and Shape of a Specimen
• Level of Stress
• Presence of Reinforcing Steel
Applications of UPV Tests
The pulse velocity method has been applied successfully in the laboratory as well as in the
field. It can be used for quality control, as well as for the analysis of deterioration. The
applications of the pulse velocity method on a concrete structure are:
• Estimation of Strength of Concrete
• Establishing Homogeneity of Concrete
• Studies on the Hydration of Cement
• Studies on Durability of Concrete
• Measurement of Surface Crack Depth
• Determination of Dynamic Modulus of Elasticity
6. Combined Method–UPV & RH Test
Combined methods involves a combination of NDT methods for predicting the on-site
strength of concrete. The combination of UPV and Rebound hammer has been studied by
several researcher. The combined methods often deliver more comprehensive results. The
improvement of the accuracy of the strength prediction according is achieved by the use of
correction factors taking into account the influence of cement type, cement content,
petrologic aggregate type, fine aggregate fraction, and aggregate maximum size. The
accuracy of the combination of rebound hammer and ultrasonic pulse velocity results in
improved accuracy in estimating the compressive strength of concrete (Hannachi
and Guetteche, 2012)
7. Core Extraction for Compressive Strength Test

Core Specimens- A core specimen for the


determination of compressive strength shall
have a diameter at least three times the
maximum nominal size of the coarse aggregate
used in the concrete, and in no case shall the
diameter of the specimen be less than twice the
maximum nominal size of the coarse aggregate.
The length of the specimen, when capped, shall
be as nearly as practicable twice its diameter.
Procedure

Core Drilling- A core specimen taken perpendicular to a horizontal surface shall be


located, when possible, with its axis perpendicular to the bed of the concrete as originally
placed.
Measurement of Drilled Core Specimens

Mean Diameter- The mean diameter shall be determined to the nearest millimeter from
three pairs of measurements. The two measurements in each pair shall be taken at right
angles to each other, one pair being taken at the middle of the core and the other pairs at
the quarter points of the depth. The mean of the six readings shall be taken as the
diameter.
Position of Reinforcement- The positions of any reinforcement shall be determined by
measuring to the nearest millimetre from the centre of the exposed bars to the top of the
core. The diameter and, if possible, the spacing of the bars shall be recorded, and also
the minimum top and bottom cover.
Capping- The ends of the specimen shall be
capped before testing. The material used for the
capping shall be such that its compressive
strength is greater than that of the concrete in
the core. Caps shall be made as thin as
practicable and shall not flow or fracture before
the concrete fails when the specimen is tested.
The capped surfaces shall be at right angles to
the axis of the specimen and shall not depart
from a plane by more than 0.05 mm.
Apparatus

Number of Specimens- At least three specimens, preferably from different batches, shall
be made for testing at each selected age.
Procedure- Specimens stored in water shall be tested immediately on removal from the
water and while they are still in the wet condition. Surface water and grit shall be wiped
off the specimens and any projecting fins removed. Specimens when received dry shall
be kept in water for 24 hours before they are taken for testing. The dimensions of the
specimens to the nearest 0.2 mm and their weight shall be noted before testing.
Calculation- The measured compressive strength of the specimen shall be calculated
by dividing the maximum load applied to the specimen during the test by the cross-
sectional area, calculated from the mean dimensions of the section and shall be
expressed to the nearest kg per sq cm. Average of three values shall be taken as the
representative of the batch provided the individual variation is not more than ± 15%
of the average. Otherwise repeat tests shall be made.
A correction factor according to the height/diameter ration of specimen after capping
shall be obtained from the hardened curve. The product of this correction factor and the
measured compressive strength shall be known as the corrected compressive strength,
this being the equivalent strength of a cylinder having a height/diameter ratio of two. The
equivalent cube strength of the concrete shall be determined by multiplying the corrected
cylinder strength by 5/4.
Report- The following information shall be included in the report on each test specimen/core:
• Identification Mark,
• Date of test,
• Age of Specimen,
• Weight of Specimen
Capped and
• Dimensions of Specimen, Cured
Concrete Core
• Cross-Sectional Area, Specimen
under
• Maximum Load, Compressive
Strength Test
• Compressive Strength, in CTM

• Curing Conditions, Including date of Manufacture of Specimen in the Field, and


• Appearance of Fractured Faces of Concrete and Type of Fracture, if these are Unusual.
Equipments for Non Destructive Testing
• According to their use, non-destructive equipment can be grouped as under:
• Strength estimation of concrete
• Corrosion assessment and monitoring
• Detecting defects in concrete structure
• Laboratory tests
Conclusion
Non destructive test is a method of testing existing concrete structures to assess the
strength and durability of concrete structure. In the non destructive method of testing,
without loading the specimen to failure (i.e. without destructing the concrete) we can
measure strength of concrete. Now days this method has become a part of quality
control process. This method of testing also helps us to investigate crack depth, micro
cracks and deterioration of concrete.
Non destructive testing of concrete is a very simple method of testing but it requires
skilled and experienced persons having some special knowledge to interpret and
analyze test results.
Reference
•IS: 13311 (Part 1): 1992 Non-Destructive Testing of Concrete-Method of Test; Part 1-Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity.
•IS: 13311 (Part 2): 1992 Non-Destructive Testing of Concrete-Method of Test; Part 2-Rebound Hammer.
•BS: 1881: Part 203: 1986 British Standard-Testing Concrete Part 203. Recommendations for Measurement of Velocity of
Ultrasonic Pulses in Concrete.
•ASTM C 597-02 Standard Test Method for Pulse Velocity through Concrete.
•Handbook on Nondestructive Testing of Concrete, Second Edition, Edited by V.M. Malhotra and N.J. Carino, ASTM &
CRC Press, 2006.
•Testing Hardened Concrete: Nondestructive Methods by V.M. Malhotra, Published Jointly by the IOWA State University
Press & American Concrete Institute (ACI) 1976.
•Near-Surface Testing for Strength and Durability of Concrete, Editor P.A.M. Basheer, Fifth CANMET/ACI International
Conference on Durability of Concrete.
•Advanced Testing Methods and Damage Assessment of Distressed Concrete Structures by H.G. Sreenath Proceedings of
the Advanced Course on Structural Health Monitoring, Repair and Rehabilatation of Concrete Structures Feb. 4-6, 2006,
SERC, CSIR, Chennai.
•Advanced Course on Non-Destructive Testing and Evaluation of Concrete Sructures, Organised by SERC,
CSIR.Chennai, 2006.
•Properties of Concrete, Fourth Edition 1996, by A.M. Neville, Published by ELBS-Longman.

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