CAPO-TEST

Purpose
The CAPO-TEST permits performing pullout tests on existing structures without the need of pre-
installed inserts. CAPO-TEST provides a pullout test system similar to the LOK-TEST system (pg.
84) for accurate on-site estimates of compressive strength. Procedures for performing post-installed
pullout tests, such as CAPO-TEST, are included in ASTM C900 and EN 12504-3.
Typical applications of the CAPO-TEST include the following:
 Quality assurance testing of the finished structure
 Verification of in-place strength if strength of standard-cured specimens fails to meet acceptance
criteria
 Estimating strength of concrete in existing structures
 Evaluation of fire-damaged structures
Principle
When selecting the location for a CAPO-TEST, ensure 25 mm
that reinforcing bars are not within the failure region.
The surface at the test location is ground using a planing
tool and a 18.4 mm hole is made perpendicular to the
surface using a diamond-studded core bit. A recess (slot)
is routed in the hole to a diameter of 25 mm and at a
depth of 25 mm. A split ring is expanded in the recess
and pulled out using a pull machine reacting against a

25 mm
55 mm diameter counter pressure ring. As in the LOK-

55 mm
TEST, the concrete in the strut between the expanded
ring and the counter pressure ring is in compression. F
Hence, the ultimate pullout force F is related directly to
compressive strength.
The test is performed until the conic frustum between
the expanded ring and the inner diameter of the counter
pressure is dislodged. Thus there is minor surface
damage, which should be repaired for aesthetic reasons
or to avoid potential durability problems.

Correlation and Accuracy of Estimated Strength

Several investigations have shown that the pullout 70
strength measured by the CAPO-TEST is essentially Krenchel 1982
Yun et al. SP-112, MSA = 40 mm
the same as the pullout strength measured by LOK- 60 Yun et al. SP-112, Mortar
Meyer 1994
TEST. This equality is illustrated in the graph to the Bellander 1983, MSA = 38 mm
Bellander 1983, MSA = 18 mm
CAPO-TEST Force, kN

right, which includes data from four independent 50

studies. The maximum aggregate size varied from sand Line of Equality
40
up to 40 mm. Thus the general correlations for the
LOK-TEST shown on page 85 are also valid for the 30
CAPO-TEST.
Based on testing experiences and laboratory studies, it 20

has been found that the accuracy of the compressive

10
strength estimated by the CAPO-TEST using the
general correlations shown on page 85 is similar to 0
results obtained with the LOK-TEST. For normal 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
density concrete, the coefficient of variation of LOK-TEST Force, kN
individual CAPO-TEST results is about 8 %.

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 CAPO-TEST
Comparison with Core Strength
An investigation on 10 bridges compared the strength of cores with strengths estimated on the basis
of the CAPO-TEST and the rebound hammer test (ASTM C805, EN 12504-2). As shown in the
following figure, strengths estimated by the CAPO-TEST were on average within 6 % of the core
strength. This study confirms the inherent reliability of pullout testing for estimating in-place
compressive strength.
Reference: Moczko, A., “Comparison Between Compressive Strength Tests From Cores,
CAPO-TEST and Schmidt Hammer,” Wroclaw Technical University, Poland, 2002.

80

70 CAPO-TEST
Estimated Strength, MPa

Rebound Hammer
60

50

40

30

20

10 Line of Equality
0
0 10 20 30 40 50
Core Strength, MPa

Example Applications

Routing recess for the expandable CAPO-TEST being performed in

Expanded ring
ring in preparation for CAPO- parking garage to evaluate in-place
TEST to evaluate surface strength of suspect concrete
strength of an industrial floor
slab

View of valid CAPO-TEST of a

slab. Note the well-formed failure
ring on the surface of the slab.

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CAPO-TEST
CAPO-TEST Equipment and Ordering Numbers
Inserts and Resizing Tool

C-111 Resizing Tool

C-112 CAPO expandable inserts For resizing C-112 insert 2 to 3 times

CAPO-TEST Kits
The CAPO-TEST kit includes C-101 Preparation Kit, the C-102 DSV-Kit, and a C-104 pull machine
kit with the 0 to 100 kN digital gauge.
C-101 CAPO-TEST Preparation Kit
This kit is used to drill the center hole and to cut the recess to accommodate the expandable insert.
The kit also contains the unit for expanding the CAPO-TEST insert and other miscellaneous tools
for conducting the test.

Item Order # Item Order #

Counter pressure C-142 Screwdriver C-149
Expansion unit C-101-1 Tweezers C-148
Water pump C-150 Plastic hose C-157
Recess router unit C-101-2 Marking chalk C-160
Distance piece, 25 mm C-136 Pliers C-147
Bottle w. CAPO-Oil C-143 Allen key, 4 mm C-156
Diamond drill unit C-101-3 Wrench, 46 mm C-147-1
Electric drill C-101-4 Wrench, adjustable C-147-2
Wrench, 14 mm C-151 Vernier caliper C-135
Wrench, 19 mm C-155 Attaché case C-160

C-102 DSV-Kit
The kit includes the diamond planer, the suction plate, a vacuum pump, and the necessary tools for
planing the surface so that it is flat before drilling the center hole and routing the recess. The
diamond planer, the diamond core drill unit, and the recess router are positioned in the recess of the
suction plate for proper alignment and dimensional control.

Item Order # Item Order #

Diamond planer C-102-1 Clamping pliers, 2 C-102-3
Vacuum pump w. Small screwdriver C-158
C-102-4
hose Wrench, 17 mm C-154
Centering brass tap C-102-5 Plastic hose C-147
Suction plate C-102-2 Attaché case C-161

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 CAPO-TEST
C-104 CAPO Pull Machine Kit
The hydraulic pull machine has a calibrated 0 to100 kN precision electronic gauge with memory for
storage of test results (peak-value, time and date of testing). The peak-value is shown after a test
has been terminated. The internal resolution of the gauge is 0.01 kN, but the pull force is displayed
to the nearest 0.1 kN. The same pull machine can be used for the BOND TEST and the LOK-TEST.

Item Order #
Hydraulic pull machine with electronic gauge L-11-1
AMIGAS printing software L-13
Cable for printer L-14
Oil refilling cup L-24
Oil refilling bottle L-25
Large screwdriver C-149
Small screwdriver C-157
Calibration table L-32
Manual L-33
Attaché Case C-104-1

Note: The calibration of the pull machines needs to be verified at least once a year, or sooner, if
serviced or damaged. The L-30 Load Verification Unit shown on page 87 is available for this purpose.

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