Mapua University

School of Graduate Studies

CE 222 Properties and Production of Concrete

NON DESTRUCTIVE
CONCRETE TESTING

Presented by:
Jucar Fernandez
2002101610
OUTLINE
01 Review of Wave Theory for 1D Case

02 Reflected and Transmitted Wave

03 Attenuation and Scattering

04 Main Common Used NDT – CE

Technique

05 Non – Contacting Resistivity

Measurement Method
How and why NDT were recommend to conduct on the project
site?
Typical QA/QC Process and Procedure on Inspection for Concreting Works:

Contractor’s QA/QC Raised an Inspection PMC / Client

Team will conduct pre – Request (ITR, IR, WIR) Representative will PMC / Client
inspection (without - Reinforcement Tying inspect and checked the Representative and
Client Representative / and Fixing raised Inspection Contractor’s QA/QC
PMC) presence - Shuttering Works Request Team WEEKLY
- Casting of Concrete Schedules:
- Removal of Forms -Audit and
recommendation will be - Site Walkthroughs
ITS attachments are the provide during the actual - Surveillance Report
following approved inspection. - QA / QC Meeting
docs: -The contractor will
- Shopdrawings revised and repair all
- Method Statements, outstanding concerns of
ITPs, Checklists, Risk the PMC/ Client
Assessment Representative
- Materials Approval
PMC will provide
- Etc as per required
following to contractor:
-Audit
-Surveillance Report
-NCR
-Work Instructions

DAILY ROUTINE BY CONTRACTOR QA /QC TEAM

& PMC / CLIENT REPRESENTATIVES
 NCR FORMAT SAMPLE (ROOT CAUSE, CORRECTIVE ACTION AND
CORRECTIVE ACTION TO PREVENT REOCCURRENCE

EFFLORESCENCE

CURLING OF SLAB DELAMINATION

CLINKER EXPOSED REBARS

SCALING HONEYCOMBS SPALLING

RECOMMEND NDT EXCESS CONCRETE / LAITANCES

HAIRLINE CRACKS
C ONCRETE BULGING

BLISTERING CRACKS
DUSTING
COMMON STRUCTURAL
DEFICIENCY DUE TO
CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS
Typical situations where non-destructive testing may recommend as follows:
 Quality control of pre-cast units or construction in situ
 Removing uncertainties about the acceptability of the material supplied owing to apparent non-
compliance with specification
 Confirming or negating doubt concerning the workmanship involved in batching, mixing, placing,
compacting or curing of concrete
 Monitoring of strength development in relation to formwork removal, cessation of curing,
prestressing, load application or similar purpose
 Location and determination of the extent of cracks, voids, honeycombing and similar defects within
a concrete structure
 Determining the concrete uniformity, possibly preliminary to core cutting, load testing or other more
expensive or disruptive tests
 Determining the position, quantity or condition of reinforcement
 Increasing the confidence level of a smaller number of destructive tests
 Determining the extent of concrete variability in order to help in the selection of sample locations
representative of the quality to be assessed
 Confirming or locating suspected deterioration of concrete resulting from such factors as overloading,
fatigue, external or internal chemical attack or change, fire, explosion, environmental effect
 assessing the potential durability of the concrete
 WHY NDT and not
DT?
NDT DT
It is very easy and simple process Huge cost has to put in for taking
and a lot many test can be sample and to test it.
performed on concrete less amount
require for sampling of concrete.
NDT DT
Does not destroy the test Carried- out until specimen’s
specimen. After testing, allow the failure. And will render the part
part to be used for its intended unusable for its intended purpose.
purpose.
Assessment of existing structures Need drawing details
in the absence of shopdrawings
Quality control of construction, in In Laboratory
situ
Quick assessment of the structure Need to test
Is CONCRETE CORE
EXTRACTION and
TESTING an NDT or
DT?
 Review of Wave Theory for 1D Case
What is a Wave?
A wave is a physical phenomenon characterized by its frequency, wavelength, and amplitude.

In general, waves transfer energy from one location to another, in which case they have a
velocity.
 Review of Wave Theory for 1D Case

How the string vibrate?

u p q
∆x
L x
x x+∆x

Lets say “u” = deflection

Two independent variable, time (t) and spatial
location (x)

u(t,x) = deflection of the string in the vertical direction

at a given time (t) and given spatial location (x)
One-dimensional wave at as a function of time (green and blue
curves). Traveling waves propagate energy from one spot to
another with a velocity.
 Reflected and Transmitted Wave
Reflected wave – is the one that moves away from boundary, but in the same medium as the incident wave.

Incidence wave – wave that one approaches the boundary, but has not reached yet.

Transmitted wave – is the one that moves away from the boundary, on the other side of the boundary from the incident wave.

boundary
boundary
 Attenuation and Scattering
Attenuation – is a general term that refers to any reduction in the strength of a signal, reduction in amplitude.

Scattering – the process in which electromagnetic radiation on particles are deflected or diffuse. Moreover, a force to
deviate from a straight trajectory by one or more paths due to localized non- uniformities in the medium
through which they pass.

“Concrete is a very heterogenous material. Each granulate can be considered scatterer. When the condition of frequency
Are met, it is a position to scatter the wave in the matrix and they to disrupt its propagation in the concrete.
CODES, STANDARDS, SPECIFICATIONS AND PROCEDURES
Different categories of standards

18.1.2.1. Standards
Standards are documents that govern and guide the various activities occurring during
the production of an industrial product. Standards describe the technical requirements for a
material, process, system or service. They also indicate as appropriate, the procedures,
methods, equipment or tests to determine that the requirements have been met.

18.1.2.2. Codes and Specifications

Standards may also be referred to as Codes or Specifications.

18.1.2.3. Other types of national documents

To provide guidance on test methods, a national standards organization may develop
Guidelines or Recommendations to assist users of a specific technology. These types of
documents are not usually called up in contracts between organizations.
 American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

 (12) ASTM C1383-98a STM for measuring P wave Speed and the Thickness of Concrete Plates
using the Impact-Echo Method
 ASTM C1150-96 STM for the Break off Number of Concrete
 ASTM C1040-93 STM for Density of Unhardened and Hardened Concrete in place by Nuclear
Methods
 ASTM C900-94 STM for Pullout Strength of Hardened Concrete
 ASTM C876-91 STM for Half-cell Potentials of Uncoated Reinforcing Steel in Concrete
 ASTM C805-97 STM for Rebound Number of Hardened ConcretE
 ASTM C 803-82, STM for Penetration Resistance of Hardened Concrete
 ASTM C801-98 STM for Determining the Mechanical Properties of Hardened Concrete under
Triaxial Load
 ASTM C597-97 STM for the Pulse Velocity through Concrete
 American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

 ASTM C1383-98a STM for measuring P wave Speed and the Thickness of Concrete Plates
using the Impact-Echo Method
 ASTM C1150-96 STM for the Break off Number of Concrete
 ASTM C1040-93 STM for Density of Unhardened and Hardened Concrete in place by Nuclear
Methods
 ASTM C900-94 STM for Pullout Strength of Hardened Concrete
 ASTM C876-91 STM for Half-cell Potentials of Uncoated Reinforcing Steel in Concrete
 ASTM C805-97 STM for Rebound Number of Hardened ConcretE
 ASTM C 803-82, STM for Penetration Resistance of Hardened Concrete
 ASTM C801-98 STM for Determining the Mechanical Properties of Hardened Concrete under
Triaxial Load
 ASTM C597-97 STM for the Pulse Velocity through Concrete
 British Standards (BS)
 BS 1881 Part 5:1970 - Testing Concrete. Methods of testing hardened concrete for other
than strength. Determination of dynamic modulus of elasticity by electromagnetic Method
 BS 1881 Part 205:1970 - Testing Concrete. Recommendations for radiography of concrete
 BS 1881 Part 202:1986 - Testing Concrete. Recommendations for surface hardness testing by
rebound hammer
 BS 1881: Part 201: 1986 - Guide to the Use of Non-Destructive Methods of Test for Hardened
Concrete
 BS 1881: Part 202: 1986 - Recommendations for Surface Hardness Testing by Rebound
Hammer
 BS 1881: Part 203: 1986 - Measurement of the Velocity of Ultrasonic Pulses in Concrete
 BS 4408: pt. 3, 1970 “Non-destructive methods of test for concrete-gamma radiography
of concrete”, British Standards Institution, London
 Methods for NDT of Concrete
Methods Techniques / Test
SURFACE METHODS (i) Hardness: (a) Indentation (b) Rebound Hammer (ii) Water absorption
VIBRATION OR DYNAMIC (i) Resonance frequency method (ii) Pulse velocity method (a) Sonic (b) Ultrasonic
METHODS
RADIOACTIVE / NUCLEAR (i) x-ray or gamma-ray transmission (ii) gamma-ray back scatter
METHODS (iii) Neutron moderation & scattering (iv) Activation analysis
ELECTROMAGNETIC (i) Magnetic Methods (ii) For Dielectric properties (iii) Conductivity Resistivity
METHODS
COMBINED METHOD (i) Dynamic modulus of elasticity and damping constant(determined by resonance
tests )
(ii) Ultrasonic pulse velocity and damping constant.
(iii) Ultrasonic pulse velocity and pulse attenuation
(iv) Ultrasonic pulse velocity and rebound hammer

OTHER METHODS (i) Penetration Test (ii) Pull –out (LOK Test and CAPO) (iii) cut-off (iv) acoustic
emission
 Indentation
 In this method a certain amount of force is applied to the
surface of the material to be tested through a suitable
indenter forming a permanent impression. The size of this
indentation is measured and that indicates the hardness.
Smaller the indentation, harder the material using the same
indenter and the same force.
 The distribution of stress and strain around the actual
indentation the contact zone-have been analyzed in detail
indicating that a definite thickness below the surface is
affected, about 3 times the size of the indentation.
 A calibration curve can be established for a material like
concrete relating the size of indentation and strength of
concrete
 The indenter used are:
a. William Testing Pistol Frank Spring Hammer
b. Frank Spring Hammer
c. Eindbeck Pendulum Hammer)
 Schmidt Rebound Hammer Test
 The Swiss Engineer Ernst Schmidt developed rebound
hammer in 1940.
 Rebound hammer consists of a spring-controlled hammer
mass that slides on a plunger with a tubular housing. The
plunger retracts against a spring when passed against the
concrete surface and this spring is automatically released
when fully tensioned causing the hammer mass to impact
against the concrete through the plunger. When spring
control mass rebound, it takes with a rider which slides
along the scale and is visible through a window in the side
of the casing. The rider can be held in the position on the
scale by depressing the locking button. The plunger is
pressed strongly and steadily against the concrete at a right
angle to its surface until the loaded mass triggered from it
locked position. The scale reading is known as the rebound
number and its arbitrary measure since it depends on the
energy stored in the given spring and on the mass used.
 Schmidt Rebound Hammer Test

Slab
Beam

Column 2nd Lift

Beam and slab : 4000 psi / 28 Mpa

Column 1st Lift Column : 6000 psi / 40 Mpa

 Schmidt Rebound Hammer Test

the beam soffit or floor slab

undercut section of the column
first lift casted area of the columns
 Schmidt Rebound Hammer Test
Test Procedure (ASTM C 805 )
The reading is very sensitive due to local variation in the concrete, especially to aggregate particles near to the surface. It is better
to take numerous readings at each test location, and then find their mean. Standards vary in their precise requirements,
according to ASTM C805 ten reading should be taken. To take reading the following step should be considered.

Step 1:
Make sure the hammer is calibrated.

Step 2:
The surface must be smooth, clean and dry, and should be preferably formed, but if trowelled surfaces are unavoidable, use a
grinding stone to smoothen the test surface.

Step 3:
The plunger is released before use; then it should be pressed strongly and vertically to the
concrete surface and locked in its position.
 Schmidt Rebound Hammer Test
Test Procedure (ASTM C 805 )

Step 4:
Take the scale reading on the side window of the hammer, this reading is known as the rebound number.

Step 5:
Repeat the test at all points and record the rebound numbers, find the mean and check that each reading didn’t exceed 6 units
difference from the mean reading.

Step 6:
Each rebound number will produce a compressive strength from the relationship between the rebound number and compressive
strength on the side of the hammer.
 Schmidt Rebound Hammer Test
Test Procedure (ASTM C 805 )

Step 7:
Compressive strength can then be found using a calibration graph of Compressive strength v/s Rebound (Rebound Hammer
conversion chart)
Schmidt Rebound Hammer Test
 Schmidt Rebound Hammer Test
Test Procedure (ASTM C 805 )
Step 8:
Calculate Mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation.
S/N Rebound Number Compressive Mean Standard Coefficient of
Strength (Mpa) Deviation variance
1
2
3
4 = = =
5
6
7
8
9
10
 Schmidt Rebound Hammer Test
Factors Influencing the Test Result

Results are significantly influenced by all of the following factors:

Mix Characteristics
 Cement Type
 Cement Content
 Coarse Aggregate Type

Member Characteristics:
 Mass
 Compaction
 Surface Type
 Age, rate of hardening and curing type
 Surface Carbonation
 Moisture Content
 Stress State and Temperature
 Compaction
 Schmidt Rebound Hammer Test
Advantages

 Less Expensive
 Produce Fast Result
 Simple
 Well Established
 Direct Result
 Unlikely to Damage the concrete Structure

Limitations

 Can be affected by many factors (aggregate type, moisture of concrete, surface)

 Not suitable for early ages concrete
 Represent surface strength only
 Not reliable
 Calibration is needed to get real reading
 With the same strength of concrete (15% - 20%) difference may occur
 Schmidt Rebound Hammer Test
DIGI- SCHMIDT 2000 Concrete test hammer
 Resonance frequency method

 It is based upon the determination of the

fundamental resonant frequency of vibration of
a specimen, the continuous vibration being
generated electromechanically. This frequency
was read accurately from the graduated scale
of the variable driving audio oscillator usually
known as sonometer.
 This methods used for the purpose of
calculating young's modulus and rigidity for
determining the Poisson's ratio.
 Pulse Velocity Method

Sonic Pulse Velocity Method

 This involves measurement of the time of travel

of longitudinal or compressional waves
generated by a single impact hammer blow or
repetitive blows.
 In this method the galvanometer is used for
measurement of time interval. cathode-ray
oscilloscope are also used for this purpose.
 Pulse Velocity Method

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Method

 The ultrasonic pulse velocity method consists of measuring the time of travel of an ultrasonic pulse passing
through the concrete to be tested. The pulse generator circuit consists of electronic circuitry for generating
pulses of voltage and a transducer for transforming these electronic pulses into wave bursts of mechanical
energy having vibration frequencies in the range of 15 to 50 KHz. contact with the concrete is made
through a suitable coupling medium. A similar transducer is coupled to the concrete at a measured distance
from the first. This transducer receive pulse by changing mechanical energy into electronic energy of the
same frequency. This way time of travel of pulse of measured electronically . The path length between
transducers divided by the travel gives the average velocity of wave propagation.
 The wave velocity depends upon the elastic properties and mass of the medium and hence if the mass and
velocity of wave propagation are known if is possible to assess the elastic properties. For this method
generally “Portable Ultrasonic Non- Destructive Digital Indicating Tester (PUNDIT) instrument used.
 Pulse Velocity Method
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Method using PUNDIT Transducer Arrangement:

Opposite faces Adjacent faces

(direct method) (Semi - direct method)

Same faces
(indirect method)
 Pulse Velocity Method
Test Procedure:

Step 1:
Switch on the mains and apply little amount of grease to the two
transducers faces.

Step 2:
Use the reference bar to check and adjust the time reading on
the instrument to be the same as the calibration number on the
bar; in our case it is 25.4 μs .
 Pulse Velocity Method
Pulse Velocity: Crack Depth:
 Pulse Velocity Method
Compressive Strength Reading :
 Pulse Velocity Method
Advantages

 Low cost
 Fast test
 Simple
 Well established
 No damage to the structure
 Represent the quality of the concrete (internal compressive strength)

Limitations

 Accessible surfaces are needed

 Good contacts needed between concrete surfaces and transmitters
 Not reliable
 Calibration is needed to get real readings Indirect results (calculations are needed) Accurate
measurements needed
 Radioactive or Nuclear Method
 The basic principle of radiographic inspection is that the object to be examined is placed In the path of a
beam of radiation from an X-ray and gamma - ray source. A recording medium, usually film is placed close to
object being examined but on the opposite side from the beam source. some of the radiation will be
absorbed by the object but some will travel through the object and impinge on the film, producing a latent
image. When the film has been developed there will be an area of different image density, which corresponds
to the flaw In the material. This shadow may be of lessor or greater density than the surrounding image,
depending on the nature of the defect and its relative absorptive characteristics.
 X-ray or Gamma-ray interact with any substance, causing a reduction in their intensity. A different attenuation
of such radiation can be indicate differential properties of the material especially then density which can be
used for NDT.

The basic relation used is I = Io Be (-nt)

I is the intensity of radiation after passing the thickness of the material
Io is the initial intensity of the radiation
n is the linear absorption coefficient (connected with density)
B is the build – up factor
 Radioactive or Nuclear Method
Significance
The investigations included the study of: Limitations
 Direct observations of the arrangements of
 It tends to be an expensive technique compared
aggregate of particles, with special reference to
spacing and thickness of paste films separating with other NDT test methods.
 For those method considerable space is needed
aggregate particles.
 Three dimensional observation of enclosed air for a radiography laboratory, including a dark
voids from both entrapped and entrained air. room for film processing.
 The effect of segregation.  The operation cost for radiography are also high.
 The Presence of cracks regardless of their origin.  The setting -up time for radiography is often
 X-radiography are significant to show variations lengthy.
 It is dangerous high voltage equipment.
in density and to locate reinforcing bars.
 Gamma-radiography has been used for  The equipment requires skilled person for its
determining the position and condition of operation.
reinforcement, voids in concrete, voids in the
grouting of post tensioned and prestressed
concrete.
 Electro – Magnetic Method
Magnetic Method
 The patchometer and cover methods are magnetic
devices and are based on the principle that the
presence of steel affects the field of a highly
permeable V - shaped magnetic core on which
two coiIs are mounted. An alternating current is
passed through one of these coils and the
current induced m the other coil is measured.
The inducted current is affected by the presence and
prox1m1ty of the steel bars, so this can be used for
determining the size of the bars and cover of
concrete.  
 In heavily reinforced sections, the effect of
secondary reinforcement can not be eliminated
and the satisfactory determination of the cover to
steel is practically impossible
 Electro – Magnetic Method
Dielectric Measurement (For Moisture Content)
 Dielectric properties of hardened concrete change with change
in its moisture content. This approach is based on measurement
of the dielectric constant and dissipation factor. The properties
of a capacitor formed by two parallel conductive plates depend
upon the character of the separating medium. The dielectric
constants defined as the ratio of capacitances of the same
plates when separated by the medium under test, and by a
vacuum. When a potential difference is applied to the plates,
opposite charges will accumulate, and if the separating medium
is ideal these will remain constant and no current will flow. In
practice, electron drift will occur and a 'conduction' current
flows, and the ratio of this current to the initial charging current
is the dissipation factor. When these measurement is carried out
at frequency range of 10 – 100 MHz, the effect  of dissolve salts
and faulty contact with electrodes are minimized.
 Electro – Magnetic Method
ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY TEST (For thickness of cone. pavement)
 Electrical resistivity tests have been used for soil testing for many years and now, has been developed for
application to in-situ concrete. In this test four electrodes are placed in a straight line on, or just below, the
concrete surface at equal spacing. A low frequency alternating electrical current is passed between the two
outer electrodes whilst the voltage drop between the inner electrodes is measured. The apparent resistivity Is
calculated as.
R = 2 π S V / I where in S (Electrode spacing) V (Voltage drop) & I (Current. The resistivity is usually
expressed in ohm-cm)
 
 Electro – Magnetic Method
ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY TEST (For thickness of concrete pavement)

 The electrode spacing are varied and a change of slope of the resistivity/spacing plot will occur as a
proportion of the current flows through the base maternal. A concrete pavement has a resistivity
characteristic that usually differs from that of the underlying subgrade layers; thus a change in the slope of
the resistivity versus depth curve is used to estimate the depth of concrete pavement.

 The electrical resistivity method can also be used for estimating the position of steel reinforcement.

 The resistivity of concrete is highly dependent on its moisture and salt content and its temperature, which is
the limitation of this method.
 
 Other Method
Penetration (For Compressive strength)
 The technique of firing steel nails or bolts into a concrete surface to provide fixings is well established, and it is
known that the depth of penetration is influenced by the strength of the concrete. A strength determination
method based on this approach, using a specially designed bolts and standardized explosive cartridge is known
as the Windsor prob test.

 The Windsor prob equipment consists of a powder-actuated gun or driver, hardened alloy probes, loaded
cartridges, depth gage for measuring penetration of probes and other related equipment. The probe is driven
into the concrete by the firing of a precision powder charge. The exposed lengths of the individual probes are
measured by a calibrated depth gage. The manufacturer of the windsor prob equipment has published
calibration tables relating exposed length of the probe with compressive strength of concrete.

 This method cause some localized damage but damage is sufficiently small to cause no loss in structural performance.
The results are affected by the type of aggregate and so proper calibration with particular type of aggregate is
required.

 
 Other Method (Pull-out Test)
Pull-out Test

 A pull out test measures the force required to pull out from the concrete a specially shaped rod whose
enlarged end has been cast into that concrete. The stronger the concrete, the more is the force
required to pull out. The ideal way to use pullout test in the field would be to incorporate assemblies in
the structure. These standard specimens could then be pulled out at any point of time. The force required
denotes the strength of concrete. Another way to use pullout test in the field would be to cast one or two
large blocks of concrete incorporating pullout assemblies. Pullout test could then be performed to
assess the strength of concrete. The damage to the concrete surface must be required. The pullout tests
do not measure strength in the interior of mass concrete.

 
 Other Method (Pull-out Test)
Pull-out Test
 A pull out test measures the force required to pull out from the concrete a specially shaped rod whose
enlarged end has been cast into that concrete. The stronger the concrete, the more is the force
required to pull out. The ideal way to use pullout test in the field would be to incorporate assemblies in
the structure. These standard specimens could then be pulled out at any point of time. The force required
denotes the strength of concrete. Another way to use pullout test in the field would be to cast one or two
large blocks of concrete incorporating pullout assemblies. Pullout test could then be performed to
assess the strength of concrete. The damage to the concrete surface must be required. The pullout tests
do not measure strength in the interior of mass concrete

Types of Pull Out Tests:

Depending upon the placement of disc/ring in he fresh concrete, pull out test can be divided into 2 types,

1. LOK test
2. CAPO test (Cut and Pull out Test)
 Other Method (Pull-out Test)
Pull-out Test : LOK test

 The LOK-TEST system is used to obtain a

reliable estimate of the in-place strength of
concrete in newly cast structures in
accordance with the pullout test method
described in ASTM C900, BS 1881:207

 A steel disc, 25 mm in diameter at a depth of

25 mm, is pulled centrally against a 55 mm
diameter counter pressure ring bearing on the
surface. The force F required to pullout the
insert is measured. The concrete in the strut
between the disc and the counter pressure
ring is subjected to a compressive load.
Therefore the pullout force F is related directly LOK Test Process. H indicated
to the compressive strength. the highest pullout force.

 
 Other Method (Pull-out Test)
Pull-out Test : CAPO TEST
 The CAPO-TEST permits performing pullout tests on
existing structures without the need of preinstalled
inserts.
 When selecting the location for a CAPO-TEST,
ensure 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 55 mm
diameter counter pressure ring. As in the LOKTEST,
the concrete in the strut between the expanded
ring and the counter pressure ring is in
compression. Hence, the ultimate pullout force F is
related directly to compressive strength.
 Other Method (Pull-out Test)
Pull-out Test : Relationship between the
pullout force and compressive strength:

 The compressive strength can be considered

as proportional to the ultimate pullout force.
The reliability of the test is reported as
good. It is superior to rebound hammer and
Windsor probe test because of greater
depth of concrete volume tested. However
this test is not recommended for aggregates
beyond size of 38mm.
 The major limitation of this test is that it
requires special care at the time of
placement of inserts to minimize air void
below the disc besides a pre-planned usage.
 Other Method (Pull-out Test)
Uses: Post Test Process:
 Determine in-situ compressive strength of  After the concrete has fractured by this test,
the concrete Ascertain the strength of the holes left in the surface are first cleaned
concrete for carrying out post tensioning of the dust by a blower. It is then primed
operations. with epoxy glue and the hole is filled with a
 Determine the time of removal of forms and polymer-modified mortar immediately
shores based on actual in-situ strength of thereafter and the surface is smoothened.
the structure.
 Terminate curing based on in-situ strength
of the structure.
 It can be also used for testing repaired
concrete sections.
 Other Method (Acoustic Emission)
Acoustic Emission

 Acoustic emission are small amplitude elastic stress waves created by localized deformations in
concrete at points being strained beyond their elastic limit. During the deformation process, kinetic
energy is related to propagate rapid elastic waves throughout the specimen. At the surface they
are detected as small displacements by transducers positioned on the surface of the test specimens.
The variations In the time of arrival stress waves at each sensor position are used to locate the source of
deformation.
 The detected acoustic emissions are then amplified, selectively filtered, processed and then
channeled to either a magnetic tape recorder or to a specially developed digital computer for recording
and analysis.
 These techniques have been used to study the rate of cracking and the presence and growth of
fatigue cracks In metals.
 The equipment available commercially is ver1 expensive and proper test methods have yet to be
developed.

 
 Other Method (Acoustic Emission)
Acoustic Emission

 
 Combined Method
Combined Method

 Because of the limitations of the individual methods as discussed so far it is felt that a better picture can
emerge and more reliable interpretation can be obtained by using two or more methods of NDT in
combination.
 One of the many objectives of non-destructive methods of testing concrete is to estimate the
compressive strength of concrete in structures. To predict the compressive strength of in-situ
concrete more accurately, investigators have tried to apply more than one non destructive test method at
the same time.
 
Some of the combined methods used in the laboratory or field are described below.

 Dynamic modulus of elasticity and damping constant, determined by resonance tests

 Ultrasonic pulse velocity and damping constant
 Ultrasonic pulse velocity and pulse attenuation
 Ultrasonic pulse velocity and rebound number
 Combined Method
Combined Method

 this last test approach, ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements are taken on concrete specimens or in-situ
concrete. At the same time the surface hardness is determined by means of the Schmidt rebound hammer.
The pulse velocity and rebound number are then combined to obtain a multiple linear regression equation with
compressive strength as the dependent variable. the regression equations thus developed appear to give a
somewhat higher degree of accuracy in the prediction of compressive strength. The regression equations
developed by Weibenga are of the following form .
 
Log S = A V + BR-C.
S = compressive strength
V = pulse velocity m/sec
R = Rebound number
A, B, C = constant
 

 
 Non – Contacting Resistivity Measurement Method

Determine Resistivity of Concrete by using Resipod.

 Assessment of a structure is very important in order to determine its reliability and safety. In a way, monitoring a
structure is same as monitoring human health. Concrete structures are generally exposed to numerous environmental and
dynamic loads, which tend to decrease the effective performance and durability of the structure. These may result in
overall strength reduction and eventual failure of the structure. Periodic inspections are therefore necessary to assess the
implications, current scenario and the deterioration progress of the structure. Inspections not only help in preventing the
structure failure but also lead to better management and understanding of the structure
 Currently the structures are generally assessed by visual inspections along with several destructive and non-destructive
tests. Non-destructive assessments/tests have gained interests among researchers in assessing the structural capability of
the structures. Despite their various advantages, non-destructive testing is not always reliable especially under the
supervision of inexperienced inspectors.
It is often advisable to carry out feasibility study of the structure in order to understand the nature of Non-destructive tests that
should be carried out to assess the problem. Also, the most important aspect of these tests involves accurate and correct
interpretation of the results, requiring experienced personals and good modern instruments, which make the task a bit
easier. The resistivity of concrete varies over a complete structure due to a variety of changing site conditions from day to
day so that other methods, like half-cell potential or impact testing, should be combined to ensure the data. Generally, the
probability of the steel corrosion increases, the concrete resistivity deceases.
Electrical resistivity is one of the practical problems of concrete resistivity testing is to ensure the good electrical contact between
the electrodes and concrete surface. In this method 4 electrodes are located in a straight line on, or just below, the concrete
surface at same spacing as shown in the figure below. A low frequency alternating current is flow between the two outer
electrodes and the voltage drop between the inner electrodes has recorded.
 
 Non – Contacting Resistivity Measurement Method

Test Procedure
 Non – Contacting Resistivity Measurement Method

Test Procedure