Non-Destructive Tests on Concrete –
Methods, Uses
Non-destructive test of concrete is a method to obtain the compressive strength and
other properties of concrete from the existing structures. This test provides
immediate results and actual strength and properties of concrete structure.
The standard method of evaluating the quality of concrete in buildings or structures
is to test specimens cast simultaneously for compressive, flexural and tensile
strengths.
The main disadvantages are that results are not obtained immediately; that concrete
in specimens may differ from that in the actual structure as a result of different curing
and compaction conditions; and that strength properties of a concrete specimen
depend on its size and shape.
Although there can be no direct measurement of the strength properties of structural
concrete for the simple reason that strength determination involves destructive
stresses, several non- destructive methods of assessment have been developed.
These depend on the fact that certain physical properties of concrete can be related
to strength and can be measured by non-destructive methods. Such properties
include hardness, resistance to penetration by projectiles, rebound capacity and
ability to transmit ultrasonic pulses and X- and Y-rays.
These non-destructive methods may be categorized as penetration tests, rebound
tests, pull-out techniques, dynamic tests, radioactive tests, maturity concept. It is the
purpose of this Digest to describe these methods briefly, outlining their advantages
and disadvantages.
Methods of Non-Destructive Testing of Concrete
Following are different methods of NDT on concrete:
1. Penetration method
2. Rebound hammer method
3. Pull out test method
4. Ultrasonic pulse velocity method
5. Radioactive methods
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. Rebound Hammer Method
The rebound hammer is a surface hardness tester for which an empirical correlation
has been established between strength and rebound number.
The only known instrument to make use of the rebound principle for concrete testing
is the Schmidt hammer, which weighs about 4 lb (1.8 kg) and is suitable for both
laboratory and field work. It consists of a spring-controlled hammer mass that slides
on a plunger within a tubular housing.
The hammer is forced against the surface of the concrete by the spring and the
distance of rebound is measured on a scale. The test surface can be horizontal, vertical
or at any angle but the instrument must be calibrated in this position.
Calibration can be done with cylinders (6 by 12 in., 15 by 30 cm) of the same cement
and aggregate as will be used on the job. The cylinders are capped and firmly held in
a compression machine.
Several readings are taken, well distributed and reproducible, the average
representing the rebound number for the cylinder. This procedure is repeated with
several cylinders, after which compressive strengths are obtained.
Limitations and Advantages
The Schmidt hammer provides an inexpensive, simple and quick method of obtaining
an indication of concrete strength, but accuracy of ±15 to ±20 per cent is possible only
for specimens cast cured and tested under conditions for which calibration curves
have been established.
The results are affected by factors such as smoothness of surface, size and shape of
specimen, moisture condition of the concrete, type of cement and coarse aggregate,
and extent of carbonation of surface.
3. 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.
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.
4. Dynamic Non-Destructive Test
At present the ultrasonic pulse velocity method is the only one of this type that shows
potential for testing concrete strength in situ. It measures the time of travel of an
ultrasonic pulse passing through the concrete.
The fundamental design features of all commercially available units are very similar,
consisting of a pulse generator and a pulse receiver.
Pulses are generated by shock-exciting piezoelectric crystals, with similar crystals
used in the receiver. The time taken for the pulse to pass through the concrete is
measured by electronic measuring circuits.
Pulse velocity tests can be carried out on both laboratory-sized specimens and
completed concrete structures, but some factors affect measurement:
1. There must be smooth contact with the surface under test; a coupling medium such as a thin
film of oil is mandatory.
2. It is desirable for path-lengths to be at least 12 in. (30 cm) in order to avoid any errors
introduced by heterogeneity.
3. It must be recognized that there is an increase in pulse velocity at below-freezing
temperature owing to freezing of water; from 5 to 30°C (41 – 86°F) pulse velocities are not
temperature dependent.
4. The presence of reinforcing steel in concrete has an appreciable effect on pulse velocity. It is
therefore desirable and often mandatory to choose pulse paths that avoid the influence of
reinforcing steel or to make corrections if steel is in the pulse path.
Applications and Limitations
The pulse velocity method is an ideal tool for establishing whether concrete is
uniform. It can be used on both existing structures and those under construction.
Usually, if large differences in pulse velocity are found within a structure for no
apparent reason, there is strong reason to presume that defective or deteriorated
concrete is present.
High pulse velocity readings are generally indicative of good quality concrete. A
general relation between concrete quality and pulse velocity is given in Table.
Table: Quality of Concrete and Pulse Velocity
General Conditions Pulse Velocity ft/sec
Excellent Above 15,000
Good 12,000-15,000
Questionable 10,000-12,000
Poor 7,000-10,000
Very Poor below 7,000
Fairly good correlation can be obtained between cube compressive strength and
pulse velocity. These relations enable the strength of structural concrete to be
predicted within ±20 per cent, provided the types of aggregate and mix proportions
are constant.
The pulse velocity method has been used to study the effects on concrete of freeze-
thaw action, sulphate attack, and acidic waters. Generally, the degree of damage is
related to a reduction in pulse velocity. Cracks can also be detected.
Great care should be exercised, however, in using pulse velocity measurements for
these purposes since it is often difficult to interpret results. Sometimes the pulse does
not travel through the damaged portion of the concrete.
The pulse velocity method can also be used to estimate the rate of hardening and
strength development of concrete in the early stages to determine when to remove
formwork. Holes have to be cut in the formwork so that transducers can be in direct
contact with the concrete surface.
As concrete ages, the rate of increase of pulse velocity slows down much more rapidly
than the rate of development of strength, so that beyond a strength of 2,000 to 3,000
psi (13.6 to 20.4 MPa) accuracy in determining strength is less than ±20%.
Accuracy depends on careful calibration and use of the same concrete mix
proportions and aggregate in the test samples used for calibration as in the structure.
In summary, ultrasonic pulse velocity tests have a great potential for concrete control,
particularly for establishing uniformity and detecting cracks or defects. Its use for
predicting strength is much more limited, owing to the large number of variables
affecting the relation between strength and pulse velocity.
5. 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 difficulty.
Purpose of Non-Destructive Tests on Concrete
A variety of Non Destructive Testing (NDT) methods have been developed or are
under development for investigating and evaluating concrete structures.
These methods are aimed at estimation of strength and other properties; monitoring
and assessing corrosion; measuring crack size and cover; assessing grout quality;
detecting defects and identifying relatively more vulnerable areas in concrete
structures.
Many of NDT methods used for concrete testing have their origin to the testing of
more homogeneous, metallic system. These methods have a sound scientific basis, but
heterogeneity of concrete makes interpretation of results somewhat difficult.
There could be many parameters such as materials, mix, workmanship and
environment, which influence the results of measurements.
Moreover, these tests measure some other property of concrete (e.g. hardness) and
the results are interpreted to assess a different property of concrete e.g. strength,
which is of primary interest.
Thus, interpretation of results is very important and difficult job where
generalization is not possible. As such, operators can carry out tests but
interpretation of results must be left to experts having experience and knowledge of
application of such non-destructive tests.
Purposes of Non-destructive Tests
1. Estimating the in-situ compressive strength
2. Estimating the uniformity and homogeneity
3. Estimating the quality in relation to standard requirement
4. Identifying areas of lower integrity in comparison to other parts
5. Detection of presence of cracks, voids and other imperfections
6. Monitoring changes in the structure of the concrete which may occur with time
7. Identification of reinforcement profile and measurement of cover, bar diameter, etc.
8. Condition of prestressing/reinforcement steel with respect to corrosion
9. Chloride, sulphate, alkali contents or degree of carbonation
10. Measurement of Elastic Modulus
11. Condition of grouting in prestressing cable ducts
Purposes of Non-destructive Tests
Equipments for Non-Destructive Testing
According to their use, non-destructive equipment can be grouped as under:
1. Strength estimation of concrete
2. Corrosion assessment and monitoring
3. Detecting defects in concrete structure
4. Laboratory tests
