Title:
Testing and Evaluation of Concrete Strength in Structures
Author(s):
Patrick J. E. Sullivan
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
88
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
530-535
Keywords:
chemical tests; concretes; cores; evaluation; structures; physical tests; nondestructive tests; standards; strength; Materials Research
DOI:
10.14359/2191
Date:
9/1/1991
Abstract:
Different procedures for material/structural investigations are adopted in British practice when assessing a) noncompliance of concrete under construction and b) the current strength of concrete in structures. Paper presents these procedures and describes the various factors that have to be taken into account, depending on whether the potential strength, the actual strength, or the in situ cube strength are required in the investigation. Emphasis is placed on the usefulness of performing nondestructive tests on site to optimize the manner of extraction of cores and combining these results with those derived from cores. The importance of taking great care in sampling, extraction of cores, preparation, and testing is stressed. Because the extraction of cores is such an expensive exercise, it is recommended that the greatest number of nondestructive tests are also carried out in the laboratory on the cores before finally testing them in compression. By so doing, the results of the nondestructive tests increase the confidence level of the ultimate strength results.