Title: Comparative Evaluation of Nondestructive Testers of Hardened Concrete

Author(s): K. W. Nasser and P. S. H. Lai

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 128

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 35-46

Keywords: compressive strength; concrete blocks; concrete slabs; cylinders; density (mass/volume); hardened concretes; nondestructive tests; tests; variability; General

DOI: 10.14359/3627

Date: 11/1/1991

Abstract:
This paper describes an investigation that was carried out to determine the within-test variability of various nondestructive test methods and their correlation with the corresponding compressive strength. The nondestructive test methods that were studied were the pin penetration, the ultrasonic pulse velocity, and the nuclear density gage. The tests were performed on solid concrete blocks, cylinders, and reinforced concrete slabs at different ages. The within-test variability of the direct readings of the ultrasonic pulse velocity was small compared to the pin penetration and nuclear density gage. However, when the readings were translated into strength, the within-test variabilities of the standard compression test were about the same as the other methods. The relationship between strength and the pin penetration and pulse velocity readings were good, while the relationship between the density of fresh and hardened concrete and the nuclear gage readings were satisfactory.