Different ways to test concrete in buildings
Different ways to test concrete in buildings
(OP)
Besides the following:
1. Rebound hammer
2. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test
3. Core Sample
What are other ways to test for voids inside concrete? Would there be a direct X-ray test?





RE: Different ways to test concrete in buildings
Pulse velocity will detect relatively large areas of voids, but is not good for small sections of concrete as the velocity is too fast to differentiate between good and potentially bad areas.
Radiography will work for distinctly large voids, but is not so good for small discrete voids. Further it is expensive and requires a lot of safety controls.
The best method to prevent voids is to have a good mix design and place it properly so that appropriate consolidation is achieved.
RE: Different ways to test concrete in buildings
If you did coring test for instance 3 inches diameter by 6 inches depth sample. What do you usually use to replace the concrete that would ensure there is absolutely no gap in the replacement (100% binding to the concrete socket left)? Did you use tiny formworks over the 3 inches hole and maybe put in non-shrink grout? But the coring company said non-shrink grout is only used for vertical hole, and not for horizontal hole.
RE: Different ways to test concrete in buildings
Usually if a core is taken in a structural member, it is taken in an area that has little or no structural impact, so the repair is simply to fill the hole.
RE: Different ways to test concrete in buildings
We bought a used building and simply want a random check on the concrete quality especially in critical areas like columns and beams. You stated that a core is taken in an area that has little or no structural impact. But the company said core samples are usually taken in middle of beams or columns (the purpose being to sample it). Why do you need to take sample in unrelated region if you want to test a particular portion?
RE: Different ways to test concrete in buildings
The selection of sampling locations should be done be a competent structural engineer....not the coring guy.
RE: Different ways to test concrete in buildings