Hardened Concrete and Methods of Testing Nhanga

Hardened concrete and methods
of testing
The tests of hardened concrete may either be destructive test (DT) or nondestructive test(NDT)
The main tests that are done on hardened concrete include;
Compressive strength test DT
Modulus of Elasticity NDT
Split-tension test DT
Flexural strength test DT
Rebound hammer test NDT
Penetration resistance test NDT
Ultrasonic pulse velocity test NDT
Maturity test NDT
DESTRUCTIVE METHOD OF TESTING
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST
In situ compressive strength (fc) for normal weight range from 21-34
Mpa.Large specimens have a high probability of weaker elements, reducing
strength. The weakest location of hardened concrete is the interface between
cement paste and aggregate. Compressive testing is carried out using a
compression test machine at a constant rate of 0.25 0.05 MPa for cylinder
moulds. The compressive strength is applied by the machine is obtained by
dividing the maximum load by the average cross-sectional area and
expressing the result to the nearest 0.5N/mm.
Fig 1.1 compression testing machine
SPLIT TENSION TEST

It measures the tensile strength on concrete, the cylinder is subjected to
compressive load along vertical diameter at a constant rate until fatigue.
Failure occurs along vertical diameter due to tension developed in transverse
direction .Split tension is computed by T = 2p/LD
T = tensile strength, MPa (psi); p= load at failure, N (psi); L = length of
specimen, mm (in.); D = diameter of specimen, mm (in.) Tensile strength varies
from 2.5 MPa to 3.1 MPa (360 psi to 450 psi), about 10% of compressive strength
Fig 1.2 Split tension test

FLEXURE TENSION TEST
A prismatic beam of concrete is supported on a steel roller bearing near each end is
loaded through similar steel bearings placed at the third points on the top surface.
The flexural strength (the max tensile stress at the bottom surface )is FL/BD where
is
the
load
,L
IS
the
distance
between
the
lower
supporting
rollers and B and D are the breath and death of the beam. Important test for
road and airport concrete pavements .
Fig. 1.3. Measuring Modulus of Rupture (MR)

Calculation of MR
If the fracture occurs in the middle 1/3 of the span
R = PL/(bd^2)
Where: R = flexure strength, MPa ; P = maximum load applied, N ; L = span length,
mm ; b = average width of specimen, mm ; a = average depth of specimen, mm
If fracture occurs further outside the middle third, the results should not be used.
Useful relationships:
R = (0.62 to 0.83)fc^0.5 (S.I. units)
R = (7.5 to 10)fc^0.5 (English units)
Maturity Test
Maturity is the degree of cement hydration .Varies with time and temperature
It is assumed that the strength is a function of maturity for a particular
concrete mixture .Devices are used to measure the temperature of concrete
with time .
Permeability
Permeability affects the durability of hardened concrete
Allows water and chemicals to penetrate its surface

Cause reduced resistance to frost
-alkali-aggregate reactivity and other chemicals
corrosion of steel bars
and
Air voids that affect permeability are obtained from ;

-incomplete consolidation of fresh concrete
evaporation of mixing water that is not used for hydration of
cement
Increasing the water/cement ratio has strong effects on permeability, age of
concrete, fineness of cement particles, air entraining agents also affects
permeability
Creep Properties
Creep is the gradual increase in strain, with time, under sustained load and may take
several years. Increased deflection and increased stress in steel . Gradual transfer
of load from concrete to steel . Losing some of the pre-stress force in pre-stressed
concrete
NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF CONCRETE

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. 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 nondestructive methods may be categorized as penetration tests, rebound tests, pullout techniques, dynamic tests, radioactive tests, maturity concept.
PENETRATION TESTS
The Windsor probe
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 6.5 mm and length 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
ADVANTAGES
-Is a quick method of checking quality and maturity of in-situ concrete
-is non -destructive, with only minor patching of holes on exposed faces
-provides a means of assessing strength development with curing.
DISADVANTAGES
-
The test produces quite variable results and should not be expected to give
accurate values of concrete strength .
Rebound Hammer Test (Schmidt Hammer Test)
used to test the uniformity of the concrete, is a surface hardness tester for which
an empirical correlation has been established between strength and rebound
number.
. 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 for
each of these positions. The higher the rebound, the harder the concretes
surface, and the greater the concretes strength
Disadvantages -The results are affected 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
Advantages- The Schmidt hammer provides an inexpensive, simple and quick
method of obtaining an indication of concrete strength, but accuracy of 15 to 20
% is possible only for specimens cast, cured and tested under conditions for
which calibration curves have been established.
Pull-Out Tests
Uses 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.
Advantages- measures quantitatively the strength of concrete in place

- give information on the maturity and development of strength
Disadvantages- they have to be planned in advance and pull-out assemblies set into the
formwork before the concrete is placed.
ULTRA PULSE VELOCITY METHOD

is used to test concrete strength in-situ by detecting discontinuities, cracks and
internal deterioration in the structure of concrete. It measures the time of travel of an
ultrasonic pulse passing through the concrete. Length between transducers/ travel
time = average velocity of wave propagation. Pulses are generated by shock-exciting
piezo-electric 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.
ADVANTAGES
- is an ideal tool for establishing whether concrete is uniform
-can be used on both existing structures and those under construction
-cracks can be detected
DISADVANTAGES
beyond a strength of 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.
-Its use for predicting strength is much more limited, owing to the large number of
variables affecting the relation between strength and pulse velocity

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Hardened concrete and methods

Fig 1.1 compression testing machine

SPLIT TENSION TEST

Fig 1.2 Split tension test

Fig. 1.3. Measuring Modulus of Rupture (MR)

Allows water and chemicals to penetrate its surface

Air voids that affect permeability are obtained from ;

NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF CONCRETE

Disadvantages -The results are affected smoothness of surface, size and

Advantages- measures quantitatively the strength of concrete in place

ULTRA PULSE VELOCITY METHOD

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