7 Methods for Testing Concrete Strength

When choosing a method for monitoring the compressive strength of

concrete, it’s important for project managers to consider
the impact each technique will have on their schedule. While some
testing processes can be done directly onsite, others require extra time
for third-party facilities to deliver strength data. Time is not the only
factor that contributes to project managers’ decisions. The accuracy of
the testing process is just as important, as it directly effects the quality
of the concrete structure.

The most common method for monitoring the strength of in-situ

concrete is the use of field-cured cylinders. This practice has remained
generally unchanged since the early 19th century. These samples
are cast and cured according to ASTM C31 and tested for compressive
strength by a third-party lab at various stages. Usually, if
the slab has reached 75% of its designed strength, engineers will give
the go ahead to their team to move on to the next steps in the
construction process.

There have been many developments to speed up the curing process

since this testing method was first introduced. This includes the use of
heating blankets, additives and vapor retarders. However, contractors
still wait three days after placement before testing for strength, even
though their targets are often reached much earlier than that.

Despite knowing that, many project managers prefer to stick to this

testing practice because it’s “the way its always been done.”
That doesn’t mean this technique is the fastest and most accurate
method, however, for testing the strength of all placements. In fact,
there are many different practices aside from cylinder break tests that
can be used. Here are seven different approaches to consider when
choosing a method of strength testing.
Methods for Testing Compressive Strength of Concrete

1. Rebound Hammer or Schmidt Hammer (ASTM C805)

Method: A spring release mechanism is used to activate a hammer

which impacts a plunger to drive into the surface of the concrete. The
rebound distance from the hammer to the surface of the concrete is
given a value from 10 to 100. This measurement is then correlated to
the concretes’ strength.

Pros: Relatively easy to use and can be done directly onsite.

Cons: Pre-calibration using cored samples is required for accurate

measurements. Test results can be skewed by surface
conditions and the presence of large aggregates or rebar below the
testing location.

Rebound Hammer Test

Rebound Hammer test is a Non-destructive testing method of concrete

which provide a convenient and rapid indication of the compressive
strength of the concrete. The rebound hammer is also called as Schmidt
hammer that consist of a spring-controlled mass that slides on a plunger
within a tubular housing. The operation of rebound hammer is shown
in the fig.1. When the plunger of rebound hammer is pressed against
the surface of concrete, a spring-controlled mass with a constant energy
is made to hit concrete surface to rebound back. The extent of rebound,
which is a measure of surface hardness, is measured on a graduated
scale. This measured value is designated as Rebound Number (rebound
index). Concrete with low strength and low stiffness will absorb more
energy to lower rebound value.
 Fig.6.Operation of the rebound hammer

Objective of Rebound Hammer Test

As per the Indian code IS: 13311(2)-1992, the rebound hammer test
have the following objectives:

1. To determine the compressive strength of the concrete by relating the

rebound index and the compressive strength
2. To assess the uniformity of the concrete
3. To assess the quality of the concrete based on the standard
specifications
4. To relate one concrete element with other in terms of quality

Rebound hammer test method can be used to differentiate the

acceptable and questionable parts of the structure or to compare two
different structures based on strength.
Principle of Rebound Hammer Test

Rebound hammer test method is based on the principle that the

rebound of an elastic mass depends on the hardness of the concrete
surface against which the mass strikes. The operation of the rebound
hammer is shown in figure-1. When the plunger of rebound hammer is
pressed against the concrete surface, the spring controlled mass in the
hammer rebounds. The amount of rebound of the mass depends on the
hardness of concrete surface. Thus, the hardness of concrete and
rebound hammer reading can be correlated with compressive strength
of concrete. The
rebound value is read off along a graduated scale and is
designated as the
rebound number or rebound index. The compressive strength can b
e read directly from the graph provided on the body of the hammer.
Procedure for Rebound Hammer Test

Procedure for rebound hammer test on concrete structure starts

with calibration of the rebound hammer. For this, the rebound hammer
is tested against the test anvil made of steel having Brinell hardness
number of about 5000 N/mm2. After the rebound hammer is tested for
accuracy on the test anvil, the rebound hammer is held at right angles
to the surface of the concrete structure for taking the readings. The test
thus can be conducted horizontally on vertical surface and vertically
upwards or downwards on horizontal surfaces as shown in figure below
If the rebound hammer is held at intermediate angle, the rebound
number will be different for the same concrete.
Fig.7.Rebound Hammer Positions for Testing Concrete Structure

The impact energy required for the rebound hammer is different for
different applications. Approximate Impact energy levels are
mentioned in the table-1 below for different applications.

Table-1: Impact Energy for Rebound Hammers for Different

Applications As per IS: 13311(2)-1992
Approximate Impact Energy for
Sl.No Applications
Rebound Hammer in Nm

1 For Normal Weight Concrete 2.25

For light weight concrete / For

2 small and impact resistive 0.75
concrete parts

For mass concrete testing Eg: In

3 roads, hydraulic structures and 30.00
pavements
 Points to Remember in Rebound Hammer Test

1. The concrete surface should be smooth, clean and dry.

2. Ant loose particles should be rubbed off from the concrete surface
with a grinding wheel or stone, before hammer testing.
3. Rebound hammer test should not be conducted on rough surfaces as a
result of incomplete compaction, loss of grout, spalled or tooled
concrete surface.
4. The point of impact of rebound hammer on concrete surface should be
at least 20mm away from edge or shape discontinuity.
5. Six readings of rebound number is taken at each point of testing and
an average of value of the readings is taken as rebound index for the
corresponding point of observation on concrete surface.
Correlation between compressive strength of concrete and rebound

The most suitable method of obtaining the correlation between

compressive strength of concrete and rebound number is to test the
concrete cubes using compression testing machine as well as using
rebound hammer simultaneously. First the rebound number of concrete
cube is taken and then the compressive strength is tested on
compression testing machine. The fixed load required is of the order of
7 N/ mm2 when the impact energy of the hammer is about 2.2 Nm. The
load should be increased for calibrating rebound hammers of greater
impact energy and decreased for calibrating rebound hammers of lesser
impact energy. The test specimens should be as large a mass as possible
in order to minimize the size effect on the test result of a full scale
structure. 150mm cube specimens are preferred for calibrating rebound
hammers of lower impact energy (2.2Nm), whereas for rebound
hammers of higher impact energy, for example 30 Nm, the test cubes
should not be smaller than 300mm. The concrete cube specimens
should be kept at room temperature for about 24 hours after taking it
out from the curing pond, before testing it with the rebound hammer.
To obtain a correlation between rebound numbers and strength of wet
cured and wet tested cubes, it is necessary to establish a correlation
between the strength of wet tested cubes and the strength of dry tested
cubes on which rebound readings are taken. A direct correlation
between rebound numbers on wet cubes and the strength of wet cubes
is not recommended. Only the vertical faces of the cubes as cast should
 be tested. At least nine readings should be taken on each of the two
vertical faces accessible in the compression testing machine when using
the rebound hammers. The points of impact on the specimen must not
be nearer an edge than 20mm and should be not less than 20mm from
each other. The same points must not be impacted more than once.
Interpretation of Rebound Hammer Test Results

After obtaining the correlation between compressive strength and

rebound number, the strength of structure can be assessed. In general,
the rebound number increases as the strength increases and is also
affected by a number of parameters i.e. type of cement, type of
aggregate, surface condition and moisture content of the concrete,
curing and age of concrete, carbonation of concrete surface etc.

Fig.8. Relationship Between Cube Strength and the Rebound Number

Moreover the rebound index is indicative of compressive strength of

concrete up to a limited depth from the surface. The internal cracks,
flaws etc. or heterogeneity across the cross section will not be indicated
by rebound numbers. Table-2 below shows the quality of concrete for
respective average rebound number.
Table.2. Quality of Concrete for different values of rebound number

As such the estimation of strength of concrete by rebound hammer

method cannot be held to be very accurate and probable accuracy of
prediction of concrete strength in a structure is ± 25 percent. If the
relationship between rebound index and compressive strength can be
found by tests on core samples obtained from the structure or standard
specimens made with the same concrete materials and mix proportion,
then the accuracy of results and confidence thereon gets greatly
increased.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Rebound Hammer Test

The advantages of Rebound hammer tests are:

1. Apparatus is easy to use

2. Determines uniformity properties of the surface
3. The equipment used is inexpensive
4. Used for the rehabilitation of old monuments

The disadvantages of Rebound Hammer Test

1. The results obtained is based on a local point

2. The test results are not directly related to the strength and the
deformation property of the surface
3. The probe and spring arrangement will require regular cleaning and
maintenance
4. Flaws cannot be detected with accuracy
 Factors Influencing Rebound Hammer Test

Below mentioned are the important factors that influence rebound hammer
test:

1. Type of Aggregate
2. Type of Cement
3. Surface and moisture condition of the concrete
4. Curing and Age of concrete
5. Carbonation of concrete surface

Type of Aggregate

The correlation between compressive strength of concrete and the

rebound number will vary with the use of different aggregates. Normal
correlations in the results are obtained by the use of normal aggregates
like gravels and crushed aggregates. The use of lightweight aggregates
in concrete will require special calibration to undergo the test.
Type of Cement

The concrete made of high alumina cement ought to have higher

compressive strength compared to Ordinary portland cement. The use
of supersulphated cement in concrete decrease the compressive strength
by 50% compared to that of OPC.

Type of Surface and Moisture Condition

The rebound hammer test work best for close texture concrete
compared with open texture concrete. Concrete with high honeycombs
and no-fines concrete is not suitable to be tested by rebound hammer.
The strength is overestimated by the test when testing floated or
trowelled surfaces when compared with moulded surfaces. Wet
concrete surface if tested will give a lower strength value. This
underestimation of strength can go lower to 20% that of dry concrete.
Type of curing and age of concrete

As time passes, the relation between the strength and hardness of

concrete will change. Curing conditions of concrete and their moisture
exposure conditions also affects this relationship. For concrete with an
age between 3days to 90 days is exempted from the effect of age. For
greater aged concrete special calibrated curves is necessary.

Carbonation on Concrete Surface

A higher strength is estimated by the rebound hammer on a concrete
that is subjected to carbonation. It is estimated to be 50% higher. So the
test have to be conducted by removing the carbonated layer and testing
by rebound hammer over non-carbonated layer of concrete.

2. Penetration Resistance Test (ASTM C803)

Method: To complete a penetration resistance test, a device drives a

small pin or probe into the surface of the concrete. The force used
to penetrate the surface, and the depth of the hole, is correlated to the
strength of the in-place concrete.

Pros: Relatively easy to use and can be done directly onsite.

Cons: Data is significantly affected by surface conditions as well as the

type of form and aggregates used. Requires pre-calibration
using multiple concrete samples for accurate strength measurements.

3. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (ASTM C597)

Method: This technique determines the velocity of a pulse of

vibrational energy through a slab. The ease at which this energy makes
its’ way through the slab provides measurements regarding
the concrete’s elasticity, resistance to deformation or stress, and
density. This data is then correlated to the slab’s strength.
Pros: This is a non-destructive testing technique which can also be
used to detect flaws within the concrete, such as cracks and
honeycombing.

Cons: This technique is highly influenced by the presence of

reinforcements, aggregates, and moisture in the concrete element. It
also requires calibration with multiple samples for accurate testing.

4. Pullout Test (ASTM C900)

Method: The main principal behind this test is to pull the concrete
using a metal rod that is cast-in-place or post-installed in the concrete.
The pulled conical shape, in combination with the force required to pull
the concrete, is correlated to compressive strength.

Pros: Easy to use and can be performed on both new and old
constructions.

Cons: This test involves crushing or damaging the concrete. A large

number of test samples are needed at different locations of the slab for
accurate results.

5. Drilled Core (ASTM C42)

Method: A core drill is used to extract hardened concrete from the

slab. These samples are then compressed in a machine to monitor the
strength of the in-situ concrete.

Pros: These samples are considered more accurate than field-cured

specimens because the concrete that is tested for strength has been
subjected to the actual thermal history and curing conditions of the in-
place slab.

Cons: This is a destructive technique that requires damaging the

structural integrity of the slab. The locations of the cores need to be
repaired afterwards. A lab must be used to obtain strength data.
The testing of concrete cores is carried out according to the ASTM
Standard C 42. Core sampling and procedure for strength determination
using concrete core is discussed.
Testing of Concrete Cores for Strength
The diameter of core specimens for the determination of concrete
compressive strength should preferably be at least three times the
nominal maximum size of the coarse aggregate used in the concrete,
and must be at least twice the maximum size of the coarse aggregate in
the core sample. The length of the specimen, when capped, should be
nearly as practicable twice its diameter. A core having a maximum
height of less than 95% of its diameter before capping or a height less
than its diameter after capping must be rejected. It is preferable to test
the cores in moist condition.

The ASTM standard prescribes the following procedure: “Submerge

the test specimens in lime-saturated water at 23.0 +/- 1.7° C for at least
40 h immediately prior to making the compression test. Test the
specimens promptly after removal from water storage. During the
period between removal from water storage and testing, keep the
specimens moist by covering with a wet blanket of burlap or other
suitable absorbent fabric.” If the ratio of the length to diameter of the
specimen is less than 1.94 apply correction factors shown in the Table
3.
 Table-3: Correction Factor for Ratio of Length of Cone to its Diameter
Ratio of length of cylinder to diameter (L/D) Strength correction factor

1.75 0.98

1.50 0.96

1.25 0.93

1.00 0.87
The procedures for properly removing concrete samples by core
drilling are given in ASTM C 42. Cores must be taken using diamond-
studded core bits when the cores are to be tested for strength. A shot
drill may be acceptable for other applications when the core is drilled
vertically. However, diamond-studded core bits are recommended for
other drill orientations.

Fig 9: Core sampling and testing of concrete

The following guidelines are of particular importance in core

sampling:

 The number, size, and location of core samples should be carefully

selected to permit all necessary laboratory tests. If possible, use virgin
samples for all tests so that there will be no influence from prior tests.
 For determination of strength the core must have a minimum diameter
of greater of three times the maximum nominal size of the coarse
aggregate, or 50 mm.
  For strength tests, the cores must have a length of at least twice their
diameter.
 Reinforcing steel should not be included in a core to be tested for
strength.
 During drilling of cores, the electrical conduits or prestressing steel
must not be disturbed.
 It is better to drill core through full depth of member to avoid the need
of its breaking for extraction. An extra 50 mm is usually drilled to allow
for possible damage at the base of the core.
 At least three cores must be removed at each location in the structure
for strength determination.

The hole drilled to take the core is filled by packaged repair material.
A thixotropic material is required for repair of slabs as it must not fall
down under gravity. In some cases, a precast cylinder of concrete may
be fitted in the core hole by using cement grout or epoxy resin.
Minimum core diameter is usually 100 mm but 75 mm and 50mm
diameters may be used in special cases. The number of 50 mm diameter
cores must be three times the number of 100 mm diameter cores to get
the same accuracy. The 20 percent top portion of member with a
minimum of 50 mm and maximum of 300 mm and a side cover of 50
mm within the member is preferably not included in the portion of the
core to be tested. Before testing the cores, dimensions, density, shape,
information whether aggregates appear to be well-graded or gap-
graded, position of any cracks, damage due to drilling and presence of
steel must be recorded. Ends are prepared in high speed wet grinding
machine using diamond-faced grinding wheels. Otherwise, capping
using strong materials may be carried out. Water soaking of 40 hours is
recommended prior to the testing. According to the British standard
CSTR No. 11, the effect of the length to diameter ratio of the core (R)
on the strength is given as under:

For horizontally drilled cores:

Corrected cylinder strength = Core strength x[(2.5x0.8)/(1+(1/R))]
For vertically drilled cores:
Corrected cylinder strength = Core strength x[(2.3x0.8)/(1+(1/R))]
6. Cast-in-place Cylinders (ASTM C873)

Method: Cylinder molds are placed in the location of the pour. Fresh
concrete is poured into these molds which remain in the slab. Once
hardened, these specimens are removed and compressed for strength.

Pros: Is considered more accurate than field-cured specimens because

the concrete is subjected to the same curing conditions of the in-place
slab, unlike field-cured specimens.

Cons: This is a destructive technique that requires damaging the

structural integrity of the slab. The locations of the holes need to be
repaired afterwards. A lab must be used to obtain strength data.

7. Wireless Maturity Sensors (ASTM C1074)

Method: This technique is based on the principle that concrete strength

is directly related to its hydration temperature history. Wireless sensors
are placed within the concrete formwork, secured on the rebar, before
pouring. Temperature data is collected by the sensor and uploaded to
any smart device within an app using a wireless connection. This
information is used to calculate the compressive strength of the in-situ
concrete element based on the maturity equation that is set up in the
app.

Pros: Compressive strength data is given in real-time and updated

every 15 minutes. As a result, the data is considered more accurate and
reliable as the sensors are embedded directly in the formwork, meaning
they are subject to the same curing conditions as the in-situ concrete
element. This also means no time is wasted onsite waiting for results
from a third-party lab.

Cons: Requires a one-time calibration for each concrete mix to

establish a maturity curve using cylinder break tests.
Combined Methods of Strength Testing

A combination of these methods for measuring the compressive

sstrength is sometimes used to ensure quality control and quality
assurance of a concrete structure. A combined method results in a more
comprehensive overview of your slab, allowing you to confirm strength
data by using more than one testing method. The accuracy of your
strength data will also increase as using multiple methods will help
account for influencing factors, such as cement type, aggregate size,
and curing conditions. For example, a combination of the ultrasonic
pulse velocity method and the rebound hammer test has been studied.
Similarly, when using the maturity method on your jobsite to test
compressive strength, it is recommended to perform cylinder break
tests on day-28 of your concrete’s lifecycle for acceptance purposes and
to confirm the strength of your in-situ slab.

Summary of the accuracy and ease-of-use of in-place strength

measurements techniques.Giatec Scientific Inc.

Choosing a Compressive Strength Method

Tests like the rebound hammer and penetration resistance technique,

while easy to perform, are considered less accurate than other testing
methods (Science Direct). This is because they do not examine the
center of the concrete element, only the curing conditions directly
below the surface of the slab. Practices, such as the ultrasonic pulse
velocity method and the pullout test, are more difficult to perform as
their calibration process is lengthy, requiring a large number of
sample specimens in order to obtain accurate data.

Your decision in choosing a testing method may simply come down to

what you know and are used to. However, the accuracy of these tests
and the time they take to obtain strength data are significant factors
that are not always taken into consideration as heavily as they should.
Think about where all of your time and money goes during the
construction of a project. How much of that is spent on repairs, fees
for testing labs and extra labor to make sure your project finishes on
time? The accuracy of the technique you choose can lead to future
durability and performance issues of your concrete structure.
Furthermore, choosing a technique that takes additional time to
receive strength data can be detrimental to your project deadlines,
negatively impacting productivity on your jobsite. Conversely,
choosing the right tool can positively impact project timelines and
allow you to finish the project below budget.