NON-DESTRUCTIVE TEST

Guided By: Prepared and Presented By:

Arjun. M. Butala Sir Karan Prajapati (23014171003)
Ass. Professor, M.Tech. Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering Department (Structural Engineering)
U.V. Patel College of Engineering SUB : CMRS
 NON-DESTRUCTIVE TEST

• What is non destructive test ?

• Non-destructive test of concrete is the test performed to obtain the various properties of
concrete of existing structures without damaging or destroying it.
• This test provides simple , immediate results and actual strength and properties of concrete
structure .
• In the NDT method , without loading the specimen to failure , we can measure strength of
concrete .
• This method of testing also helps us to investigate crack depth , micro cracks and
deterioration of concrete.
• Methods of Non-Destructive Testing of Concrete :

• Following are different methods of NDT on concrete :

1. Penetration method
2.Rebound hammer method
3.Pull out test method
4.Ultrasonic pulse velocity method
5.Radioactive methods
 1. Penetration Tests on Concrete :
• Penetration resistance test is conducted on concrete structures using Windsor Probe test machine.
In this test method, a steel probe is fired on the concrete surface by a sudden explosion. The
penetration is inversely proportional to the strength of concrete. The result of the test is
influenced by aggregate strength and nature of formed surfaces of concrete.
• The purpose of the penetration resistance test is used to determine the uniformity of concrete,
specify the poor quality or deteriorated concrete zones, and evaluate the in-place strength of
concrete. It is sometimes necessary to estimate the strength of concrete on-site for early form
removal or to investigate the strength of concrete in place because of low cylinder test results.
• Purpose of Penetration Resistance Test :
1.Determine the uniformity of concrete
2.Specify exact locations of poor quality or deteriorated concrete zones
3.Assess in-place strength of concrete

• Application of Penetration Resistance Test :

• Penetration resistance test is conducted to estimate the strength of concrete on-site for early form
removal or to investigate the strength of concrete in place because of low cylinder test results.
• Apparatus:
• 1. Probe
• Probe consists of driver unit used to drive the
probe into the concrete and probe manufactured
from alloy-steel rod plated for corrosion
protection, with a blunt conical end that can be
inserted into the driver unit and driven into the
concrete surface.
• Probes of 79.4-mm overall length and 7.9-mm
diameter, with the penetrating end diameter
reduced to 6.4 mm for approximately 14.3 mm in
length, is suitable for testing concrete with a unit
weight of 2000 kg/m3 or greater. Pins can be used
instead of probe when the penetration resistance
test is carried out using this tool.
• Measurement Equipment :
• Measurement equipment such as a Vernier caliper or depth gauge to measure the exposed length of
a probe to the nearest 0.5 mm. The measuring equipment shall include a reference base plate which
is supported on the concrete surface at three equally spaced points at least 50 mm from the probe to
be measured.
• Testing Procedure :
1. Place the positioning device on the surface of the concrete at the location to be tested.
2. Mount a probe in the driver unit
3. Position the driver in the positioning device
4. Fire the probe into the concrete.
5. Remove the positioning device and tap the probe on the exposed end with a small hammer to
ensure that it has not rebounded and to confirm that it is firmly embedded.
• Place the measuring base plate over the probe and position it so that it bears firmly on the
surface of the concrete without rocking or other movement.

• Benefits and Limitations :

• The probe test produces quite variable results and should not be expected to give accurate values
of concrete strength. It has, however, the potential for providing a quick means of checking
quality and maturity of in situ concrete.
• It also provides a means of assessing strength development with curing. The test is essentially
non-destructive, since concrete and structural members can be tested in situ, with only minor
patching of holes on exposed faces.
2. Rebound Hammer Method :
• 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.
• 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). A concrete with low
strength and low stiffness will absorb more energy to yield in a lower rebound value.
• 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.
• 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.
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Rebound Hammer Test:
• The advantages of Rebound Hammer tests are:
• Apparatus is easy to use
• Determines uniformity properties of the surface
• The equipment used is inexpensive
• Used for the rehabilitation of old monuments
• The disadvantages of Rebound Hammer tests are:
• The results obtained is based on a local point
• The test results are not directly related to the strength and the deformation property of the
surface
• The probe and spring arrangement will require regular cleaning and maintenance
• Flaws cannot be detected with accuracy
3. Pull-Out Tests on Concrete :
• The fundamental principle behind pull out testing is that the test equipment designed to a
specific geometry will produce results (pull-out forces) that closely correlate to the compressive
strength of concrete. This correlation is achieved by measuring the force required to pull a steel
disc or ring, embedded in fresh concrete, against a circular counter pressure placed on the
concrete surface concentric with the disc/ring.
• Types of Pull Out Tests:
• Depending upon the placement of disc/ring in he fresh concrete, pull out test can be divided into
2 types,
1. LOK test
2..CAPO test (Cut and Pull out Test)
• LOK Test:
• The LOK-TEST system is used to obtain a reliable
estimate of the in-place strength of concrete in newly cast
structures in accordance with the pullout test method .
• A steel disc, 25 mm in diameter at a depth of 25 mm, is
pulled centrally against a 55 mm diameter counter
pressure ring bearing on the surface. The force F required
to pullout the insert is measured. The concrete in the strut
between the disc and the counter pressure ring
is subjected to a compressive load. Therefore the pullout
force F is related directly to the compressive strength.
• CAPO test (Cut and Pull out Test):
• The CAPO-TEST permits performing pullout tests on existing
structures without the need of preinstalled inserts. CAPO-TEST
provides a pullout test system similar to the LOK-TEST
system for accurate on-site estimates of compressive strength.
• When selecting the location for a CAPO-TEST, ensure that
reinforcing bars are not within the failure region. The surface at
the test location is ground using a planing tool and a 18.4 mm
hole is made perpendicular to the surface using a diamond-
studded core bit. A recess (slot) is routed in the hole to a diameter
of 25 mm and at a depth of 25 mm. A split ring is expanded in the
recess and pulled out using a pull machine reacting against a 55
mm diameter counter pressure ring. As in the LOKTEST, the
concrete in the strut between the expanded ring and the counter
pressure ring is in compression. Hence, the ultimate pullout force
F is related directly to compressive strength.
• Limitations and Advantages :

• Although pullout tests do not measure the interior strength of mass concrete, they do give
information on the maturity and development of strength of a representative part of it. Such
tests have the advantage of measuring quantitatively the strength of concrete in place.
• Their main disadvantage is that they have to be planned in advance and pull-out assemblies
set into the formwork before the concrete is placed. The pull-out, of course, creates some
minor damage.
• The test can be non-destructive, however, if a minimum pullout force is applied that stops
short of failure but makes certain that a minimum strength has been reached. This is
information of distinct value in determining when forms can be removed safely.
4. Dynamic Non Destructive Test :
• At present the ultrasonic pulse velocity method is the only one of this type that shows potential
for testing concrete strength in situ. It measures the time of travel of an ultrasonic pulse passing
through the concrete.
• The fundamental design features of all commercially available units are very similar, consisting
of a pulse generator and a pulse receiver.
• Pulses are generated by shock-exciting piezoelectric 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.
• Pulse velocity tests can be carried out on both laboratory-sized specimens and completed
concrete structures, but some factors affect measurement:
1.There must be smooth contact with the surface under test; a coupling medium such as a thin film
of oil is mandatory.
2.It is desirable for path-lengths to be at least 12 in. (30 cm) in order to avoid any errors
introduced by heterogeneity.
3.It must be recognized that there is an increase in pulse velocity at below-freezing temperature
owing to freezing of water; from 5 to 30°C (41 - 86°F) pulse velocities are not temperature
dependent.
4.The presence of reinforcing steel in concrete has an appreciable effect on pulse velocity. It is
therefore desirable and often mandatory to choose pulse paths that avoid the influence of
reinforcing steel or to make corrections if steel is in the pulse path.
• Applications and Limitations :
• The pulse velocity method is an ideal tool for establishing whether concrete is uniform. It can be
used on both existing structures and those under construction.
• Usually, if large differences in pulse velocity are found within a structure for no apparent reason,
there is strong reason to presume that defective or deteriorated concrete is present.
• High pulse velocity readings are generally indicative of good quality concrete. A general relation
between concrete quality and pulse velocity is given in Table.

General Conditions Pulse Velocity ft/sec

Excellent Above 15,000
Good 12,000-15,000
Questionable 10,000-12,000
Poor 7,000-10,000
Very Poor below 7,000
• Fairly good correlation can be obtained between cube compressive strength and pulse velocity. These
relations enable the strength of structural concrete to be predicted within ±20 per cent, provided the
types of aggregate and mix proportions are constant.
• The pulse velocity method has been used to study the effects on concrete of freeze-thaw action,
sulphate attack, and acidic waters. Generally, the degree of damage is related to a reduction in pulse
velocity. Cracks can also be detected.
• Great care should be exercised, however, in using pulse velocity measurements for these purposes
since it is often difficult to interpret results. Sometimes the pulse does not travel through the damaged
portion of the concrete.
• The pulse velocity method can also be used to estimate the rate of hardening and strength
development of concrete in the early stages to determine when to remove formwork. Holes have to be
cut in the formwork so that transducers can be in direct contact with the concrete surface.
• As concrete ages, the rate of increase of pulse velocity slows down much more rapidly than the rate of
development of strength, so that beyond a strength of 2,000 to 3,000 psi (13.6 to 20.4 MPa) accuracy
in determining strength is less than ±20%
5. Radioactive Methods of NDT:

• Radioactive methods of testing concrete can be used to detect the location of reinforcement,
measure density and perhaps establish whether honeycombing has occurred in structural
concrete units. Gamma radiography is increasingly accepted in England and Europe.
• The equipment is quite simple and running costs are small, although the initial price can be high.
Concrete up to 18 in. (45 cm) thick can be examined without difficulty.
• Purposes of Non-destructive Tests:
1. Estimating the in-situ compressive strength
2. Estimating the uniformity and homogeneity
3. Estimating the quality in relation to standard requirement
4. Identifying areas of lower integrity in comparison to other parts
5. Detection of presence of cracks, voids and other imperfections
6. Monitoring changes in the structure of the concrete which may occur with time
7. Identification of reinforcement profile and measurement of cover, bar diameter, etc.
8. Condition of prestressing/reinforcement steel with respect to corrosion
9. Chloride, sulphate, alkali contents or degree of carbonation
10. Measurement of Elastic Modulus
11. Condition of grouting in prestressing cable ducts
• Equipment for Non Destructive Testing:

• Concrete Test Hammers.

• Crack Monitors.
• Concrete Maturity Testing.
• Rebar Locators and Cover Meters.
• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
• Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Testers.
• Pull-Off Adhesion Tester.
• Corrosion Measurement.
THANK YOU