SCHMIDT REBOUND HAMMER TEST

Fundamental principle

The Schmidt rebound hammer test is basically a surface hardness test. It works on the
principle that the rebound of an elastic mass depends on the hardness of the surface against
which the mass strikes. Thus the surface hardness of the concrete is correlated with
compressive strength by empirical relations. When the plunger of rebound hammer is pressed
against the concrete surface, spring controlled mass in the hammer rebounds. The rebound
value is read off along the scale and is designated as rebound number. Based on this rebound
number, compressive strength can be read from the graph provided on the body of hammer.

Equipment for Rebound Hammer Test

The Schmidt rebound hammer is shown in Fig. .The weight of the hammer is about 1.8 kg
and can be used for both in laboratory and in the field. A schematic cross section of rebound
hammer is shown in the Fig .The main components include the outer body, the plunger, the
hammer mass and the spring. The rebound distance is measured along the scale marked from
10 to 100. That distance is recorded as the “rebound number”.

Fig

There are different types of rebound hammers are available such as Type N, Type NR, Type L, Type
LR, Type M and Type P etc. Among these Type N is used commonly for ordinary buildings and
bridges.

Specifications of Type N Rebound Hammer

 Measuring Range : 10-70 N/mm²

 Impact energy : 2.207 N-m
 Case dimensions : 140 x 114 x 324
 Net weight : 1.6 kg
 IS Code : IS 13311 (Part 2) 1992
Procedure for Schmidt/Rebound hammer test

The method of using hammer is shown in the Fig .With the hammer pushed hard against the
concrete, the body is allowed to move away from the concrete until the latch connects the hammer
mass to the plunger, Fig .The plunger is held perpendicular to the surface of concrete and pushed
against, Fig .This movement extends the spring holding the mass to the body. When the extension
reaches its maximum, the latch releases and the mass pulled towards the surface, Fig .The mass hits
the shoulder of plunger rod and rebounds because the rod is pushed against concrete, Fig .During
rebound the slide indicator travels and reaches maximum. A button on the sside of body is pushed to
lock the plunger to retracted position and the rebound number is read from the scale on the body of
hammer.

IS Recommendations for procedure

IS 13311 (Part 2) 1992 , Clause 6

 For testing, smooth, clean and dry surface is to be selected

 Point of impact should be at least 20 mm away from any edge or shape discontinuity
 For taking measurements, the rebound hammer should be held at right angles
 Rebound hammer test is conducted around all the points of observation on all accessible
faces of the structural element. Around each point of observation six readings of rebound
indices are taken and average of these readings after deleting outliers as per IS 8900 : 1978
becomes the rebound index for the point of observation.