PULLOUT TEST

Pullout test is also one of the important Non-destructive Test of Concrete,

which is done on the hardened Concrete.

Pull out Test On hardened 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 Test

Depending upon the placement of disc/ring in the 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 described in BS 1881:2007.
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.

LOK test
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.

Uses of PullOut Test

These are the main uses of Pull out Test

1. Determine in-situ compressive strength of the concrete

2. Ascertain the strength of concrete for carrying out post tensioning
operations.
3. Determine the time of removal of forms and shores based on actual in-
situ strength of the structure.
4. Terminate curing based on in-situ strength of the structure.
5. It can be also used for testing repaired concrete sections.

Limitation of PullOut Test

1. The major limitation of this test is that it requires special care at the time
of placement of inserts to minimize air void below the disc besides a pre-
planned usage
2. However this test is not recommended for aggregates beyond size of
38mm.

In General, by measuring the pull-out force of a cast-in disc or expanded ring,

the compressive strength of in-situ concrete can be determined