CHAPTER 4

CONCLUSION

Combined non-destructive methods refer to techniques in which one test is

used to improve the reliability of the in site concrete strength estimated by means of
another test alone.

The validity of a combined technique can be evaluated from the degree of

improvement this additional test provides to the accuracy and reproducibility of
predictions, vs. the additional cost and complexity of the combined method and the
extent to which it is practicable to perform the additional test in site.

Of the various combinations proposed by different researchers and from the

reported data it seems that only the combined techniques based on the Ultrasonic
Pulse Velocity and surface hardness measurement have been adopted for practical
evaluation of the in site compressive strength of concrete.The limitations of a
combined method are usually those pertinent to the limitations of each component
test, except when a variation in the properties of concrete affects the component test,
except when a variation in the properties of concrete affects the component test results
in opposite directions. In this case, the errors can be self-correcting. Development of a
prior correlation relationship is essential if the estimated from the combined test are to
be meanigful. The more information that can be obtained about the concrete
ingredients, proportions, age, curing conditions, etc. the more reliable the estimate is
likely to be.

When testing suspect quality concrete of unknown composition, it is highly

desirable to develop a prior correlation relationship in which factor such as aggregate
type and approximate age of concrete are introduced as constants. For most in site
concrete an approximate age and petrological type of aggregate can be determined,
thus reducing the number of uncontrollable variables.
The most important influences on the accuracy and reliability of strength estimates
seem to be the coarse aggregate type in the concrete.

When a reliable prior correlation relationship exists for a particular concrete

type, the use of combined non-destructive techniques provides a realistic alternative to
destructive testing. It often possible to perform a large and thus a representative
number of tests at a reduced cost compared with coring, and without an adverse
effects on the integrity of structural element.
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