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BS 1881-207
BS 1881-207
Testing concrete —
Part 207: Recommendations for the
assessment of concrete strength by
near-to-surface tests
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 13-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
BS 1881-207:1992
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Technical Sector
Board for Building and Civil Engineering (B/-) to Technical Committee CAB/4,
upon which the following bodies were represented:
The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard,
through subcommittees and panels:
This British Standard, having
been prepared under the British Nuclear Fuels plc
direction of the Technical Sector
Board for Building and Civil
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
Engineering, was published
under the authority of the
Standards Board and comes
into effect on Amendments issued since publication
31 January 1992
© BSI 12-1998
Amd. No. Date Comments
Contents
Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 General 1
4 Applications 1
5 Choice of test method 2
6 Internal fracture test 2
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 13-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
7 Pull-out test 5
8 Pull-off test 6
9 Penetration resistance test 8
10 Break-off test 9
11 Methods of establishing correlations between near-to-surface
tests and strength 10
12 Assessment of structures 11
13 Report 11
Figure 1 — Principal features of near-to-surface tests using
commercially available apparatus 3
Table 1 — Summary of near-to-surface test methods 2
Publication(s) referred to Inside back cover
© BSI 12-1998 i
BS 1881-207:1992
Foreword
This Part of BS 1881 has been prepared under the direction of the Technical
Sector Board for Building and Civil Engineering. All aspects of testing concrete
are being included as Parts of BS 1881 from sampling fresh concrete to assessing
concrete in structures. Part 201 gives general guidance on the choice of
non-destructive test methods, including a bibliography, and should be consulted
for advice on methods which complement the use of near-to-surface strength tests
or are useful as alternatives.
In recent years, several tests and devices have been developed which give a
measure of the insitu strength of concrete near to the surface. Carrying out
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 12, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the
inside front cover.
ii © BSI 12-1998
BS 1881-207:1992
1 Scope 4 Applications
This Part of BS 1881 gives recommendations on 4.1 Comparative testing of concrete
tests that are designed to assess the strength of Near-to-surface test values may be laid down so that
concrete by causing localized failure in a small zone, tests can indicate when handling and transport of
typically up to 75 mm from the surface, according to precast units, application of prestress and the
the method. The recommendations cover the removal of formwork or temporary supports for
following test methods: structural members may commence.
a) internal fracture; More detailed guidance on the use of near-to-surface
b) pull-out; tests for assessing formwork striking times may be
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 13-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
© BSI 12-1998 1
BS 1881-207:1992
4.5 Long-term monitoring Some relevant details for each of the methods in this
Near-to-surface tests should be considered for use in Part are given in Table 1.
situations where future deterioration of the surface
concrete is expected and monitoring is required. 6 Internal fracture test
6.1 General
5 Choice of test method The internal fracture test is based on the concept
Selection of the most appropriate method should that a measurement of the tensile force required for
take account of the purpose of the testing and a wedge anchor bolt to cause failure of the concrete
can be related to the concrete compressive strength.
practical factors relating to the nature and position
2 © BSI 12-1998
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 13-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI BS 1881-207:1992
© BSI 12-1998 3
BS 1881-207:1992
4 © BSI 12-1998
BS 1881-207:1992
although similar relationships between internal removable, should have a diameter not more
fracture force and strength may be obtained for a than 0.6 of the diameter of the head and a length
wide range of mix compositions, the use of a such that the outer surface of the head is the same
universal correlation can give serious errors. depth below the concrete surface as its diameter.
Factors which may influence the relationship The inserts may be coated with a release agent to
between internal fracture force and strength include prevent bonding to the concrete and may be notched
mix constituents, curing, hole size (which may be to prevent their rotation in the concrete if the shafts
influenced by the precise size of the bit and the are to be unscrewed. Inserts for use in drilled holes
efficiency of the drill), operator effects and loading should have means for expanding them to fit into
method. the groove, such as a split ring on a tapered rod.
The coefficient of variation of a set of measured 7.2.2 Drilling and under-reaming equipment,
values at one location under site conditions is specialized equipment for drilling and then
typically about 15 %. However, in assessing enlarging the base of the hole when the insert is not
compressive strength the accuracy of the correlation cast into the concrete.
with torque or tensile force should also be 7.2.3 Bearing ring, that can be placed on the
considered as an additional factor. Experience concrete surface symmetrically around the insert
suggests that a well-prepared correlation using a axis, having an inside diameter 2.0 to 2.4 times the
torquemeter will allow strength estimates to insert head diameter and an outside diameter at
within ± 30 % at the 95 % confidence level from the least 1.25 times the inside diameter.
mean of six valid results. Improved accuracy has
7.2.4 Loading system, capable of applying a tensile
been obtained in the laboratory by the use of a direct
force to the insert with the reaction being
tensile loading system.
transmitted to the concrete surface through the
bearing ring (see 7.2.3). The loading system should
7 Pull-out test
ensure that the bearing ring is concentric with the
7.1 General insert shaft and that the load is applied
The pull-out test is based on the concept that the perpendicular to the plane of the insert. The loading
strength of the concrete is related to the maximum system should include a means of indicating the
tensile load that can be applied to an embedded maximum applied force to an accuracy of 2 % in the
insert before the concrete fails. Commercially anticipated working range.
available apparatus has been developed for this The loading system should be calibrated by
purpose. Other equipment may be used but the user equipment, the accuracy of which is traceable to
should ensure that it will give reliable results and national standards, at yearly intervals or following
that it is in accordance with this Part of BS 1881. adjustment or repair.
See Figure 1(b). Experiments show that this NOTE Suitable apparatus is commercially available for
pull-out test gives more reliable results at lower a 25 mm insert depth.
strengths than other near-to-surface tests and so is
useful for the estimation of early age strength.
© BSI 12-1998 5
BS 1881-207:1992
7.3 Test procedure It has been shown that for a given type of apparatus
7.3.1 Test positions the relationship between pull-out force and
compressive strength is similar over a wide range of
The centres of test positions should be separated by concrete mixes and that a general correlation can be
at least eight times the insert head diameter. The used with reasonable accuracy. Greater accuracy
centres should be at least four times the head can, however, be achieved if a specific correlation is
diameter from the edge of the concrete. The inserts obtained for the type of concrete under
should be placed so that all reinforcement is outside investigation. Special correlations are required for
the expected conic fracture surface by at least one lightweight concretes or other mixes with less
bar diameter or the maximum aggregate size
6 © BSI 12-1998
BS 1881-207:1992
© BSI 12-1998 7
BS 1881-207:1992
1)
Available from the addresses given in the footnote on the inside back cover.
8 © BSI 12-1998
BS 1881-207:1992
9.5 Relationship between penetration and 10.2.2 Hole former, of material not readily attacked
strength of concrete by fresh concrete and sufficiently rigid to retain its
The depth of penetration of a probe can be shape during insertion into fresh concrete. This
empirically related to the strength of the concrete. should be shaped as a hollow tube of internal
This relationship is significantly influenced by the diameter (55 ± 1) mm, overall length (70 ± 1) mm
properties and proportions of the coarse and fine and wall thickness at least 1 mm incorporating a
aggregates. An individual correlation should collar to form the groove at the surface required for
therefore be prepared for each different concrete to the loading apparatus. The collar should enable a
be tested. Reliance on published “universal” manual extractive device to be attached.
10.2.3 Loading system, to apply a transverse force to
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 13-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
© BSI 12-1998 9
BS 1881-207:1992
10 © BSI 12-1998
BS 1881-207:1992
The method of varying the strength should be Suitable test locations should be chosen in relation
chosen in relation to the purpose for which the to the purpose of the investigation and the factors
correlation is to be used. For example, if it is which limit the applicability of a particular test
intended to monitor the development of strength in method. Anticipated strength variations which are
a structure then it would be appropriate to test likely to exist within members should be considered
correlation specimens of the same mix at different at this stage. When testing a number of similar
ages. If it is proposed to monitor the quality of the elements they should be tested at similar positions
concrete in a structure it would be appropriate to to reduce any possible effects due to segregation. If
vary the mix proportions of the concrete. At least the test results on a structure are to be compared with
number of near-to-surface tests given in Table 1 a reference value or in situ strength is to be
should be made on the relevant specimens and the estimated using a correlation, the structure should
mean value related to the mean strength obtained be tested under conditions as close as possible to
from three companion strength test specimens of those used when obtaining the reference value or
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 13-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
the same age. At least eight points at different preparing the correlation. When testing existing
strengths should be used to establish a correlation structures for which no correlation is available the
unless the general form of the relationship is use of cores may be necessary.
available, in which case a smaller number of points The correct operation of the apparatus should be
may be acceptable. Different tests are influenced by checked and the apparatus should be used in
different factors and the degree to which the accordance with the relevant clauses of this Part of
correlation specimens may differ from the structure BS 1881 and those sections of the manufacturer’s
without unduly affecting the validity of the instructions which refer to its physical operation.
correlation will depend on the particular test
Differences between the results of tests at different
involved (see 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5). Caution
may be required when establishing correlations at locations will give a measure of the variability of the
early ages to allow for maturity differences between concrete within that structure or unit. In assessing
the near-to-surface test specimens and the strength such variability the precision of the test method
test specimens. should be taken into account.
11.3 Site correlation 13 Report
It is difficult to ensure that laboratory specimens
13.1 General
accurately represent the concrete in the structure to
be tested and more reliable results may be obtained The report should affirm that near-to-surface
if a correlation is made using cores. In this case testing was carried out in accordance with this Part
cores should be cut close to the positions of the of BS 1881.
near-to-surface tests but sufficiently far away to 13.2 Information to be included in the test
avoid the possibility of the tests interfering with one report
another. Results should be obtained from at least
three cores cut from each of at least two locations 13.2.1 Obligatory information
within the test area selected to be likely to provide The following information should be included in the
extreme values of the strength range involved based test report:
on the results of the near-to-surface or other tests. It a) date, time and place of test;
may be necessary to establish the general form of b) description of the structure and locations of
the relationship by tests on laboratory-cast test positions (give sketches if necessary);
specimens to enable the correlation to apply over an
adequate range of strength values but unjustifiable c) details of concrete and conditions of test;
extrapolation should be avoided. d) details of test, including make, type and
identifying number of apparatus and the date of
12 Assessment of structures its last calibration;
e) individual test results and their mean value
The near-to-surface test appropriate to the type of
and coefficient of variation for each location.
concrete and the purpose of the investigation should
be selected taking account of the factors identified in 13.2.2 Additional information
clause 5. Where appropriate, the following information also
should be included in the test report:
a) test results expressed in terms of a correlated
property (e.g. strength) and an estimate of their
accuracy; the source and details of the correlation
should be provided;
b) results of complementary tests by other
methods;
c) where applicable, the appearance of the
fracture surface and of the adjacent concrete.
© BSI 12-1998 11
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 13-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
blank
12
BS 1881-207-1992
Publication(s) referred to
2)
Available from Construction Industry Research and Information Association, 6 Storey’s Gate, London SW1P 3AU.
3)
Available from HMSO, 49 High Holborn, London WC1V 6HB for personal callers, or by post from HMSO, PO 276, London
SW 18 5DT.
© BSI 12-1998
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