1.

0 INTRODUCTION

- Common characteristics of concrete such as strength and durability should not be

considered as fundamental material properties because the variables like specimen
geometry and preparation, temperature, moisture content, loading rate and the type of
testing device will affect the mechanical behaviour. So, it is necessary to specify the
test used to determine the value when defining the mechanical property. The testing of
hardened concrete can be classified into two types which are destructive test and non-
destructive test. The rebound hammer test is one of the non-destructive tests used to
determine the compressive strength of concrete. The test measures the rebound of a
hardened steel hammer impacted on the concrete by a spring. The hammer is simply
pressed firmly against the concrete where a powerful internal spring is first
compressed and thin tripped to deliver a hammer blow through the hardened concrete
trip to the surface being tested. The results will affected by the surface finish,
moisture content, temperature, rigidity of the member being tested, carbonation of the
surface and direction of the impact.

2.0 OBJECTIVE

2.1 To check the uniformity of concrete

2.2 To determine the properties of the surface of the concrete

2.3 To estimate strength of concrete in structures

3.0 APPARATUS AND INSTRUMENTS

i. Rebound hammer type N

 ii. Close textured concrete

4.0 THEORY

- Rebound hammer test is important to be able to investigate the fundamental physical

behaviour of concrete such as elastic properties and strength characteristics. Next, this
experiment is conducted also to determine the physical material constants such as the
modulus of elasticity and quality control.

5.0 PROCEDURE

5.1 Method of Testing

i. A rebound hammer appropriate to the type of concrete tested was selected.

Then, it was being checked wheither it is working correctly or not and its reading on the steel
reference anvil was checked also.

i. The suitable test locations were chosen and only smooth surfaces were being
tested.
ii. The readings of a test were confined to an area not exceeding 300 mm x 300
mm.
iii. A regular grid of lines 30 mm apart was drawn and the intersections of the
lines were taken as the test points.
iv. Twelve readings were needed at a location.

5.2 Procedure of Using Rebound Hammer

i. The hammer was pressed against the concrete. The plunger retracts against
spring and the hammer was ready to be used.

ii. The hammer was pressed to the test location until the mass hammer impact
against the surface through the plunger.
iii. The hammer was operated perpendicular to the surface horizontally.
iv. The button at the side of the hammer was pressed and the amount of rebound of
the mass, R was read from the indicator.
v. The calibration curve on the standard steel anvil was referred to read the
compressive strength.
vi. The compressive strength was estimated with referring to the table given in
Appendix I.