LABORATORY MANUAL

REINFORCED CONCRETE-I

SUBMITTED BY: _______________________

______________________

SUBMITTED TO: ______________________

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

THE UNIVERSITY OF LAHORE (ISLAMABAD CAMPUS)

UOL/BSCE-15 1
 PLAIN & REINFORCED CONCRETE-I
EXPERIMENTS INDEX

Name: -------------------- Reg. # ----------

Sr. Name Of Experiments Date Marks Signature
No.
01
02

03

04

05

06

07

08

UOL/BSCE-15 2
Sr. Page
No. LIST OF EXPERIMENTS No.

01 Layout Of Reinforced Concrete Laboratory 3

02 Compressive Strength Of Cylindrical Concrete Specimen. 5

03 Compressive Strength Of Concrete Cubes. 9

04 Splitting Tensile Strength Of Cylindrical Concrete Specimen. 13

05 Flexural Strength Of Concrete (Using Simple Beam With Third

17
Point Loading).

06 Flexural Strength Of Concrete (Using Simple Beam With Mid-

20
Point Loading).

07 To Perform SCHMIDT Rebound Hammer Test On A Specified Member

23
To Find Out The Compressive Strength Of Concrete.

08 To Perform The Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test (UPV) On A Specified

27
Concrete Member To Find Out Compressive Strength.

UOL/BSCE-15 3
EXPERIMENT No. 01

LAYOUT OF REINFORCED CONCRETE LABORATORY.

UOL/BSCE-15 4
UOL/BSCE-15 5
EXPERIMENT. No. 02
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CYLIDRICAL
CONCRETE SPECIMEN.
2.1 Designation.
ASTM C39/39M-03
2.2 Scope
This test method covers the determination of compressive strength of cylindrical concrete
specimens. Values obtained will depend on the size and shape of the specimen, batching,
mixing procedures, the methods of sampling, molding and fabrication and the age,
temperature, and moisture conditions during curing of concrete specimens.

2.3 Apparatus
Cylinder Molds, Concrete Mixer, Trowel, Weighing Balance, Tamping Rod (Circular), Water
Tank, Compression Testing Machine (UTM) Etc.

2.4 Materials
Coarse Aggregates, Fine Aggregates, Cement, Water, Oil or Grease.

2.5 Mix Ratio

1:2:4

2.6 Water/cement ratio

Select suitable water/cement ratio.
W/C ratio =

2.7 Procedure
1. Size of cylindrical concrete specimen is 6in.x12in (150mmx300mm).
2. Calculate the amount of material required for 6 cylinders (Two Cylinders for each
testing age, i.e. for 7, 14, 28 days) according to Volume and density for mix ratio
1:2:4 and weigh them.
Volume of Cylinder = 3.14*(R2)*L

=……………….
Where,
R is radius of cylinder.
L is length of cylinder.
Density of plain concrete =………………….

Weight of wet material for 01 cylinder =………………….

UOL/BSCE-15 6
Weight of dry material for 01 cylinder =………………….

Weight of dry material for 06 cylinder =………………….

Table 2.1: Calculated Materials

Concrete
Fine Agg. Coarse Agg.
Test Method Mix Cement(kg) Water (lits.)
(kg) (kg)
Ratio
ASTM
C39/C39M03
- - - - -
(06 cylinders)

W/C = 1:2:4

3. Mix all the calculated amount of material for 06 cylinders together. In concrete
mixer. Buttering of concrete mixer must be done before mixing.
4. Pour out the concrete in the container.
5. Oil the cylinder molds so that remolding should be easy.
6. Fill the molds in three equal layers, each layer being given 25
Strokes of a tamping rod.
7. Level the surface to give smooth finish.
8. Allow the cylinders to set for 24 hours and then disassemble the molds. Submerge
the cylinders in the water tank for curing purpose for 3, 7, 28 days.
9. Concrete cylinders must be capped or capping pads should be used for testing so that
application of load must be uniform throughout the area of cylinder.

UOL/BSCE-15 7
 10. After 7, 14, 28 days of casting of cylinders, test the cylinder samples in the
compression testing machine (UTM) in which the load must be applied at a rate of
approximately 0.25 (N/mm2/s). The failure surfaces may be of the following shapes.

11. Note down the readings for each concrete sample and fill the Table 2.2 given in
calculation section.
12. For testing of concrete specimens following are the permissible tolerance limits.
Test Age Permissible Tolerance
3 Days 2h or 2.8 %
7 Days 6h or 3.6 %
28 Days 20h or 3.0 %

2.8 Calculation
Calculate the compressive strength of the specimen by dividing the maximum load carried by
the specimen during the test by the average cross-section area determined to the nearest 10
psi. Complete the table for all 6 samples for each specimen and be careful about the age of
specimen.

If the specimen length to diameter ratio is 1.75 or less, correct the result obtained in 2.8 by
multiplying by the appropriate correction factor in the following table.

L/D 1.75 1.50 1.25 1.00

Factor 0.98 0.96 0.93 0.87

Use interpolation to determine correction factor for L/D values between those given in the
table.

UOL/BSCE-15 8
Calculation for Cylindrical Specimens:

Casting Testing Age Lo Strength

Sr. # Group ID W/C
Date Date (days) (kN) (psi)
01

02

03

04

05
06

2.9 Precautions.
1. Material should be properly mixed in mixer so that actual strength should be
achieved.
2. Concrete cylinder must be properly compacted.
3. Label the concrete cylinder with casting date and group ID.
4. Compression tests of moisture-cured specimens shall be made as soon as possible
after removal from moist storage.
5. Permissible tolerance limits of age of concrete specimens must be followed for
testing.
6. Prior to testing the specimen, verify that the load indicator is set to zero.
7. Apply the load continuously and without shock.
8. Prior to testing , neither end of test specimen shall depart from perpendicularity to
the axis by more than 0.50.

2.10 Remarks:

UOL/BSCE-15 9
EXPERIMENT.No. 03
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE
CUBE SPECIMEN.
3.1 Designation.
BS 4550-3.4:1978
3.2 Scope
This test method covers the determination of compressive strength of cubical concrete
specimens. Values obtained will depend on the size and shape of the specimen, batching,
mixing procedures, the methods of sampling, molding and fabrication and the age,
temperature, and moisture conditions during curing of concrete specimens.

3.3 Apparatus
Cube Molds, Concrete Mixer, Trowel, Weighing Balance, Tamping Rod (Rectangular),
Water Tank, Compression Testing Machine etc.

3.4 Materials
Coarse Aggregates, Fine Aggregates, Cement, Water, Oil or Grease.

3.5 Mix Ratio

1:2:4

3.6 Water/cement ratio

Select suitable water to cement ratio.
W/C ratio =

3.7 Procedure
1. Size of cubical concrete specimen is 6in.x6in.x6in (150mmx150mmx150mm).
2. Calculate the amount of material required for 6 cubes (2 Cubical Samples for each
testing age i.e. for 7, 14, 28 days) according to Volume and density for mix ratio
1:2:4 and weight them.

Volume of Cube = 216in2

Density of plain Concrete =………………….

Weight of wet material for 01 Cube =………………….

Weight of dry material for 01 Cube =………………….

UOL/BSCE-15 10
Weight of dry material for 06 Cube =………………….

Table 3.1: Calculated Materials

Conc. Mix Fine Coarse
Test Method Cement Water
Ratio Aggregates Aggregates

ASTM 4550-3.4:1978
(06 cubes) - - - - -

W/C = 1:2:4

3. Mix all the calculated amount of material for 06 cubes together. In concrete mixer.
Buttering of concrete mixer must be done before mixing.
4. Pour out the concrete in the container.
5. Oil the cube molds so that remolding should be easy.
6. Fill the molds in three equal layers, each layer being given 35
Strokes of a tamping rod.
7. Level the surface to give smooth finish.
8. Allow the cubes to set for 24 hours and then disassemble the molds. Submerge the
cubes in the water tank for curing purpose for 3, 7, 28 days.
9. Concrete cubes must be capped or capping pads should be used for testing so that
application of load must be uniform throughout the area of cylinder.

UOL/BSCE-15 11
 10. After 7, 14, 28 days of casting of cylinders, test the cube samples in the compression
testing machine in which the load must be applied at a rate of approximately 0.25
(N/mm2 .s).

11. Note down the readings for each concrete sample and fill the Table 2.2 given in
calculation section.
12. For testing of concrete specimens following are the permissible tolerance limits.

Test Age Permissible Tolerance

3 Days 2h or 2.8 %
7 Days 6h or 3.6 %
28 Days 20h or 3.0 %

Table-3.2: Temperature and humidity conditions.

Permitted
Minimum relative
Situation temperature
humidity (%)
variation (Co)
Mixing room +2 50

Moist curing chamber +1 90

Water curing tank +1 -

Compression testing room +2 50

3.8 Calculation
Calculate the compressive strength of the specimen by dividing the maximum load carried by
the specimen during the test by the average cross-section area determined to the nearest 10
psi. Complete the table for all 6 samples for each specimen and be careful about the age of
specimen.

UOL/BSCE-15 12
Calculation for Cubical Specimens:

Casting Testing Age Load Strength

Sr. # Group ID W/C
Date Date (days) (kN) (psi)

01
02
03
04
05
06

3.9 Precautions.
1. Material should be properly mixed in mixer so that actual strength should be
achieved.
2. Concrete cube must be properly compacted.
3. Label the concrete cube with casting date and group ID.
4. Compression tests of moisture-cured specimens shall be made as soon as possible
after removal from moist storage.
5. Permissible tolerance limits of age of concrete specimens must be followed for
testing.
6. Prior to testing the specimen, verify that the load indicator is set to zero.
7. Apply the load continuously and without shock.
.

3.10 Remarks

UOL/BSCE-15 13
EXPERIMENT. No. 04
SPLITTING TENSILE STRENGTH OF
CYLINDRICAL CONCRETE SPECIMENS.
4.1 Designation.
ASTM C496/C496M-04
4.2 Scope
This test method covers the determination of the splitting tensile strength of cylindrical
concrete specimens, such as molded cylinders and drilled core.

4.3 Significance and Use

Splitting tensile strength is simpler to determine than direct tensile strength.
Splitting tensile strength is used to evaluate the shear resistance provided by concrete in
reinforced lightweight aggregate concrete members
4.4 Apparatus
Cylindrical Molds, Concrete Mixer, Trowel, Weighing Balance, Tamping Rod (Cylindrical),
Water Tank, Compression Testing Machine etc.

4.5 Materials
Coarse Aggregates, Fine Aggregates, Cement, Water, Oil or Grease.

4.6 Procedure
1. Draw diametric lines on each end of the specimen using a suitable device that will
ensure that they are in the same axial plane (see fig.-1), or as an alternative. Use the
aligning jig shown in fig.2.

UOL/BSCE-15 14
 2. Determine the diameter of the test specimen to the nearest 0.01 in. [0.25 mm] by
averaging three diameters measured near the ends and the middle of the specimen and
lying in the plane containing the lines marked on the two ends.
3. Determine the length of the specimen to the nearest 0.1 in. [2 mm] by averaging at
least two length measurements taken in the plane containing the lines marked on the
two ends.
4. Center one of the plywood strips along the center of the lower bearing block.
5. Place the specimen on the plywood strip and align so that the lines marked on the
ends of the specimen are vertical and centered over the plywood strip.
6. Place a second plywood strip lengthwise on the cylinder, centered on the lines marked
on the ends of the cylinder.
7. Position the assembly to ensure the following conditions:
 The supplementary bearing bar or plate, when used,
and the center of the specimen are directly beneath the center
of thrust of the spherical bearing block.
 Position the bearing strips, test cylinder, and supplementary bearing bar by
means of the aligning jig as illustrated in Fig. 3 and center the
jig so that the supplementary bearing bar and the center of the
specimen are directly beneath the center of thrust of the
spherical bearing block.

8. Record the maximum applied load indicated by the testing machine at failure. Note
the type of failure and the appearance of the concrete.
9. Apply the load continuously and
without shock, at a constant rate within the range 100 to 200 psi/min [0.7 to 1.4
MPa/min] splitting tensile stress until failure of the specimen.

UOL/BSCE-15 15
4.7 Calculation
Calculate the splitting tensile strength of the specimen
as follows.

T = 2P/πld

T =……………

Where,

T= splitting tensile strength, psi [MPa],

P = maximum applied load indicated by the testing machine, lbf [N],

l= length, in. [mm], and

d= diameter, in. [mm].

UOL/BSCE-15 16
4.8 Precautions
1. Apply the load continuously and without shock.
2. Apply load at a constant rate within the range 100 to 200 psi/min [0.7 to 1.4
MPa/min].
3. There must be no surface undulations of the test specimen.
4. The curing must be according to standards because it directly affects the strength.

4.9 Remarks:

UOL/BSCE-15 17
EXPERIMENT. No. 05
FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF CONCRETE (USING
SIMPLE BEAM WITH THIRD-POINT LOADING).
5.1 Designation.
ASTM C78-02
5.2 Scope
This test method covers the determination of the flexural strength of concrete by the use of a
simple beam with third-point loading.

5.3 Apparatus
Loading apparatus, Beam mold , Trowel, Weighing Balance, Mold oil or Grease Flexure
Testing Machine etc.

5.4 Materials
Coarse Aggregates, Fine Aggregates, Cement, Mold Oil or Grease.
5.5 Procedure
1. Flexural tests of moist-cured specimens shall be made as soon as practical after
removal from moist storage. Surface drying of the specimen results in a reduction in
the measured flexural strength.
2. When using molded specimens, turn the test specimen on its side with respect to its
position as molded and center it on the support blocks.
3. Center the loading system in relation to the applied force. Bring the load-applying
blocks in contact with the surface of the specimen at the third points and apply a load
of between 3 and 6 % of the estimated ultimate load.
4. Using 0.004 in. (0.10 mm) and 0.015 in. (0.38 mm) leaf-type feeler gages, determine
whether any gap between the specimen and the load-applying or support blocks is
greater or less than each of the gages over a length of 1 in. (25 mm) or more.
5. Grind, cap, or use leather shims on the specimen contact surface to eliminate any gap
in excess of 0.004 in. (0.10 mm) in width. Leather shims shall be of uniform 1⁄4 in.
(6.4 mm) thickness, 1 to 2 in. (25 to 50 mm) width, and shall extend across the full
width of the specimen.
6. Gaps in excess of 0.015 in. (0.38 mm) shall be eliminated only by capping or
grinding. Grinding of lateral surfaces should be minimized inasmuch as grinding may
change the physical characteristics of the specimens.
7. Apply the load at a rate that constantly increases the extreme fiber stress between 125
and 175 psi/min (0.86 and 1.21 MPa/min), when calculated in accordance with 8.1,
until rupture occurs. The loading rate is calculated using the following equation:
r = Sbd2/L
Where,

UOL/BSCE-15 18
 r = loading rate, lb./min [MN/min]
S = rate of increase in extreme fiber stress, psi/min (MPa/min),
b= average width of the specimen, in.(mm),
d= average depth of the specimen, in. (mm), and
L= span length, in. (mm).

To determine the dimensions of the specimen cross section for use in calculating
modulus of rupture, take one measurement at each edge and one at the center of the
cross section to determine the average width and the average depth.

Fig .5.1

Diagrammatic View of a Suitable Apparatus for Flexure Test of Concrete by Third-Point Loading
Method.

5.6 Calculation
1. The fracture initiates in the tension surface within the
middle third of the span length, calculate the modulus of
rupture as follows:
R = PL/bd2
Where,
R = modulus of rupture, psi or MPa.
P = maximum applied load indicated by the testing machine, lb. or N,

UOL/BSCE-15 19
 L = span length, in., or mm
b = average width of specimen, in,. or mm, at fracture , and
d = average depth of specimen, in., or mm, at the fracture.
2. The fracture occurs in the tension surface outside of
the middle third of the span length by not more than 5 % of the
span length, calculate the modulus of rupture as follows:

R= 3Pa/bd2
Where:
a = average distance between line of fracture and the
nearest support measured on the tension surface of the
beam, in., (or mm).

5.7 Precautions
1. Surface drying of the specimen results in the measured flexural strength.
2. Load the specimen continuously and without shock.
3. If the fracture occurs in the tension surface outside of the middle third of the span
length by more than 5% of the span length , discard the results of test.

5.8 Remarks:

UOL/BSCE-15 20
EXPERIMENT.No. 06
FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF CONCRETE (USING
SIMPLE BEAM WITH CENTRE-POINT LOADING).
6.1 Designation.
ASTM C293-02
6.2 Scope
This test method covers the determination of the flexural strength of concrete by the use of a
simple beam with third-point loading.

6.3 Apparatus
Loading apparatus, Beam Mold , Trowel, Weighing Balance, Mold oil or Grease Flexure
Testing Machine etc.

6.4 Materials
Coarse Aggregates, Fine Aggregates, Cement, Mold Oil or Grease.
6.5 Procedure
1. Flexural tests of moist-cured specimens shall be made as soon as practical after
removal from moist storage. Surface drying of the specimen results in a reduction in
the measured flexural strength.
2. When using molded specimens, turn the test specimen on its side with respect to its
position as molded and center it on the support blocks.
3. Center the loading system in relation to the applied force. Bring the load-applying
blocks in contact with the surface of the specimen at the third points and apply a load
of between 3 and 6 % of the estimated ultimate load.
4. Using 0.004 in. (0.10 mm) and 0.015 in. (0.38 mm) leaf-type feeler gages, determine
whether any gap between the specimen and the load-applying or support blocks is
greater or less than each of the gages over a length of 1 in. (25 mm) or more.
5. Grind, cap, or use leather shims on the specimen contact surface to eliminate any gap
in excess of 0.004 in. (0.10 mm) in width. Leather shims shall be of uniform 1⁄4 in.
(6.4 mm) thickness, 1 to 2 in. (25 to 50 mm) width, and shall extend across the full
width of the specimen.
6. Gaps in excess of 0.015 in. (0.38 mm) shall be eliminated only by capping or
grinding. Grinding of lateral surfaces should be minimized inasmuch as grinding may
change the physical characteristics of the specimens.
7. Apply the load at a rate that constantly increases the extreme fiber stress between 125
and 175 psi/min (0.86 and 1.21 MPa/min), when calculated in accordance with 8.1,
until rupture occurs. The loading rate is calculated using the following equation:
r = 2Sbd2/L
Where,

UOL/BSCE-15 21
 r = loading rate, lb/min [MN/min]
S = rate of increase in extreme fiber stress, psi/min (MPa/min),
b= average width of the specimen, in.(mm),
d= average depth of the specimen, in. (mm), and
L= span length, in. (mm).
To determine the dimensions of the specimen cross section for use in calculating
modulus of rupture, take one measurement at each edge and one at the center of the
cross section to determine the average width and the average depth.

Fig.6.1
Diagrammatic View of a Suitable Apparatus for Flexure Test of Concrete by Center-
Point Loading Method.

6.6 Calculation
1. The fracture initiates in the tension surface within the
middle third of the span length, calculate the modulus of
rupture as follows:
R = 3PL/2bd2
Where,
R = modulus of rupture, psi or MPa.
P = maximum applied load indicated by the testing machine, lbf, or N,
L = span length, in., or mm.
b = average width of specimen, in,. or mm, at fracture , and

UOL/BSCE-15 22
 d = average depth of specimen, in., or mm, at the fracture.

5.7 Precautions
1. Surface drying of the specimen results in the measured flexural strength.
2. Load the specimen continuously and without shock.
3. Results of two properly conducted tests by the same operator on beams made from the
same batch sample should not differ from each other by more than 12%.

5.8 Remarks:

UOL/BSCE-15 23
EXPERIMENT.No. 07
TO PERFORM SCHMIDT REBOUND HAMMER
TEST ON A SPECIFIED MEMBER TO FIND OUT
THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE.
7.1 Designation.
ASTM C805/C805M- 97
7.2 Scope
Testing of surface hardness by rebound hammer method. It is one of the oldest non-
destructive test and is still widely used. It was devised in 1948 by Earnest Schmidt. The
hardness determined in this test is of metals which involve indention.

7.3 Significance and Use

This test method may be used to assess the in-place uniformity of concrete, to delineate
regions in a structure of poor quality or deteriorated concrete, and to estimate in-place
strength development. To use this test method to estimate strength requires
establishing a relationship between strength and rebound number. The relationship shall be
established for a given concrete mixture and given apparatus. The relationship shall be
established over the range of concrete strength that is of interest. To estimate strength during
construction, establish the relationship by performing rebound number tests on molded
specimens and measuring the strength of the same or companion molded specimens. To
estimate strength in an existing structure, establish the relationship by correlating rebound
numbers measured on the structure with the strengths of cores taken from corresponding
locations.
7.4 Apparatus
Rebound Hammer:

It consists of a spring-loaded steel hammer which when released strikes a steel plunger in
contact with the concrete surface. The spring-loaded hammer must travel with a consistent
and reproducible velocity. The rebound distance of the steel hammer from the steel plunger is
measured on a linear scale attached to the frame of the instrument.

UOL/BSCE-15 24
7.5 Test Area
Selection of Test Surface
Concrete members to be tested shall be at least 100 mm (4 in.) thick and fixed within a
structure. Smaller specimens must be rigidly supported. Areas
exhibiting honeycombing, scaling, or high porosity should be avoided. Do not compare test
results if the form material against which the concrete was placed is not similar. Troweled
surfaces generally exhibit higher rebound numbers than screeded or formed finishes. If
possible, test structural slabs from the underside to avoid finished surfaces.

Preparation of Test Surface

A test area shall be at least 150 mm (6 in.) in diameter. Heavily textured, soft, or surfaces
with loose mortar shall be ground smooth with the abrasive stone described in 5.2. Smooth-
formed or troweled surfaces do not have to be ground prior to testing. Do not compare results
from ground and unground surfaces. Do not test on frozen concrete.

Moist Concrete at 0°C (32°F) or less may exhibit very high rebound values. Concrete should
be tested only after it has thawed. The temperature of rebound hammer itself may affect the
rebound number. Rebound hammers at -18 oC may exhibit rebound numbers reduced by as
much as 2 or 3.

For readings to be compared , the direction of compact, horizontal, downward, upward, or at

another angle, must be the same or established correction factors shall be applied to the
readings.

Do not conduct test directly reinforcing bars with cover less than 20mm [0.75 in.].

7.6 Procedure
1. Hold the instrument firmly so that the plunger is perpendicular to the test surface.
2. Gradually push the instrument toward the test surface until the hammer impacts.
3. After impact, maintain pressure on the instrument and, if necessary, depress
the button on the side of the instrument to lock the plunger in its retracted position.
4. Estimate the rebound number on the scale to the nearest whole number and record the
rebound number.
5. Take ten readings from each test area. No two impact tests shall be closer together
than 25 mm (1 in.).
6. Examine the impression made on the surface after impact, and if the impact crushes
or breaks through a near-surface air void disregard the reading and take another
reading.

UOL/BSCE-15 25
7.7 Calculations:
Discard readings differing from the average of 10 readings by more than 6 units and
determine the average of the remaining readings. If more than 2 readings differ from the
average by 6 units, discard the entire set of readings and determine rebound numbers at 10
new locations within the test area.

Table 7.1 Rebound Number and Corresponding Probable Strengths.

Rebound Value Rebound Value

Test No
(R) (R)
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
R, Average Value
Probable Cylinder Strength fc’ (psi)
Equivalent Cube Strength fc’ (psi)
Quality of Concrete

UOL/BSCE-15 26
Table 7.2: Average Rebound Number and Quality of Concrete

Average Rebound Number Quality of Concrete

>40 Very good hard layer

30 to 40 Good layer

20 to 30 Fair
<20 Poor concrete
0 Delaminated

7.8 Precautions:
1. Calibration of instrument must be checked prior to working.
2. Area exhibiting honey combing, scaling, rough texture or high porosity should be
avoided.
3. Concrete member to be tested shall be at least 100mm thick and fixed with in a
structure.
4. Do not conduct tests directly over reinforcing bars with cover less than 20mm.
5. No two impact tests shall be closer together than 25mm.
6. After using Schmidt hammer the test area must be marked each time.
7. Do not test frozen concrete.
8. Discard readings differing from the average of 10 readings by more than 7 units and
determine the average of remaining reading.
9. If more than two readings differ from the average by 7 units, discard the entire set of
readings.
10. Moist of the test area must be taken in account before using Schmidt hammer.
11. Temperature of Schmidt hammer itself also checked before applying test.

7.9 Remarks:

UOL/BSCE-15 27
EXPERIMENT.No. 08
TO PERFORM THE ULTRASONIC PULSE
VELOCITY TEST ON A SPECIFIED MEMBER TO
FIND OUT THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF
CONCRETE.
8.1 Designation.
ASTM C597- 97
8.2 Scope
This test method covers the determination of the velocity of propagation of compressional
waves in concrete. This test method does not apply to the propagation of other types of
waves within the concrete. This test method may be used to assess the uniformity
and relative quality of concrete, to indicate the presence of voids and cracks, to estimate the
depth of cracks, and to evaluate the effectiveness of crack repairs. It may also be used
to indicate changes in the properties of concrete, and in the survey of structures, to estimate
the severity of deterioration or cracking.

8.3 Significance and Use

The degree of saturation of the concrete affects the pulse velocity, and this factor must be
taken into consideration when evaluating test results. The pulse velocity of saturated concrete
may be up to 5 % higher than in dry concrete. In addition, the pulse velocity in saturated
concrete is less sensitive to changes in its relative quality. The pulse velocity is independent
of the dimensions of the test object provided reflected waves from boundaries do not
complicate the determination of the arrival time of the directly transmitted pulse. The test
result obtained by the use of this test method are not to be considered as a means of
measuring strength nor as an adequate test for establishing compliance of the modulus of
field concrete with that assumed in the design.
8.4 Apparatus
Pulse Generator And Transmitting Transducer, Receiving Transducer And Amplifier, Time
Measuring Circuit, Display Unit , Reference Bar , Connecting Cables, Coupling Agent.

8.5 procedure

Functional Check of Equipment and Zero-time Adjustment.

Verify that the equipment is operating properly and perform a zero-time adjustment. Apply
coupling agent to the ends of the reference bar, and press the transducers firmly against the
ends of the bar until a stable transit time is displayed. Adjust the zero reference until the
displayed transit time agrees with the value marked on the bar. For some instruments, the
zero adjustment may be made by applying coupling agent and pressing the faces of the
transducers together. These instruments use a microprocessor to record this delay time which

UOL/BSCE-15 28
is automatically subtracted from subsequent transit time measurements. For such instruments,
measure the transit time through the reference to verify that the proper zero-time correction
has been made. Check the zero adjustment on an hourly basis during continuous operation of
the instrument. If the displayed time cannot be adjusted to agree with transit time of the
reference bar, do not use the instrument, and return the bar and instrument to the
manufacturer for repair.

Fig. 8.1 Pulse Velocity Measurement Setup

Determination of Transit Time:

For testing existing construction, select test locations in accordance with Practice C 823. For
best results, locate the transducers directly opposite each other. Because the beam width of
the vibrational pulses emitted by the transducers is large, it is permissible to measure transit
times across corners of a structure but with some loss of sensitivity and accuracy.
Measurements along the same surface shall not be used unless only one face of the structure
is accessible since such measurements may be indicative only of surface layers, and
calculated pulse velocities will not agree with those obtained by through transmission.

UOL/BSCE-15 29
NOTE:

One of the sources of uncertainty in surface tests is the lengths of the actual travel paths of
the pulses. Hence, individual readings are of little value. However, surface tests have been
used to estimate the depth of a lower quality surface layer by making multiple measurements
of transit time with varying distances between the transducers. From the
plot of travel time versus spacing, it may be possible to estimate the depth of the lower
quality concrete.

Apply an appropriate coupling agent (such as water, oil, petroleum jelly, grease, or other
viscous materials) to the transducer faces or the test surface, or both. Press the faces of the
transducers firmly against the surfaces of the concrete until a stable transit time is displayed,
and measure the transit time . Measure the length of the shortest direct path from the centers
of the faces.

NOTE:

The quality of the coupling is critically important to the accuracy and maximum range of the
method. Inadequate coupling will result in unstable and inaccurate time measurements, and
will significantly shorten the effective range of the instrument. Repeat measurements should
be made at the same location to minimize erroneous readings due to poor coupling.

UOL/BSCE-15 30
 8.6 Calculation
Calculate the pulse velocity as follows:

V = L/T

Where:
V = pulse velocity, m/s,
L = distance between transducers, m, and
T = transit time, s.

Compressive strength of concrete = ……………………………………………….

Table 8.1: Pulse Velocity and Relative Concrete Grading

Pulse velocity (km/seconds) Concrete quality (grading)

Above 4.5 Excellent
3.5 to 4.5 Good
3.0 to 3.5 Medium
Below 3.0 Doubtfull

8.7 Precautions

1. Verify that the equipment is operating properly and perform a zero-time

adjustment.
2. Apply an appropriate coupling agent (such as water, oil, petroleum jelly,
grease, moldable rubber, or other viscous materials) to the transducer faces
or the test surface or both.
3. Press the faces of the transducers firmly against the surfaces of the concrete
until a stable transit time is displayed.
4. Pulse velocity reported to the nearest 10 m/s.
5. Transit time reported to a precision of at least 0.5% of the transit time.
6. Distance between centers of transducer faces , reported to a precision of at
least 0.5% of the distance.

UOL/BSCE-15 31
 8.8 Remarks

UOL/BSCE-15 32