09 Essential Concrete Tests R4

9/12/2019
Essential sampling and testing for

Site Personnel
(Concrete Works)
Presented by San Nwe

1
Goal and Objective

 Know must have tests for construction
projects.
 How to do tests systematically in

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compliance with Certain Standards.
 Different test procedures yields different

results. “Standard” test methods are
proposed to minimize confusion that

would result if everyone were to use
different test procedures.
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Purpose of Concrete Tests
 To detect the variation of quality of

concrete being supplied for a given
specification.
 To establish whether the concrete has

attained a sufficient strength or concrete
has set sufficiently for stripping, stressing,
de-propping, opening to traffic etc.
 To establish whether the concrete has

gained sufficient strength for the intended
purpose.
3
Tests on fresh concrete

 Workability Tests (slump test and Flow Test)
 Air Content Test
Tests on hardened concrete

 Compressive Test of cubes (cylinders)
 Testing of cores
 Re-bound hammer test
 Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test
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Content
Testing on Fresh Concrete
1. Sampling
2. Slump Test
3. Flow Test
4. Air Content
5. Making Cubes/ Storing Cubes
6. Vebe Test
Content
Testing On Hardened Concrete
6. Compressive Test
7. Testing on Concrete Cores
8. Rebound Hammer Test
9. Windsor Probe Test

10. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test
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Introduction
Destructive Tests
• Coring
 Windsor Probe Test
Non Destructive Tests

 1- penetration tests
 2- rebound tests
 3- pull-out techniques
 4- dynamic tests
 5- radioactive tests,
(1) Sampling fresh concrete

The standard composite sample (BS EN 12350-1)
To ensure it is representative of the whole truck

load a standard sample consists of scoopfuls taken

from four different parts of the load and collected
in buckets.
Scoopfuls must be taken through the moving stream,

as the load is discharged, sampling the whole width
and depth – not just the top part. The size of
sample taken should be 1.5 times the estimated
volume required for testing.
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(1) Sampling fresh concrete (cont’d)

Let very first concrete go
• Take a scoopful from part 1

Let the last concrete go
(2) The Slump Test (BS EN 12350-2)

1
0
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(2) The Slump Test (Cont’d)

Step 1
• Empty the sampling buckets onto the mixing
tray
• Scrape each bucket clean
Step 2
• Thoroughly remix the sample, shovelling into a
heap
• Turn the heap over to form another
• Do this three times

Step 3
• Flatten the final heap by repeatedly digging-in
the shovel vertically
1
• Lift the shovel clear each time
1

Step 4
• Ensure the slump cone and base plate are
clean and damp
• Place the metal plate on solid level base
away from vibration or other disturbance

• Place the cone on the plate and stand on
the foot-pieces
1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzpWGrh9j6Y 2
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BS EN 12350-2
Step 5
• Fill the cone in three equal depth
(ASTM/AASHTO three equal vol.) layers
• Use the standard slump rod
• Rod each layer 25 times

• Spread the blows evenly
• Heap the concrete above the top of
the cone before rodding the third
layer over the area

160(155)mm
• Make sure the rod just penetrates 70(67)mm
the layer below
ASTM-C143/143M
(AASHTO-T119)
1
3

Step 6
• Top up if necessary
• Use the rod with a sawing and rolling
motion to strike the concrete level
with the top of the cone.
Step 7
• Carefully clean off spillage from sides
and base plate whilst maintaining

foot pressure.
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Step 8
• Carefully lift the cone straight up and
clear, to a count of between 5 and
10 seconds.
15

Step 9
• Lay the rod across the upturned slump cone
• Measure the distance between the underside
of the rod and the highest point of the
concrete – the true slump

• Record the distance to the nearest 10 mm
• Check and record the kind of slump
• If the slump isn’t true, take a new sample and
repeat the test

• If the second slump isn’t true, get advice
• Complete the sampling and testing certificates
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(2-1) Description of workability based on slump
Low workability; 10- Medium workability;

Very dry; slump 0-
40mm are used for 50-90mm for normal High workability
25mm are used in
road construction foundations with re-bar placed with concrete; >100mm
light re-bar vibration
Description of Slump (mm) Classification of Slump (mm)

workability workability
No slump 0 (EN 206-1 :2000)

Very low 5-10 S1 10-40
Low 15-30 S2 50-90
Medium 35-75 S3 100-150
High 80-155 S4 160-210
Very high 160 to collapse S5 >220 1
7
(3) The flow test (BS EN 12350-5)

1
8
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First find a suitable location for the flow table.
It must be placed on a firm, flat and level
surface. It may be necessary to prepare an
area for the table.
Step 1
• Empty the sampling buckets onto the mixing
tray.
• Scrape each bucket clean.
Step 2
• Thoroughly remix the sample as described
for the slump test. 19

Step 3
• Ensure the mould and
table are clean and damp.
• Place the mould on the

centre of the table and
stand on the foot-pieces.
• Fill the mould in two
layers, tamping each

layer ten times with the tamping bar
• If necessary add more concrete to fill the top
layer.
• Use the tamping bar to strike the top layer level
with the top of the mould. 20
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Step 4
• Carefully clean off spillage from
around the mould and table top.
Step 5
• Wait 30 seconds from striking off

• Carefully lift the mould straight up
and clear to a count of between 3
and 6 seconds.
Step 6
• Stabilise the flow table by standing
on the toe board at the front of the
table.
21

Step 7
• Slowly lift the table top by the handle
until it reaches the upper stop.
• Allow the table to fall freely.
• Repeat this cycle to give a total of 15

drops.
• Each cycle should take about 4
seconds.
Step 8
• Measure the largest dimension of
concrete spread in two directions,
parallel to the table edges.
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• Record the flow value as d1 + d2 divided by 2.

• Report any segregation which may have
occurred around the sample edge.
• Complete the sampling and testing certificates.

23
(3-1) Classification of workability based on Flow
Consistance Class Class Range (mm)

(EN 206-1 :2000)
F1  340
F2 350 - 410
F3 420 - 480
F4 490 - 550
F5 560 - 620
F6  630
•Suitable for Very High consistency concretes

•400 mm flow for medium consistency
•> 500 mm flow for high consistency
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(3-2) Suggested Valued of Workability of Fresh

Like me on FB : TheCivilEngineersNotes Concrete for Different Placing Conditions
25
(4) Air Content Test

Pressure Method (ASTM C231)
• Most common method used in

the field.
 Principle : change in concrete

volume when subjected to given
pressure.
 Assumption : volume change is
caused by compression of air.

 Principle of Boyle’s law to
calculate air content
2
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(4) Air Content Test

Pressure Method : Procedure
•Add water through petcocks.

•Pump air into air chamber

until gauge needle is
stabilized on initial pressure
line.
•Open valve between air
chamber and measuring

bowl.
•Read out percentage of air
content indicated on gauge.
27
(5) Making cubes(BS EN 12390-2)

28
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Collect a composite sample to the standard
method described above Topic (1).
Step 1
• Check that the moulds are clean and lightly
oiled with all bolts tightened so that there will
be no leakage.
• Ensure that the correct halves of the moulds
are used and that the corner lifting pins are

correctly located.
• Thoroughly remix the sample as described for
the slump test.
29

Step 2
• Fill the mould with concrete in 50 mm
layers using the tamping bar, compact the
concrete with no fewer than 25 tamps
for each of the two layers in a 100 mm

mould and no fewer than 35 tamps for
each of the three layers in a 150 mm
mould.
• For very high workability concrete you

may not need the minimum number of
tamps.
30
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Step 3
• After tamping of each layer, tap the sides
of the mould with the hide hammer until
large bubbles of air cease to appear on
the surface and the holes left by the

tamping bar are closed.
Step 4
• Remove surplus concrete and smooth
over with a float.

• Wipe clean the mould edges.
• Number the moulds for
identification and record details.
31

Step 5
• Cover each mould with a damp cloth and
plastic sheet.
• Store inside at room temperature (15-
25C) e.g. on top of the curing tank.

• Protect the cube moulds at all times from
high and low temperature (especially sub-
zero temperatures) and drying winds.
• Complete the sampling and cube making

certificates.
32
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(5-1) Storing cubes(BS EN 12390-2)

The cubes should be removed from the moulds
at between 16 and 72 hours after casting.
Step 1
• Record the maximum/minimum overnight
storage temperatures on the certificate.

Step 2
• Slacken all nuts.
• Part the sides of the mould, tapping gently with
the hide hammer.

• Lift off carefully.
• Remember new cubes are easily damaged
unless handled carefully.
33

Step 3
• Mark each cube with its identification number on
two of its cast sides.
Step 4
• Place the cubes in the curing tank.

• Clean and reassemble the moulds.
Step 5
• Check that the water temperature is controlled at
20C ± 2C and the cubes are covered by water.

• Make sure the power supply is not switched off
day or night.
• Check the temperature range daily using the
maximum/minimum thermometer.
• Keep a record of the readings. 34
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Step 6
• For despatch to test laboratory, wrap the
wet cubes in damp cloths, and then
plastic bags and pack in trays.
• Attach the certificates for sampling,

testing, cube making and storage to the
package – along with the order for
testing.
35
(6) Compressive Test

ASTM British Standard
(BS1881-116:1983)
Specimen geometry Cylinder 150 mm dia., Cube 150 mm
300 mm long
Curing temperature 23 ± 2C 20 ± 2C

Loading rate 0.15 to 0.35 MPa/s 0.2 to 0.4 MPa/s
End preparation Required No need
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtvm7YNsSU0 36
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 Testing Plan
A sample shall be taken from a randomly selected batch of

concrete.
The samples, whenever practicable, shall be taken at the

point of discharge from the mixer or in the case of ready
mix concrete at the point of discharge from the delivery
vehicle. Cubes shall be prepared and cured

as follows:
Ref. LTA MW Spec 11.8.3, May 2008 37

(i) For reinforced concrete and mass concrete,
 4 cubes shall be made from each sample of

concrete taken;
◦ 2 cubes for test at 7 days and
◦ 2 cubes for test at 28 days.
The actual section of the structure represented by test
result shall be included in the test report.
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 (ii) For prestressed concrete, the following
conditions shall apply:
◦ - At least two cubes shall be tested prior to each stage

of prestressing work to ensure that the minimum

transfer strength for each stage has been attained.
◦ - At 28 days, at least two further cubes shall be tested to
determine the characteristic strength of the sample.
The average of the cube results tested at 28 days for any

given sample shall be the test result.

When the difference in strength between the two cubes
divided by their mean exceeds 15%, the test result shall be
deemed invalid.
Examples for Grade 30
Sampl Result Average Diff from Diff from Remark

e No. (Mpa) (Mpa) Average Average (%)
(Mpa)
1 35 2.5 7.6 <15% OK
33
2 31 2.0 6.1 <15% OK
Sampl Result Average Diff from Diff from Remark

e No. (Mpa) (Mpa) Average Average (%)
(Mpa)
1 42 6.0 16.7 > 15% Not OK (Invalid)
36
2 30 6.0 16.7 > 15% Not OK (Invalid)
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Comparison between Cube Strength Vs Cylinder Strength
CQHP Guide 3.1.4

fc’ = 0.78 fcu’ For fc’ =2500 psi to 3500

psi
fc’ = 0.80 fcu’ For fc’ >3500 psi to 5000 psi
fc’ = 0.81 fcu’ For fc’ >5000 psi to 6000 psi

fc’ = 0.83 fcu’ For fc’ >6000 psi
41
Effect of Height to Diameter Ratio on Cylinder Strength

42
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(7) Testing of Concrete Core

ASTM - C 42
The diameter of core specimens for the
determination of concrete compressive strength
should preferably be at least three times the
nominal maximum size of the coarse aggregate

used in the concrete.
It must be at least twice the maximum size of the
coarse aggregate in the core sample.
The length of the specimen, when capped, should

be nearly as practicable twice its diameter.
4
3

The procedure:
Submerge the test specimens in lime-saturated
water at 23.0 +/- 1.7° C for at least 40 h
immediately prior to making the compression
test.
Test the specimens promptly after removal from

water storage.
During the period between removal from water

storage and testing, keep the specimens moist
by covering with a wet blanket of burlap or
other suitable absorbent fabric.
44
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The procedure: (Cont’d)
Submerge the test specimens in lime-saturated
water at 23.0 +/- 1.7° C for at least 40 h
immediately prior to making the compression
test.
Test the specimens promptly after removal from

water storage.
During the period between removal from water

storage and testing, keep the specimens moist
by covering with a wet blanket of burlap or
other suitable absorbent fabric.
45

The procedure: (Cont’d)
If the ratio of the length to diameter of the
specimen is less than 1.94 apply correction
factors shown in the Table below;
Ratio of length of cylinder Strength correction

to diameter (L/D) factor
1.75 0.98
1.50 0.96
1.25 0.93
1.00 0.87
46
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The following guidelines are of particular
importance in core sampling:
The number, size, and location of core samples

1.
should be carefully selected to permit all
necessary laboratory tests. If possible, use virgin
samples for all tests so that there will be no
influence from prior tests.
2. For determination of strength the core must

have a minimum diameter of greater of three
times the maximum nominal size of the coarse
aggregate, or 50 mm.
47

importance in core sampling: (Cont’d)
For strength tests, the cores must have a length

3.
of at least twice their diameter.
4. Reinforcing steel should not be included in a

core to be tested for strength.
5. During drilling of cores, the electrical conduits

or prestressing steel must not be disturbed.
48
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importance in core sampling: (Cont’d)
It is better to drill core through full depth of

6.
member to avoid the need of its breaking for
extraction. An extra 50 mm is usually drilled to
allow for possible damage at the base of the
core.
7. At least three cores must be removed at each

location in the structure for strength
determination.
49
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(8) Re-bound hammer test (ASTM C805-02)

 One of the oldest non-destructive test
and still widely used.
It was devised in 1948 by Ernst Schmidt,


therefore known as Schmidt hammer or
sclerometer.
https://youtu.be/gSq06sM60b8 51
(8) Re-bound hammer test (ASTM C805-02)

Significance and use
 to access the in-place uniformity of concrete

 to delineate (အေသးစိတ်ချြပရန်) regions in a

structure of poor quality or deteriorated
concrete, and
 to estimate in-place strength development.
https://youtu.be/gSq06sM60b8 52
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(8) Re-bound hammer test

 Fundamental principle: Rebound of elastic
mass depends on surface hardness.
 Surface hardness correlated to strength.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZOuJ7L5ojI
53

 Sensitive to local variations in concrete (i.e.
presence of a large piece of aggregate).
 Immediately underneath the plunger ->abnormally
high rebound number.
 Conversely, the presence of a void in similar

position -> very low results.
 It is necessary to take up to 25 readings in an area
up to 300 mm2 and average the results.
54
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For a given concrete mixture, the rebound number
is affected by factors such as;
the method
used to obtain
the test
moisture
surface (type the depth of
content of the of form carbonation
test surface
material or
type of
finishing),
55

Operation of re-bound hammer
56
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Procedure:
Recommended testing pattern : 20 to
50mm grid within an area not
larger than 300 x 300 mm. (BS1881:

Part 202:1986)
A test area shall be at least

150mm (6 in.) in diameter(ASTM C805-02)
Testing point should not be closer
than 25mm (ASTM C805-02).

Read the rebound number on the
scale to the nearest whole number
and record the rebound number.
Take average of 10 readings.
57

Procedure: (Cont’d)
The rebound values usually are considered reliable
when at least six readings deviate not more than
+2.5 to 3.5 on the impact scale.
The compressive strength is then determined by

taking average of rebound reading.
[By Kaushal Kishore, Materials Engineer, Roorkee]
58
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Discard readings differing from the average of ten
readings by more than six units and determine the
average of the remaining readings. [ASTM C805]
If more than two readings differ from the average by

six units, discard the entire set of readings and
determine rebound numbers at ten new locations
within the test area. [ASTM C805]
59

The usual directions of test are either horizontal or
vertically down, but any direction of test can be
used a long as it is consistent.
Calibration or
corrections for a
given direction
of test are
supplied with the

hammer or can
be derived.
60
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Important Notes:
This test method is not intended as the basis for
acceptance or rejection of concrete because of
the inherent (ပင္ကိုAားျဖင့္) uncertainty in the

estimated strength. [WSDOT Manual]
The rebound hammer test measures only surface

zone concrete; only 30mm depth (BS 1881: Part
202:1986)
61

Important Notes: (Cont’d)
A particular application of the rebound hammer test

is in accessing the abrasion resistance of concrete

floors, which is largely depends on surface
hardness.
Overall, while the test is useful within limited scope,

the test is not a strength test and exaggerated

(ခ်ဲ့ကားေျပာဆိုျခင္း)claims of its use as replacement for
the compression test should not be accepted.
62
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Important Notes: (Cont’d)
Do not test on frozen concrete.

Do not conduct tests directly over reinforcing bars

with cover less than 0.75 in (20 mm).
ASTM C 805-02
5.5 This test method is not intended as the basis for
acceptance or rejection of concrete because of the

inherent uncertainty in the estimated strength.
6.4 Verification—Rebound hammers shall be serviced and

verified annually and whenever there is reason to question
their proper operation.
63
Report the following information for each test area:

 Date and time of testing.
Identification of location tested in the concrete

construction and the type and size of member tested,
 Description of the concrete mixture proportions
including type of coarse aggregates if known, and
 Design strength of concrete tested.
 Description of the test area including:

 Surface characteristics (trowelled, screeded) of area,
 If surface was ground and depth of grinding,
64
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6
(9) Windsor Probe test
Fundamental principle:
 Depth of penetration is inversely proportional to
the compressive strength of concrete
•Minimal damage to concrete. Only creates small

holes in the concrete surface.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhlMhwBdAN8
66
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(9) Windsor Probe test

Additional consideration:
 Depth of penetration also depends on the
hardness of aggregate
 Softer aggregate allows greater penetration
67
(9) Windsor Probe Vs Rebound Hammer test

 Surface texture and
carbonation have less
effect than in the
rebound hardness
test
•Greater depth of
concrete is tested
•Less number of tests
required than that of

rebound hardness
test
•Average of 3 tests in
triangular template
68
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6
(10) Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test

Fundamental principle:Velocity of sound in solid material
is a function of its elastic property.
 Modulus of elasticity
 Poisson’s ratio
 Density
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_Fec2nyHEQ
70
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Methods of Measuring Pulse Velocity through Concrete
71

The ultrasonic pulse velocity test can give
information about the interior of a concrete
element and therefore useful to determine:
◦ The homogeneity of the concrete
◦ The presence of voids, cracks or other imperfections

◦ Changes in a given concrete element, e.g.
deterioration due to frost or fire
◦ The value of elastic modulus and dynamic Poisson’s
ratio of the concrete
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 Voids in Concrete can be detected by
ultrasonic measurement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYzyA5c7A24
73
(2) Flexural Strength Test

Most materials fail under tensile stress before they fail under
compressive stress, so the maximum tensile stress value that
can be sustained before the beam or rod fails is its flexural
strength.
Apparatus Required
• Flexural Strength testing machine / Universal Testing
machine
• Balance
• Scale

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Standard test specimens
• 150 x 150 x 750 mm
• 100 x 100 x 500 mm
Manner of loading
• Third point loading (AASHTO T97)
• Central point loading (AASHTO T177)
Loading rate
• 0.02 to 0.10 MPa/s
Flexural strength or modulus of rupture (MOR) is calculated


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Formula
R = PL / bd2
The flexural strength of the specimen expressed as the

modulus of rupture, kg/cm2
Where
b = measured width of the specimen (cm)
d = measured depth of the specimen at the point of
failure (cm)
l = Length of the span on which the specimen was
supported (cm)
P = Load applied (kg)
Equation holds only if the beam breaks between the two interior loading
points Presented by San Nwe Like me on FB :
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI5hFajlrrM Presented by San Nwe Like me on FB :


Flexural test tends to overestimate the “true” tensile
strength by up to 50%
• MOR calculation based on linear elastic beam theory

• For direct tensile test, probability of presence of weak
element is higher

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8
(4) Vebe Test (ASTM C1170)

Principle
• The Vebe test measures the

remolding ability of concrete
under vibration
• It is assumed that energy
required for compaction is a
measure of workability
• This is expressed in Vebe
seconds, i.e. time required for
remolding to be complete

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Apparatus and Procedure
• A slump cone is
placed and filled in
the center of the
cylinder
• After removing the
slump cone, a glass
plate is set atop the
fresh concrete
• Time for the
concrete to remold
is recorded


Pros and Cons
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• Good laboratory test, • Only works for low slump

particularly for very dry concrete with slumps less
mixes than 50 mm
• A dynamic test; • Inappropriate for field use
treatment of concrete during • Difficult to determine the
test is comparatively closely end point
related to method of placing • Type of motor (single of
in practice three phase)
•
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Test Methods Appropriate to Mixes of Different

Workability (BS 1881:1983)

43

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9/12/2019

Essential sampling and testing for

Presented by San Nwe

Goal and Objective

 How to do tests systematically in

compliance with Certain Standards.

 Different test procedures yields different

proposed to minimize confusion that

Purpose of Concrete Tests

 To detect the variation of quality of

 To establish whether the concrete has

 To establish whether the concrete has

Tests on fresh concrete

Tests on hardened concrete

 Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test

9. Windsor Probe Test

Non Destructive Tests

(1) Sampling fresh concrete

To ensure it is representative of the whole truck

load a standard sample consists of scoopfuls taken

Scoopfuls must be taken through the moving stream,

(1) Sampling fresh concrete (cont’d)

• Take a scoopful from part 3

(2) The Slump Test (BS EN 12350-2)

(2) The Slump Test (Cont’d)

• Do this three times

(2) The Slump Test (Cont’d)

away from vibration or other disturbance

(2) The Slump Test (Cont’d)

• Rod each layer 25 times

layer over the area

(2) The Slump Test (Cont’d)

with the top of the cone.

and base plate whilst maintaining

(2) The Slump Test (Cont’d)

(2) The Slump Test (Cont’d)

concrete – the true slump

repeat the test

(2-1) Description of workability based on slump

Low workability; 10- Medium workability;

Description of Slump (mm) Classification of Slump (mm)

No slump 0 (EN 206-1 :2000)

(3) The flow test (BS EN 12350-5)

(3) The flow test (BS EN 12350-5)

area for the table.

• Scrape each bucket clean.

(3) The flow test (BS EN 12350-5)

• Place the mould on the

layers, tamping each

(3) The flow test (BS EN 12350-5)

• Wait 30 seconds from striking off

(3) The flow test (BS EN 12350-5)

• Repeat this cycle to give a total of 15

(3) The flow test (BS EN 12350-5)

• Record the flow value as d1 + d2 divided by 2.

• Complete the sampling and testing certificates.

(3-1) Classification of workability based on Flow

Consistance Class Class Range (mm)

•Suitable for Very High consistency concretes

(3-2) Suggested Valued of Workability of Fresh

(4) Air Content Test

• Most common method used in

 Principle : change in concrete

caused by compression of air.