A Complete Guide to Concrete Testing

A Complete Guide to Concrete Testing

Concrete has produced multiple large structures that have stood tall for years. The material is the most fundamental and the reason why a construction project is always successful. The concrete being fine in condition means that without any difficulty, the undergoing project is going to be sturdy and have longevity.

The reason concrete is a vital material in construction is the advantage it provides of being a strong solid composition that can hold heavy structures. Do you wonder how concrete has been able to endure heavy loads without cracking and fight unpleasant weather conditions? That is possible by determining the strength, quality, and durability through a process called concrete testing. It is an essential process that occurs before the concrete is ready to be used. The article has everything needed to know about the method.

Fresh Concrete Testing Vs. Hardened Concrete Testing Vs. Modern Methods

These are the two categories of concrete testing with different stages. Here is a more detailed review of both types in a detailed form.

1. Fresh Testing

Fresh testing means when the mixture is new and freshly made. In this category, three stages of testing occur: Air test, Temperature test, and Slump test.

1. Air Test: The air trapped inside the concrete needs to be in a moderate amount. Too much air can weaken the mixture. Air testing on concrete fresh blend is done with a pressure meter.
2. Temperature Test: The temperature of a fresh blend should be 10 to 25 degrees. The testing is done with a thermometer to ensure that the mixture does not surpass the allowable temperature.
3. Slump Test: The slump is widely performed by many contractors. The concrete mix is filled inside a cone, which measures 12 inches in height and 8 inches in diameter. The cone is lifted to see if the concrete inside starts to slump down. The slump is further investigated to see whether it is high or low. If it is high, the compound has more than the required moisture. If the slump is low, the mix is dry.

2. Hardened Testing

In hardened testing, the concrete is tested for strength and durability when it is solidified. There are four steps of testing: Compressive Strength Test, Core Sampling, Rebound Hammer Test, and Flexural Strength Test.

1. Compressive Strength Test: This is a paramount step where a sample of concrete is kept for a week or a month to harden. Once the sample is solid, it is placed in a specialized machine. In that machine, the hardened concrete is tested to determine how much pressure it can withstand before breaking. The most intense force it can withstand before cracking reveals its strength and durability.
2. Core Sampling: A piece of concrete is extracted from a structure and sent for testing to find out its strength and how much longer can it last before cracking begins.
3. Rebound Hammer Test: This is a fast test that can be done on the construction site. A spring-loaded hammer is used to check how durable the concrete is.
4. Flexural Strength Test: A hard concrete should not be able to bend or be flexible. This test is done to check that the concrete remains solid.

3. Modern Testing

The last and most recent advancement made in the concrete testing methods is inserting modern technology inside the concrete to examine the inside. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV), and Infrared Thermography are the three methods.

1. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): This technology is used to scan the concrete for post-tensions or rebar.
2. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV): This technology examines the interior of concrete for any defects and weaknesses by sending ultrasonic rays.
3. Infrared Thermography: This testing is done on an extensive task. The main purpose is to detect temperature deviations.

All these testing techniques will deliver precise and dependable developments. However, concrete testing should not be done in haste. Every contractor should make a timeline where the testing is done within that period calmly for the results to be helpful.

The Guidelines to Follow

Concrete testing can not be done without proper preparation and rules. There are a few guidelines that are a must to follow to ensure that the testing done is reliable.

Why The Testing Should Not be Skipped

Concrete is a solid material with a foundation that is sturdy in nature. However, the composition it gets made with water and cement can be affected by various factors if testing is not done. Hence, concrete testing is crucial to maintain the integrity of the structure once built.

A concrete being used without testing means the weaknesses and faults are not captured. That is the reason why most structures fall and are a risk to worker safety.

Your concrete being tested has a good impact on the business and in the market, attracting more customers because they can satisfied that the contractor they are working with follows the set guidelines, making the work safe and responsible.

The last reason is related to money. Half of the set budget will be spent on concrete testing if not done before the construction begins.

Conclusion

Do not compromise on concrete testing because a mistake made may take a high cost to reverse back. There are three ways of testing the concrete and ensuring that the testing is done by following the guidelines in hand. Strength and reliability are crucial factors for the concrete to have. In the end, whether it is a homeowner, engineer, contractor, or someone else in the field, testing the matter of concrete is a step not skippable.