Testing of Concrete in Structures
engineers who are responsible for the planning of test programmes. The
scope is wide in order to cover comprehensively as many aspects as possible of
the testing of hardened concrete in structures. The tests, however, are treated in
sufficient depth to create a detailed awareness of procedures, scope and
limitations, and to enable meaningful discussions with specialists about specific
methods. Carefully selected references are also included for the benefit of those
who wish to study particular methods in greater detail. The information and data
contained in the book have been gathered from a wide variety of international
sources. In addition to established methods, new techniques which show potential
for future development are outlined, although in many cases the application of
these to concrete is still at an early stage and of limited practical value at present.
The engineer has complete and absolute authority as to whether concrete is
condemned or accepted. The problem of testing, and interpretation of the results,
will however be approached in a variety of ways—specifications, which will be
used as the basis for decisions, vary widely and in some cases may legally
empower the engineer to condemn concrete if the cubes fail, irrespective of the
condition or quality of the in-situ concrete.
Many factors can however vitiate cube results including variations due to failure to
observe the required standardized procedures for sampling, manufacture and curing
of the cubes. Further errors may also be introduced by the testing operative or
inaccuracies in the testing machine, although these should be checked by regular
comparative reference testing. Whilst testing of the in-situ concrete eliminates most of
these sources of error, specifications rarely mention in-situ strength and Codes of
Practice do not define the in-situ strength required.
condemned or accepted. The problem of testing, and interpretation of the results,
will however be approached in a variety of ways—specifications, which will be
used as the basis for decisions, vary widely and in some cases may legally
empower the engineer to condemn concrete if the cubes fail, irrespective of the
condition or quality of the in-situ concrete.
Many factors can however vitiate cube results including variations due to failure to
observe the required standardized procedures for sampling, manufacture and curing
of the cubes. Further errors may also be introduced by the testing operative or
inaccuracies in the testing machine, although these should be checked by regular
comparative reference testing. Whilst testing of the in-situ concrete eliminates most of
these sources of error, specifications rarely mention in-situ strength and Codes of
Practice do not define the in-situ strength required.
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