Test Concrete Using Rebound Hammer

Concrete testing is one the most important process in determining the quality of concrete. These testing come in many forms at various state of concrete. Some of the test is needed when concrete is wet (such as workability test), some test is required when concrete starts to harden (such as setting time, cube strength, and etc.), and some test is needed when concrete is already in place. Despite various type of tests, the ultimate aim of these tests are to make sure that concrete selected and used is and will be able to perform to its full capacity.

Testing concrete while at its fresh state is not an issue at all, and even testing hardened concrete properties using test specimens such as cubes and cylinders is also not a challenging task. However, testing a concrete structure that is already in place is totally a different trade. Normally, these test falls under two main categories, namely the destructive test and non-destructive test. As the name sounds, you would be able to figure out how the test is done. Let's reserve the discussion on destructive test for another article. In this article we will touch more non-destructive test, and this article in particular will elaborate more on Rebound Hammer method.

Continue Reading Test Concrete Using Rebound Hammer

Find out what is a Schmidt Hammer

Industry Feature: Addressing the industry need to create a concrete test hammer that can deliver accurate readings on virtually any concrete from any direction, on any surface without the need to compensate for impact direction, Switzerland-based Proceq announced today that it has launched the new SilverSchmidt concrete test hammer

Concrete Test Methods

Concrete must be able to support loads, be impervious to water, have good impact resistance and be easily worked and formed. To achieve this, concrete must be passable in four categories: strength, water-tightness, durability and workability.
Strength and Compression

The primary test of strength of concrete is the ASTM C31 Compression Test, which determines if concrete possesses the required compressive strength. The test involves making a cylindrical sample of the selected concrete mix.

Continue Reading Concrete Test Methods

Find out what is a Schmidt Hammer

Industry Feature: Addressing the industry need to create a concrete test hammer that can deliver accurate readings on virtually any concrete from any direction, on any surface without the need to compensate for impact direction, Switzerland-based Proceq announced today that it has launched the new SilverSchmidt concrete test hammer

How to Test the Tensile Strength of Concrete

Concrete is very weak in tension, but behaves very soundly under compression. When you put a load on top of a concrete beam, the beam bends into a U-shape. The top of the beam is in compression, and the bottom of the beam is in tension. Tensile strength of concrete depends on mix design, but for many engineering and calculation purposes, it is assumed to be zero. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) provides standard concrete tensile strength measurement procedures. According to the ASTM, the method is useful for both field and laboratory use.

Continue Reading How to Test the Tensile Strength of Concrete

Find out what is a Schmidt Hammer

Industry Feature: Addressing the industry need to create a concrete test hammer that can deliver accurate readings on virtually any concrete from any direction, on any surface without the need to compensate for impact direction, Switzerland-based Proceq announced today that it has launched the new SilverSchmidt concrete test hammer

Concrete Testing Requirements

To use concrete correctly, you must understand how to mix it as well as what the testing requirements are in your city or state. The local buildings department determines these requirements and outlines what measures can and should be taken to test the effectiveness and strength of your concrete used in building, whether you're repairing a structure or building a completely new one. Although testing requirements can vary by state and locality, there are several that are held essential in the building industry.

Forms
Construction companies need to be familiar with the types of documentation that their local or state building departments require for cement testing.

Continue Reading Concrete Testing Requirements

Find out what is a Schmidt Hammer

Industry Feature: Addressing the industry need to create a concrete test hammer that can deliver accurate readings on virtually any concrete from any direction, on any surface without the need to compensate for impact direction, Switzerland-based Proceq announced today that it has launched the new SilverSchmidt concrete test hammer

Types of Concrete Testing

Used in all types of construction from foundations to garden walls to countertop, concrete is a simple and basic mixture of aggregates and paste. The aggregates used in creating concrete are sand and gravel while the paste consists of water and cement. To establish your concrete's consistency, air content and strength, you can conduct different tests.

Slump Test
The consistency of the concrete determines how well the concrete will pour, handle and compact. The measurement used to gauge the consistency of concrete is called slump. Problems with consolidation and mortar loss can occur if your slump is too low (runny) or too high (thick). To perform the slump test, take a sample of your recently mixed concrete and pack it into a cone 2 inches high, 8 inches wide at the bottom of the cone and 4 inches at the top which must be open. Level the concrete at the top rim of the cone then lift it so the bottom of the cone remains unsupported. The distance between the top of the cone top and the level the concrete settles at gives you your slump. Compare this number with the slump value on the package your concrete mixture came in to find out if your concrete contains good consistency.

Continue Reading Types of Concrete Testing

Do You Know How to Test the Tensile Strength of Concrete?

Industry Feature: Addressing the industry need to create a concrete test hammer (Schmidt hammer) that can deliver accurate readings on virtually any concrete from any direction, on any surface without the need to compensate for impact direction, Switzerland-based Proceq announced today that it has launched the new SilverSchmidt concrete test hammer