Maharaja Institute of Technology Mysore Department of Civil Engineering

MODULE-2
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
2.1 Purpose of Assessment
and durability
 Reinforced concrete is comprised of two basic materials, steel and concrete. The two materials
work in a synergetic fashion when constructed properly to provide composite components which
have very strong structural characteristics.
 Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension but steel is strong in tension and little in
compression. Therefore, in order to construct structural elements which are long lasting,
economical, and have both compressive and tensile capacity, steel is combined with concrete to
harness the compressive strength of concrete and tensile strength of steel.
 Beams are horizontal structural components that support floors, ceilings, roofs or decks and
carries load perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beam and load tends to cause the bending
of the beam. This bending creates compressive forces in upper depth of the beam carried by
concrete and tensile force in the lower depth of the beam carried by the steel.
 Columns are vertical structural components that support beams and other structural elements.
The compressive loads carried by columns are primarily parallel to the vertical or longitudinal
axis of the column. Uniform concentric load is applied, comp. load occurs within the columns
cross section and are distributed between the concrete and steel reinforcement
 Eccentric load is applied to a column, bending will occur in column, with outer section of column
in tension and inner section being in compression. The tension load within the column carried by
steel and compression load carried by concrete.
 Cast-in-place buildings are erected using temporary forms that concrete is placed into and then
forms removed and failure will occur throughout the concrete member and/or its connections.
 Precast buildings elements generally formed off-site and then shipped to be assembled on-site
using some type of anchoring device and failure will typically occurs at the joints and/or
connections
2.2 Rapid Assessment
The rapid structural safety assessment should performed in the following ways
1. Review the entire outside of the structure.
2. Enter the building only if necessary to determine the extent of damage.
3. Determine what extent of damage found in the structural and non-structural elements.
4. Secure all areas that need to be isolated and post UNSAFE signage.

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 The objectives of rapid structural safety assessment is to quickly inspect and evaluate the concrete
structure and determine if the damage structure is unsafe for personnel within the building and
rescue personnel accessing the building.
 Two primary concerns need to be considered when performing this assessment of the structure
that has sustained structural damage.
 Assessment includes quick evaluation of the building structural components (eg. Beams,
columns, slabs etc.) and non-structural components (Eg. Structural debris, partition walls,
ceilings, glass, pipe anchoring etc)
 If there are any visual signs of structural and/or non-structural damage, then the specific building
area needs to be isolated, secured, and marked as UNSAFE.
 The rapid structural damage assessment would note the major failures within the structure
including major structural elements of beams, columns, and roof and floor decks. The on-scene
commander should be notified immediately of the risk, and the area secured and marked
UNSAFE.
 The rapid non-structural damage assessment would note the major failure within the building
structure such as structural debris, partitions, ceilings, glass and piping.
 Concrete is a brittle material and, therefore, has a tendency to fragment into small. Dense, hard
pieces with rough edges. Settlement or shifting of damaged structure may cause fragments to fall
resulting in serious harm to personnel and/or additional damage to remaining structure
 Depending on the structural and non structural elements within the building matrix and their
relation to rescue/recovery activities, there may be varying importance on the ability of these
elements to provide adequate support. For ex. Failure of a column at ground level may cause
failure of the remaining structure above that columns, or failure of beam above an area where
rescure/ recovery workers are operating may cause collapse of floor
 The ability to perform a rapid structural safety assessment is likely to require a good flashlight(or
headlamp), because adequate lightening is not available in or around the remaining structure. In
addition, a note book, pen or pencil, spray paint and camera will be needed for the assessment.
 Personnel performing the rapid structural safety assessment in and around the remaining
structure should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). At a minimum PPE
should include a hardhat, steel-toed boots, gloves and respiratory protection from dust.
2.3 Investigation of Damage
The investigation of reasons for damage to structures is largely a matter of gathering information by
observation, studying records and asking questions, supplemented if necessary by a certain amount of
testing, and then interpreting the information thus obtained.
The general procedure for an investigation can be briefly summarized as given below
1. Documentation of damage.
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2. Visual observation.
3. Measurements on geometrical parameters such as deflections and deformations
4. Experimentation for evaluating the material properties and behaviour
5. Interpretation and analysis of test results
6. Analysis of the building its damaged state taking in to account the test results obtained during
investigation.
7. Formulation of repair measures.
8. Post-repair evaluation.
1. Observation
Texture of concrete surface may suggest possibility of chemical attack, leaching of the matrix or
in the case of sulphate attack, whitening of the concrete. Rust stains often indicate corrosion of
reinforcement but they may caused by contamination of aggregates. Relatively straight cracks usually
indicate excessive but fairly uniform tensile strain. Cracks caused by unidirectional bending will be
widest in the zone of max. tensile stress and will taper along the length, while cracks caused by direct
tension will be of roughly uniform width.
2. Questioning
Record of mix proportions, sources of materials, cube test results, weather conditions etc may be
available, particularly for recent built structures. It is always useful to ask questions of as many as
possible of the people who were concerned with the design or construction
2.4 Damage Assessment Procedure
The first key step of investigation is to make a diagnosis of the defect or the failure of the building.
The important steps are
1. Visual Inspection.
2. Study of available documentation
3. Estimation of actual loads and environmental effects
4. Diagnosis.
1. Visual Inspection
Any damaged structure, as a first step, requires an extensive visual inspection followed by
documentation of the details. A perusal of the documentation, supported by photographs.
2. Study of available documentation
Study of available documentation will give some idea on the history of construction. Original
quality, analysis and design methods with assumption made, and the type of materials used. A
comparison of adjacent buildings also helps in proper diagnosis.
3. Estimation of actual loads and environmental effects
• It is generally found that there is, in majority of the cases, the load acting on the structure will
be much different from the load assumed in design calculations.
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• cracking or any other damage may, sometimes attributed to the fact that these loads or certain
load combinations were not considered in the analysis and design.
• Effect of temperature changes a hostile atmosphere would impose serviceability and durability
problems and also result in undesirable effects in foundations.
4. Diagnosis
• In any investigation, diagnosis of the cause or causes of damage is of prime of importance and
difficult too.
• A proper and reliable diagnosis can be made only by the conducting a systematic investigation
using proven test methods and experienced personnel.

Fig 2.1: Flow chart for damage assessment

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2.5 Evaluation of surface and structural cracks

 The cracks in a structure are broadly classified in to two categories:
 Superficial cracks.
 Structural cracks.
 The structural cracks may be active and dormant.
 A crack where a movement is observed to continue is termed active, whereas the crack where no
movement occurs is termed dormant or static.
 The following information may help in diagnosing the cracks
1. Whether the crack is new or old.
2. Type of crack, i.e., whether it is active or dormant.
3. Whether it appears on the opposite face of the member also, pattern of the cracks.
4. Soil condition, type of foundation used, sign of movement of ground, if any,
5. Observations on the similar structures in the same locality,
6. Study of specifications, method of construction used and test results at the site, if any,
7. Views of designer, builder, occupants of the building, if any
8. Weather during which the structure has been constructed
 The evaluation of cracks is necessary for the following purposes
1. To identify the cause of cracking.
2. To assess the structure for its safety and serviceability.
3. To establish the extent of cracking
4. To establish the likely extent of further deterioration
5. To study the suitability of various remedial measures,
6. To make a final assessment for serviceability after repairs.
 Apart from visual inspection, tapping the surface and listening to the sound for hollow areas may
be one of the simplest methods of identifying the weak spots.
 The suspected areas are then opened up by chipping the weak concrete for further assessment.
 The comparative strength of concrete in the structure may be assessed to a reasonable accuracy
by non-destructive testing and by tests on the cores extracted from the concrete.
2.6 Testing systems of hardened concrete
There are number of testing systems available and they could be used on structures to assess the
quality of concrete and steel.
Testing system of hardened concrete can be divided in to three categories
1. Non-Destructive Testing System(NDTS)
2. Semi Destructive Testing Systems(SDTS)
3. Destructive Testing Systems(DTS)

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1. Non-Destructive Testing System (NDTS): To assess the quality of concrete in its damaged state
without any disturbance of surrounding concrete.
2. Semi Destructive Testing Systems (SDTS): To assess the quality of concrete in its damaged
state with partial disturbance of surrounding concrete.
3. Destructive Testing Systems (DTS): To assess the quality of concrete with complete
disturbance of surrounding concrete (loaded up to failure).
2.6.1 Destructive Testing System (DTS)
 The most common destructive test is load test and is used to assess the strength of concrete. Load
testing is sometimes used as an alternative method of assessing structural capacity.
 Load tests are usually carried out for one of the following reasons
• There are still doubts about the satisfactory performance of the structure under load after a
survey and local testing.
• It is difficult or impossible to determine inadequate information about the structure and its
materials.
• Verification of structural analysis in cases where the complexity of structural forms does not
lend itself to analysis
 The following aspects were set for during the testing programme
• To conduct the load test on the beam up to 1.25 times the designed live load.
• To monitor the deflections and recovery of the beams during incremental loading and
unloading.
• To compare the actual deflections with that of theoretical deflections
(a) Assessment of existing concrete structures
 It has been learnt that concrete structures requires a closer inspection, not only after construction
but also periodically at regularly interval.
 The quality control measures during construction are
Workability test on concrete
Compressive strength of concrete samples.
 It is well known fact the results of the above tests do not reflect on true quality of concrete,
existing in concrete structures because the quality of concrete depends on many factors such as
mixing, transporting, placing, compacting and curing of concrete
 Assessment of quality of concrete is necessary to ensure that the quality of execution is
satisfactory and to identify any deficiency so that they can be rectified. This can be achieved by
conducting some in-situ tests like non-destructive and partially destructive on the structures
besides visual inspection.

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(b) Load test on structures

 This is a method of assessing the strength of the in-situ of concrete member. In most cases, this
test is performed for the proof of structure capacity, not for suspect or critical location.
 The principle aim of this test is to demonstrate satisfactory performance under an over load,
above the design working value. This is usually judged by measurement of deflections under this
load which may be sustained for a specified period.
Procedure
 A live load of 1t/sqm was taken for imposed load calculation plus dead load as Floor finishing
load and partition wall load were also considered. Thus imposed load was taken as 1.25times live
load as per IS:456-2000 clause 17.6 page no.30
 The load was imposed on the beam as UDL spreads over an area of 55.5 sqm. Thus a total load
of 84t was arrived at and imposed in 12 stages of 7t each at an interval of 15 minutes.
 The load of 7t was imposed with the help of 200 sand bags weighing 35kg as first step and
increased in steps up to 84t.
 Dial gauges and electric strain gauges were fixed at different locations.
 Separate platform was provided to read and record the deflections from dial gauges, strain from
strain indicator during loading and unloading.
 Total time for maximum load was 26hrs and the maximum load was kept for more than 43hrs
during which creep effect was monitored and the time taken for unloading was 32 hrs during
which deflection recovery was monitored.
 The recorded and theoretical deflections were compared.
 As per IS:456-2000, the deflections due to imposed load only shall be recorded. If within 24hrs
of removal of imposed load, the structure doesnot recover at least 75% of the deflection under
superimposed load, the test may be repeated after a lapse of 72hrs.
 If recovery is less than 80%, the structure shall be unacceptable.
 As per clause 17.6.3.1, the maximum deflection in mm shown during 24hrs under load is less
than 40l2/D
Where l – effective span
D – Over all depth

Fig 2.2: Load test on structures

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2.6.2 Non-Destructive Testing System (NDTS)

The non-destructive testing tests carried out on hardened concrete are
1. Surface Hardness Method.
2. Ultrasonic pulse velocity method.
3. Resonant Frequency Method.
4. Dynamic or vibration method.
5. Pulse Attenuation Method.
6. Pulse echo Method.
7. Radioactive Methods.
8. Nuclear Methods
9. Magnetic Methods

1. Surface Hardness Method(Rebound Hammer Test)

Fundamental Principle
The Schmidt rebound hammer is principally a surface hardness tester. It works on the principle that
the rebound of an elastic mass depends on the hardness of the surface against which the mass
impinges. There is little apparent theoretical relationship between the strength of concrete and the
rebound number of the hammer. However, within limits, empirical correlations have been established
between strength properties and the rebound number.
Equipment Details
The Schmidt rebound hammer is shown in Fig. 4.1. The hammer weighs about 1.8 kg and is suitable
for use both in a laboratory and in the field. A schematic cutaway view of the rebound hammer is
shown in Fig. . The main components include the outer body, the plunger, the hammer mass, and the
main spring. Other features include a latching mechanism that locks the hammer mass to the plunger
rod and a sliding rider to measure the rebound of the hammer mass. The rebound distance is
measured on an arbitrary scale marked from 10 to 100. The rebound distance is recorded as a
“rebound number” corresponding to the position of the rider on the scale.

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Fig 2.3: Schematic representation of rebound hammer

Procedure
 The method of using the hammer is explained using Fig.
 With the hammer pushed hard against the concrete, the body is allowed to move away from the
concrete until the latch connects the hammer mass to the plunger, Fig.a.
 The plunger is then held perpendicular to the concrete surface and the body pushed towards the
concrete, Fig.b. This movement extends the spring holding the mass to the body.
 When the maximum extension of the spring is reached, the latch releases and the mass is pulled
towards the surface by the spring, Fig.c.
 The mass hits the shoulder of the plunger rod and rebounds because the rod is pushed hard
against the concrete, Fig.d.
 During rebound the slide indicator travels with the hammer mass and stops at the maximum
distance the mass reaches after rebounding. A button on the side of the body is pushed to lock the
plunger into the retracted position and the rebound number is read from a scale on the body.

Fig 2.4: Working principle of rebound hammer

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Interpretation of results
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

2. Ultrasonic pulse velocity(UPV) test

Fundamental Principle
 A pulse of longitudinal vibrations is produced by an electro-acoustical transducer, which is held
in contact with one surface of the concrete under test.
 When the pulse generated is transmitted into the concrete from the transducer using a liquid
coupling material such as grease or cellulose paste, it undergoes multiple reflections at the
boundaries of the different material phases within the concrete.
 A complex system of stress waves develops, which include both longitudinal and shear waves,
and propagates through the concrete. The first waves to reach the receiving transducer are the
longitudinal waves, which are converted into an electrical signal by a second transducer.
 Electronic timing circuits enable the transit time T of the pulse to be measured.
 Longitudinal pulse velocity (in km/s or m/s) is given by:
V= L/T
where v is the longitudinal pulse velocity, L is the path length, T is the time taken by the pulse to
traverse that length.

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Equipment for pulse velocity test

The equipment consists essentially of an electrical pulse generator; a pair of transducers used should
be in the range of 20 to 150 kHz, an amplifier and an electronic timing device for measuring the time
interval between the initiation of a pulse generated at the transmitting transducer and its arrival at the
receiving transducer. Two forms of electronic timing apparatus and display are available, one of
which uses a cathode ray tube on which the received pulse is displayed in relation to a suitable time
scale, the other uses an interval timer with a direct reading digital display

Fig 2.5: Component of Ultrasonic pulse velocity

Determination of pulse velocity

Transducer arrangement
The receiving transducer detects the arrival of that component of the pulse, which arrives earliest.
This is generally the leading edge of the longitudinal vibration. Although the direction in which the
maximum energy is propagated is at right angles to the face of the transmitting transducer, it is
possible to detect pulses, which have travelled through the concrete in some other direction. It is
possible, therefore, to make measurements of pulse velocity by placing the two transducers on either:

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 Opposite faces (direct transmission)

 Adjacent faces (semi-direct transmission): or
 Same face (indirect or surface transmission).

Fig 2.6: Measurement of Ultrasonic pulse velocity

Determination of pulse velocity by direct transmission
Where possible the direct transmission arrangement should be used since the transfer of energy
between transducers is at its maximum and the accuracy of velocity determination is therefore
governed principally by the accuracy of the path length measurement. The couplant used should be
spread as thinly as possible to avoid any end effects resulting from the different velocities in couplant
and concrete.
Determination of pulse velocity by semi-direct transmission
The semi-direct transmission arrangement has a sensitivity intermediate between those of the other
two arrangements and, although there may be some reduction in the accuracy of measurement of the
path length, it is generally found to be sufficiently accurate to take this as the distance measured from
centre to centre of the transducer faces. This arrangement is otherwise similar to direct transmission.
Determination of pulse velocity by indirect or surface transmission
Indirect transmission should be used when only one face of the concrete is accessible, when the
depth of a surface crack is to be determined or when the quality of the surface concrete relative to the
overall quality is of interest. It is the least sensitive of the arrangements and, for a given path length,
produces at the receiving transducer a signal which has an amplitude of only about 2% or 3% of that
produced by direct transmission.
Interpretation of results
Longitudinal Pulse Velocity(km/sec) Quality of concrete
>4.5 Excellent
3.5 – 4.5 Good
3.0 – 3.5 Doubtful

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2.0 -3.0 Poor

< 2.0 Very poor

3. Resonant Frequency method

 This method is based up on the determination of the fundamental resonant frequency of vibration
of a specimen.
 The equipment used usually known as SONOMETER.
 This method can be used in laboratory.
 The size of specimen in these tests is limited to 150mmX300mm cylinder or 75mmx 75mm x
300mm prisms
 Resonant frequency test is used for following purpose
 For studying deterioration effects of concrete
 To study the effects due to acid and alkali reactions.
 For determining the damage due to fire
 To calculate the dynamic modulus of elasticity of concrete

Fig 2.7: Resonant frequency equipments

4. Dynamic or vibration method
 These methods are important non-destructive methods used for testing concrete strength and other
properties.
 The fundamental principle of this method is in the propagation of sound velocity through a solid
material
 A mathematical relationship could be established between the velocity of sound through the
specimen and its resonant frequency. From this relationship, the modulus of elasticity of the
material is determined. For deriving this relationship, the solid medium are considered to be
homogeneous, isotropic and perfectly elastic.
 The velocity of sound V in a solid material is a function of the square root of the ratio of its
modulus of elasticity E and its density ρ

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V = f [g E / ρ ] ½
where g is acceleration due to gravity
5. Pulse Attenuation method
 This is a wave propagation method in which the electromagnetic waves, typically in the
frequency ranged 500 MHz to 1000MHz are allowed to propagate through solids.
 The methodology is used for subsurface investigation in civil engineering structures and in
particular concrete structures.
 The basic principle is that the attenuation properties of the electromagnetic waves are influenced
by the electrical properties of the solid material tested.
 The dominant properties are the electrical permittivity, which determines the signal velocity, and
the electrical conductivity, which determines the signal attenuation.
 Reflection and refraction of the radar waves will occur at interfaces between different materials
and the signal returning to the surface antenna can be interpreted to provide an evaluation of
properties and geometry of subsurface features.
6. Pulse echo method
 Pulse echo technique was developed for pile integrity testing and now it is popular for concrete
structures and structural elements.
 An instrument commercially known as DOCTER marked in Denmark is available with a field
computer, related softwares and transducers.
 The system found to be useful for
 Testing for thickness and flaws in concrete.
 Testing for wave speed on the surface.
 Testing for depth of surface opening cracks.

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Fig 2.8: Component of Ultrasonic pulse echo equipment

7. Radioactive method
 The use of X-rays and gamma rays as non-destructive method for testing properties of concrete.
 The degree of attenuation depends on the kind of matter traversed, its thickness, and the
wavelength of the radiation.
 The intensity of the incident gamma rays and the emerging gamma rays after passing through the
specimen are measured. These two values are made use for calculating the density of structural
concrete members.
 Gamma radiation source of known intensity is made to pass and penetrate through the concrete.
The intensity of other face is measured and thickness of concrete is calculated
2.6.3 Semi-Destructive Testing System (NDTS)
The semi-destructive tests are
1. Penetration Techniques.
2. Pull-out and Pull-off Tests.
3. Core sampling and testing.
4. Break off test
5. Half-cell potential survey
6. Carbonation and pH value test
7. Chloride content test

1. Windsor probe or Penetration resistance test

In 1964 and 1966, a technique known as Windsor Probes was advanced for testing concrete in lab
and in situ.

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Fundamental principle
The Windsor probe, like the rebound hammer, is a hardness tester, and its inventors’ claim that the
penetration of the probe reflects the precise compressive strength in a localized area is not strictly
true. However, the probe penetration does relate to some property of the concrete below the surface,
and, within limits, it has been possible to develop empirical correlations between strength properties
and the penetration of the probe.
Equipment
The Windsor probe consists of a powder-actuated gun or driver, hardened alloy steel probes,
loaded cartridges, a depth gauge for measuring the penetration of probes, and other related
equipment.
As the device looks like a firearm it may be necessary to obtain official approval for its use in some
countries. The probes have a tip diameter of 6.3 mm, a length of 79.5 mm, and a conical point. Probes
of 7.9 mm diameter are also available for the testing of concrete made with lightweight aggregates.
The rear of the probe is threaded and screws into a probe driving head, which is 12.7 mm in diameter
and fits snugly into the bore of the driver. The probe is driven into the concrete by the firing of a
precision powder charge that develops energy of 79.5 m kg. For the testing of relatively low strength
concrete, the power level can be reduced by pushing the driver head further into the barrel.

Fig 2.9: Component of Windsor probe equipment

Procedure (AS PER ASTM C 803)
 The area to be tested must have a brush finish or a smooth surface.
 To test structures with coarse finishes, the surface first must be ground smooth in the area of the
test. Briefly, the powder-actuated driver is used to drive a probe into the concrete.
 If flat surfaces are to be tested a suitable locating template to provide 178 mm equilateral
triangular pattern is used, and three probes are driven into the concrete, one at each corner.
 A depth gauge measures the exposed lengths of the individual probes.

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 The manufacturer also supplies a mechanical averaging device for measuring the average
exposed length of the three probes fired in a triangular pattern. The mechanical averaging device
consists of two triangular plates. The reference plate with three legs slips over the three probes
and rests on the surface of the concrete.
 The other triangular plate rests against the tops of the three probes.
 The distance between the two plates, giving the mechanical average of exposed lengths of the
three probes, is measured by a depth gauge inserted through a hole in the centre of the top plate.
 For testing structures with curved surfaces, three probes are driven individually using the single
probe locating template. In either case, the measured average value of exposed probe length may
then be used to estimate the compressive strength of concrete by means of appropriate correlation
data.
2. Pull out and pull off test
 A pullout test measures the force required to pullout from concrete a specially shaped rod which
enlarged end has been cast into that concrete.
 The stronger the concrete more is the force required to pullout.
 The ideal way to use pullout test in the field would be to incorporate assemblies in the structure.
The standard specimens could then be pulled out at any point of time.
 The force required denotes the strength of concrete.
 Internal Fracture Test
The Capo Test
Limpet Test
 Internal Fracture Test
 It is the pullout test, which has been most widely used in the field. It was first developed for
testing high alumina cement concrete components but further work has been carried out to
produce correlation curves for concrete.
 To carry out the test 6mm hole is drilled to a depth of 30-35 mm and the hole is blown out and
each holes should be at least 100mm apart and drilled away from reinforcement
 It is usually to carry out six tests on a member and the average of six max readings is used to
read off the mean comp. strength from calibration curve

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Fig 2.10: Component of pull out test equipment

3. Carbonation test
 Carbonation test is carried out using simple Phenolpthalein test.
 Phenolphthalein spray is an indicator of pH value and as carbonation has its effect on pH of
concrete, the change in colour indicates the extent of carbonation.
 The test is conducted by drilling hole on the concrete surface to different depths up to cover
concrete, spraying with phenolphthalein, and observing the colour change.
 Uncarbonated surface exhibits pink colour while carbonated concrete exhibits no change in
colour.
 The depth of carbonation is estimated based on the change in colour profile.

Fig 2.11: carbonation tested sample

4. Core test
 Concrete cores are used for testing of actual properties of concrete in existing structures such as
strength, permeability, chemical analysis, carbonation etc.
Core Sampling and Testing of Concrete
 Concrete cores are usually cut by means of a rotary cutting tool with diamond bits. In this
manner, a cylindrical specimen is obtained usually with its ends being uneven, parallel and square
and sometimes with embedded pieces of reinforcement.

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 The cores are visually described and photographed, giving specific attention to compaction,
distribution of aggregates, presence of steel etc.

Fig 2.12: Core test equipment and sample extrusion of core

 Capping of concrete core
 The ends of the specimen shall be capped before testing. The material used for the capping
shall be such that its compressive strength is greater than that of the concrete in the core. Caps
shall be made as thin as practicable and shall not flow or fracture before the concrete fails
when the specimen is tested. The capped surfaces shall be at right angles to the axis of the
specimen and shall not depart from a plane by more than 0·05 mm.
 After checking for irregularities) the core shall be placed in water at a temperature of 24° to
3O°C for 48 hours before testing. The overall height of the specimens, with capping shall be
measured to the nearest millimetre.

Fig 2.13: Capping of concrete Core

As per IS: 516-1959
 Neat Cement - Test cylinders may be capped with a thin layer of stiff, neat Portland cement
paste' after the concrete has ceased settling in the moulds, generally for two to four hours or

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more after moulding. The cap shall be formed by means of glass plate not less than '6·5 mm in
thickness or a machined metal plate not less than 13 mm in thickness and having a minimum
surface dimension at least 25 mm larger than the diameter of the mould. It shall he worked on
the cement paste until its lower surface rests on the top of the mould, The cement for capping
shall be mixed to a stiff paste for about two to four hours before it is to be used in order to
avoid the tendency of the cap to shrink. Adhesion of paste to the capping plate may be avoided
by coating the plate with a thin coat of oil or grease.
 Curing - The test specimen- shall be stored in a place, free from vibration, in moist air of at
least 90 percent relative humidity and at a temperature of 27° ± 2°e for 24 hours ± l hour from
the time of addition of water to the dry ingredients, After this period, the specimens shall be
marked and removed from the moulds and, unless required for test within 24 hours,
immediately submerged in clean, fresh water or saturated lime solution and kept there until
taken out just prior to test. The water or solution in which the specimens are submerged shall
be renewed every seven days and shall be maintained at a temperature of 27° ± 2°C. The
specimens shall not be allowed to become dry at any time until they have been tested.
 Testing of concrete core
 Test the specimen within 7 days after coring.
 Calculation of Compressive Strength of Concrete Core
 Calculate the compressive test of the specimen using the computed cross sectional area based
on average diameter of the specimen. If the L /D ratio is 1.75 or less, correct the results
obtained by multiplying with correction factors as given below.
 The value obtained after multiplying with correction factor is called corrected compressive
strength, this being equivalent strength of a cylinder having L/D ratio of 2. The equivalent
cube strength can be calculated by multiplying the corrected cylinder strength by 5/4.

Rehabilitation and Retrofitting of Structures (15cv753) Module 2- Damage Assessment 20

Maharaja Institute of Technology Mysore Department of Civil Engineering

 Calculation of Concrete Core compressive strength template

Compressive Strength
Correction Factor for
Core Comp. Strength

Corrected Cylinder
Failure Load (KN)

Equivalent cube
Core Diameter

strength(MPa)
Compressive
Core Height

H/D Ratio

H/D ratio
Sample

H (cm)

D (cm)

(MPa)

(MPa)
Sl. No

No.

As per IS:516-1959 & IS:456-2000 Cl.17.4.3 concrete in the member represented by a core
test shall be considered acceptable if the average equivalent cube strength of the cores is
equal to 85% of the cube strength of the grade of concrete specified for the corresponding
age and no individual core has a strength less than 75%.
 Factors Affecting Strength of Concrete Cores
Size of stone aggregate
If the ratio of diameter of core to maximum size of stone aggregate is less than 3, a reduction in
strength is reported. For concrete with 20mm size aggregate, 50mm dia core has been tested to give
10% lower results than with 10mm dia cores.
Presence of transverse reinforcement steel
It is reported that the presence of transverse steel causes a 5 to 15% reduction in compressive strength
of core. The effect of embedded steel is higher on stronger concrete and as its location moves away
from ends, i.e. towards the middle. However presence of steel parallel to the axis of the core is not
desirable.
H/D ratio
This has been already discussed above. However its value should be minimum 0.95 and maximum 2.
Higher ratio would cause a reduction in strength
Age of concrete
No age allowance is recommended by the Concrete Society as some evidence is reported to suggest
that in-situ concrete gains little strength after 28 days. Whereas others suggest that under average
conditions, the increase over 28 days’ strength is 10% after 3 months, 15% after 6 months. Hence it is
not easy to deal the effect of age on core strength.
Strength of concrete
The effect in reducing the core strength appears to be higher in stronger concretes and reduction has
been reported as 15% for 40 MPa concrete. However a reduction of 5 50 7% is considered
reasonable.

Rehabilitation and Retrofitting of Structures (15cv753) Module 2- Damage Assessment 21