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Experiment No: 3
Title: Non-destructive test on concrete specimens

Objective:
The objective of this experiment is to perform Non-Destructive Tests (NDT) on
concrete specimens to evaluate their quality, strength, and reinforcement details.
The tests include the Rebound Hammer Test, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) Test,
and Rebar Cover Test. These tests help in assessing the compressive strength,
uniformity, and location of reinforcement bars without causing any damage to the
structure.

Learning Outcomes:
After the successful conduction of this experiment, students will be able to:
Analyze the quality and strength of concrete material using NDT techniques.
Locate reinforcement bars and determine the concrete cover depth.
Understand the operation and application of various NDT instruments such as the
Rebound Hammer, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity apparatus, and Rebar Cover Test.
.
Equipment:
Rebound Hammer, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV), Rebar Cover Test
(Cover Meter)

Theory:
Concrete is tested for its quality and strength of concrete material and locate the
reinforcement as well as concrete cover depth through Non- destructive methods.
Non-destructive tests that are carried out in the laboratory are as follows:

Rebound hammer Test

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test
Rebar Cover Test

(1)Rebound hammer Test

Objective:
The primary objective of the rebound hammer test is to determine the surface
hardness and estimate the compressive strength of concrete using a Schmidt
Rebound Hammer.
Theory:
The rebound hammer test is a non-destructive testing method used to assess the
quality and strength of concrete. The device measures the rebound number, which
correlates with the compressive strength of concrete. The principle is based on the
rebound of a spring-controlled mass impacting the concrete surface.
Following are the specifications of the equipment available in the laboratory.
Type: N
Measuring Range: 10 to 70 MPa compressive strength
Impact Energy: 2.207 Nm
Standards: ASTM C 805-85, IS-1331 (Part II), BS 4408 (Part IV)
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Fig 1.1: Components of a Rebound Hammer

1.Concrete Surface – The surface where the test is conducted.
2.Impact Spring – Stores energy and releases it to propel the hammer.
3.Rider on Guide Rod – Moves along the guide rod to display the rebound value.
4.Window and Scale – Displays the rebound number corresponding to concrete
strength.
5.Hammer Guide – Ensures proper movement of the hammer mass.
6.Release Catch – Holds the hammer in place until triggered.
7.Compressive Spring – Assists in resetting the hammer after impact.
8.Locking Button – Used to lock and release the hammer mechanism.
9.Housing – Encloses and protects internal components.
10.Hammer Mass – Strikes the plunger to generate a rebound.
11.Plunger – Transfers the hammer’s impact force onto the concrete surface.

Working Principle:
The plunger is pressed against the concrete surface.
The impact spring releases energy to propel the hammer mass.
The hammer strikes the plunger, and the rebound distance is recorded.
The rebound number is read on the scale, correlating to concrete strength.

Procedure:
 Ensure the concrete surface is clean and free from dust, loose particles, or
coatings.
 Hold the rebound hammer perpendicular to the test surface.
 Firmly press the hammer against the surface until the spring-loaded mass is
released.
 Record the rebound number displayed on the hammer.
 Repeat the test at a minimum of Ten different points and take the average
reading.

Fig 1.2: Location of Rebound hammer test

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Fig 1.3: Rebound hammer test Reading

Observations and Calculations:
Record the rebound numbers for multiple locations.
Determine the average rebound number.
Use the calibration chart to convert the rebound number to compressive strength.

Reading No Location Rebound Number Estimated Strength (MPa)

1 A5 70 30.17
2 B5 70.5 30.38
3 A6 68 29.31
4 B6 68 29.31
5 A7 68.5 29.52
6 B7 69.5 29.95
7 A8 69.5 29.95
8 A9 71.5 30.81
9 B9 68.6 29.56
10 A10 67 28.87
Mean 69.1 29.78
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(2) Ultra-Pulse Velocity Test

Introduction
The Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) test is a non-destructive testing method used
to assess the quality and uniformity of concrete. It measures the time taken for an
ultrasonic pulse to travel through a concrete specimen, which is then used to
calculate the pulse velocity. The pulse velocity is correlated with the density,
elasticity, and compressive strength of the concrete, providing valuable
information about its integrity and potential defects.

Specifications:
Measuring range: 0.1 to 6553.5
Temperature Range: 10°C to +60°C

Objective:
The primary objective of this experiment is to determine the quality and
uniformity of concrete using the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) test and to
evaluate the relationship between pulse velocity and concrete properties such as
compressive strength and density.

Fig 2.1: Apparatus for UPV Measurement

Apparatus Purpose
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Generates and detects ultrasonic pulses to measure
Tester travel time.
Concrete Specimens Test samples for evaluating concrete quality.
Couplant Ensures proper contact between transducers and
concrete surface.
Measuring Tape or Caliper Measures the path length of the ultrasonic pulse.
Abrasive Stone or Grinding Prepares the concrete surface for testing.
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Wheel
Data Recording Sheet Records test data and observations.
Calibration Block Calibrates the UPV tester for accurate
(Optional) measurements.
Safety Equipment Ensures safety during testing and surface
preparation.

Methods of Pulse Transmission in Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) Testing:

1.Direct Transmission Method
The transmitter and receiver are placed on opposite faces of the concrete
specimen.
The ultrasonic pulse travels directly through the concrete between the two
transducers.
2. Semi-Direct Transmission Method (Angular or Indirect Method)
The transmitter and receiver are placed on adjacent faces of the concrete
specimen.
The ultrasonic pulse travels diagonally through the concrete.
3. Indirect Transmission Method (Surface Method)
The transmitter and receiver are placed on the same face of the concrete
specimen.
The ultrasonic pulse travels along the surface of the concrete.

Comparison of Methods:

Method Transducer Path Length Accuracy Applications

Placement
Direct Opposite Thickness of High Laboratory
Transmission faces specimen testing,
accessible
opposite faces
Semi-Direct Adjacent Diagonal Moderate Corners of
Transmission faces (90°) distance beams, columns,
and walls
Indirect Same face Distance Low In-situ testing,
Transmission between surface defect
transducers detection

Fig2.2: Methods of Plus Propagation

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Pulse velocity (km/s) Quality of Concrete

4.5 and above Excellent
3.5 to 4.5 Good
3.0 to 3.5 Medium
Less than 3.0 Poor

Procedure:
Preparation of Concrete Specimens:
 Ensure the concrete surface is clean, dry, and free from loose particles.
 If the surface is rough, smooth it using an abrasive stone or grinding wheel.
 Measure and record the dimensions of the specimen to determine the path
length of the ultrasonic pulse.
Application of Couplant:
 Apply a thin layer of couplant (e.g., grease or gel) to the surface of the
concrete at the points where the transducers will be placed.
 Ensure proper contact between the transducers and the concrete surface to
avoid air gaps.
Conducting the Test:
 Place the transmitter and receiver on opposite faces of the concrete
specimen (direct transmission method).
 Activate the UPV tester to send an ultrasonic pulse through the concrete.
 Record the time taken for the pulse to travel from the transmitter to the
receiver.
Repeat the test at least three times for each specimen to ensure consistency.
Data Collection:
 Record the travel time and path length for each test.
 Calculate the pulse velocity using the formula.
 Define the Quality of Concrete.

This method is based on the principle that the velocity of an ultrasonic pulse

Location Type of Path Time Wave Quality of

transmission Length Required Velocity Concrete
(mm) (s) (km/s)
A Direct 150 0.000012 4.808 Excellent
B Indirect 300 0.00000804 3.732 Excellent
C Direct 150 0.0000301 4.983 Excellent
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(3) Rebar Cover Test

Objective
The objective of the Rebar Cover Test is to determine the thickness of the concrete
cover over reinforcing bars (rebars) in a structure to ensure compliance with
design specifications and durability requirements.

Standards:
BS 1881:204 Testing Concrete. Recommendations on the
use of electromagnetic cover meters

Apparatus:
Rebar Cover Meter (also known as a rebar detector or profometer):
A device that uses electromagnetic induction or radar waves to detect rebar and
measure concrete cover thickness.
Calibration Block (optional):
A block with known rebar size and cover thickness for calibrating the cover meter.
Measuring Tape or Caliper:
To measure the dimensions of the concrete surface and rebar spacing.
Marker or Chalk:
To mark the locations of rebar and test points on the concrete surface.

Fig3.1: Rebar Cover Test Equipment

Procedure:
Preparation of the Concrete Surface:
 Ensure the concrete surface is clean, dry, and free from loose particles.
 If the surface is rough, smooth it using an abrasive stone or grinding wheel.
Calibration of the Rebar Cover Meter:
 Calibrate the cover meter using a calibration block or a known rebar with a
known cover thickness.
 Ensure the cover meter is functioning correctly and provides consistent
readings.
Detection of Rebar:
 Turn on the rebar cover meter and select the appropriate mode (e.g., rebar
detection or cover measurement).
 Slowly move the cover meter over the concrete surface to detect the
location of the rebar.
 Mark the positions of the rebar on the concrete surface.
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Measurement of Concrete Cover:

 Place the cover meter directly over the detected rebar.
 Record the concrete cover thickness displayed on the cover meter.
 Repeat the measurement at multiple points along the rebar to ensure
accuracy.
Data Collection:
 Record the concrete cover thickness for each test point.
 Measure the spacing between the rebar if required.
 Calculate the average concrete cover thickness for the specimen.
Observation:
Cover (mm)
No. Locations
Observed Actual cover
Mid
1 26 20
Height
2 Edge 36 20

3 Bottom 20 20

4 Bottom 20 20
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Location of reinforcement and diameter of reinforcement:

(a) The longitudinal section of the RC beam (b) Cross section

Fig. 3.2 Reinforcement details of RC beam

Load carrying capacity of the section:

For singly reinforced section, load carrying capacity of the beam
fy=500 MPa (Yield strength of steel)
fck=29.83 MPa (Characteristic compressive strength of concrete)
b=150 mm (Width of the beam)
D=150 mm (Overall depth of the beam)
Φlongitudinal 10
effective depth d = D - 2
– -Clear cover = D - 2
- 20 = 125 mm
π
Ast = 2 × × Φlongitudinal = 157.08 mm²
4

0.87fyAst 0.87 × 500 × 157.08

𝑥𝑢 = = = 42.419 𝑚𝑚
0.36f′ckb 0.36 × 29.83 × 150

xlim = 0.48 × d = 0.48 × 125 = 57.5 mm > xu

OK

Under reinforced section (URS)

Mu = 0.87fyAs × (d– 0.42xu)
Mu = 0.87 × 500 × 157.08(125– 0.42 × 42.419)
= 7.32kNm

For doubly reinforced section load carrying capacity of beam

π
Asc = 2 × × Φcompression
4
Asc = 157.08mm2
(From Table SP-16, Page-13) fsc = 370 MP
fcc = 0.446 fck = 13.304 MPa
0.87fy As + (fsc– fcc)As c
xu =
0.36fckb
0.87×500×157.08+(370−13.304)×157.08
=
0.36×29.83×150
= 7.635mm
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(xlim = 0.48 × d = 60mm = 60mm) > 𝑋𝑢

OK
Under Reinforced Section (URS):
Mu = 0.36f′ck Xu × b(d– 0.42xu) + fsc Asc (d– d′)
= 0.36 × 29.85 × 7.635 × 150(125– 0.427.635) + 370 × 157.08 (125– 20)
Mu = 7.31kNm

Ultimate Point Load Beam Can Carry:

Moment at Mid-Span: M = PL/3
Ultimate Load (P): P = M × 3L
= (7.31 × 3)/1.5 = 14.62kN
P

Figure 3.3 Diagram of 4-point bending beam

P = 14.62 × 103
a = L/3 = 500
E = 27308.42
I = 42.188 × 106

100 Ast / bd M25 M 29.83 M30

0.75 0.57 - 0.59
0.83776 0.594 𝜏𝑐 =0.61332 0.614
1 0.64 - 0.66

Shear Capacity of the Beam:

0.87𝑓𝑦 𝐴𝑠𝑣 𝑑
𝑉𝑢 = + 𝜏𝑐 𝑏 𝑑
𝑆𝑣
0.87 × 500 × 100.53 × 125
= + 0.613 × 150 × 125
150
= 47.94𝑘𝑁

For serviceability limit state:

Deflection: The total deflection of the beam shall not exceed the ratio of effective
span (L) to 250
Max Displacement at Center:
𝑃 × 𝑎(3L²-4a²)
𝛿 𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑚𝑎𝑥 =
24 × 𝐸 × 𝐼
14.62 × 10³ × 500(3 × 1500²-4 × 500²)
=
24 × 27308.42 × 42188 × 10³
= 1.52𝑚𝑚 ≤ 𝐿/250 = 6 OK
(Δ ≤ L / 250) = 1500/250 = 6 mm
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Cracking: For a normal reinforced concrete structure, the crack width shall not
exceed 0.3 mm.

3𝑎𝑐𝑟×𝐸𝑚
Wcr= 2(𝑎𝑐𝑟−𝐶𝑚𝑖𝑛)
1+ ℎ−𝑥

=0.406mm<0.3mm

Conclusion:
The conducted Non-Destructive Tests (NDT), including the Rebound Hammer
Test, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) Test, and Rebar Cover Test, provided
valuable insights into the quality, strength, and integrity of concrete structures.
The Rebound Hammer Test helped estimate the surface hardness and compressive
strength of concrete, while the UPV Test assessed uniformity, detecting voids and
cracks that could compromise structural stability. The Rebar Cover Test allowed
accurate determination of reinforcement location and cover depth, which is
essential for structural durability and compliance with design requirements. These
tests are crucial for evaluating existing structures without causing damage,
ensuring safety, and aiding in effective maintenance and repair strategies.