Testing of Concrete in Structures

Interest in testing of hardened concrete in-situ has increased considerably since the 1960s, and significant advances have been made in techniques,equipment and methods of application since publication of the first edition of this book in 1982. This has largely been a result of the growing number of concrete structures, especially those of relatively recent origin, that have been showing signs of deterioration. Changes in cement manufacture and specifications, increased use of cement replacements and admixtures, and a decline in standards of workmanship and construction supervision have all been blamed as has inadequate international standards, especially where exposure to chlorides is concerned. 

Particular attention has thus been paid to development of test methods which are related to durability performance and integrity. There has also been increasing awareness of the shortcomings of control or compliance tests which require a 28-day wait before results are available and even then reflect only the adequacy of the material supplied rather than overall construction standards. Recognition is slowly growing that in-situ tests potentially have much to offer in this situation.

In each case the need for in-situ measurements is clear, but to many engineers the features, and especially the limitations, of available test methods are unknown and consequently left to ‘experts’. Although it is essential that the tests should be performed and interpreted by experienced specialists, many difficulties arise both at the planning and interpretation stages because of a lack of common understanding.
 A great deal of time, effort and money can be wasted on unsuitable or badly planned testing, leading to inconclusive results which then become the subject of heated debate.

The principal aim of this book is to provide an overview of the subject for nonspecialist engineers who are responsible for the planning or commissioning 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.

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