Concrete sample collection is an essential process aimed at determining the compressive strength of in-situ concrete. Using a coring machine, cylinder specimens are extracted, leaving bore holes in the structure. The bore hole repair will be carried out using non-shrink high-strength mortar. The selection of bore hole locations is a meticulous process, minimizing the impact on the structural integrity and avoiding areas with considerable internal forces. Before coring, rebar scanning is imperative to prevent damage to the steel reinforcement within reinforced concrete structures. The ideal aspect ratio (length to diameter) for compression testing is 2.0, but collected samples have a larger aspect ratio, as they are trimmed at the laboratory for end capping. Each collected sample is assigned an identification code, facilitating the association of strength parameters with specific sample locations. This comprehensive approach ensures accurate and reliable results while maintaining the structural integrity of the analyzed components.
At the laboratory, the cored concrete specimen will be trimmed to the length that is closest to the aspect ratio of 2.0 and will be capped with sulfur to make both ends flat and even. The specimen will be tested by the calibrated universal testing machine for the compressive strength. Moreover, the elastic modulus of concrete can be obtained, upon the customer’s request.
