Concrete Testing with Verified Break Results.
Concrete Testing with Verified Break Results
Testing concrete ensures that the concrete material that the contractor is using for construction has the right property and texture. Following proper testing procedures.
Measuring the strength of concrete (psi) is one objective of conducting these tests.
Concrete test samples are taken and made from actual on site concrete delivered, Slump, temperature readings then placed into empty cylinders and these samples are allowed to harden under laboratory-controlled environment and then tested for quality assurance by an approved Lab.
King inspection services has developed a working relationship with Southwest Testing and Inspection Laboratory over the past 7 years. All Verified breaks results are emailed to the contractor.
Concrete strength deficiency will be reported to the Client / Contractor for further investigation…… What happened ? and How to prevent any future repeats.
How should results of the investigation be translated into action with respect to the structure and to the allocation of costs ?
Procedures than can be followed when low strength measurements occur can be programmed to minimize delays in construction without endangering either the safety of the structure or the interests of the clients and contractors involved in the construction.
It must be assumed that a measured strength of 500 psi below that specified represents a deficiency of some sort either in the concrete or in its testing (although it should not be overlooked that such measurements will occur on an average of once or twice in every 100 tests simply due to normal variability). The significance of the low strength measurement should be investigated in the following sequence, taking as many of the six steps as necessary: Verify testing accuracy; compare structural requirements with measured strength; non-destructive tests; core tests; load tests; and corrective measures.
“The average of three consecutive tests should be equal or exceed required specified strength”.
In those rare cases where a structural element fails the load test or where structural analysis of untestable members indicates an inadequacy, appropriate corrective measures must be taken. The Structural Engineer will determine the action required. The alternatives, depending on individual circumstances, are: Reduce the load rating to a level consistent with the concrete strength actually obtained; augment the construction to bring its load-carrying capacity up to original expectations (this might involve adding new structural members or increasing the size of existing member); or replace the unacceptable elements.
Additional information.
For a great description please click on the link below.
http://www.nrmca.org/aboutconcrete/cips/35p.pdf
ASTM C39-17b
ASTM's cement and concrete standards are instrumental in the evaluation and testing of concrete, cement, and aggregates. Concrete can have different properties depending upon the mixture that is used in creating it, which contains cement, chemical admixtures, and aggregates. These ingredients are mixed with water to create concrete which is used as a primary construction material in buildings. These cement and concrete standards allow laboratories all over the world to test and evaluate concrete mixtures to ensure their strength and safety. These standards help to identify the various properties of concrete including strength, elasticity, hardness, and workability.
https://www.astm.org/Standards/C39.htm
https://www.concrete.org
