CONCRETE CORE TESTING

Cylinder Core Sampling & Compression Testing

Introduction Condition of concrete in the structure after construction can be assessed directly by core drilling at required location or at suspected location. The core samples obtained are then taken for visual inspection and compression test to determine maximum compressive strength. Test Method Standard The core drilling and compression testing shall be done in accordance with ASTM Method C 4287. Equipments and Apparatus 1. Core drilling machine, rotary drilling type 2. Diamond coring bit, single-tube core barrel type 3. Compression machine, ELE Compact 1500 1.2 Install single-tube core barrel to the drilling machine in 1.1. Select the proper size of core diameter. In general, core diameter should be greater than diameter of coarse aggregate and not below 2 inches. However, outside diameter of core barrel should allow penetration without cutting the reinforcing steel. 1.3 Drill to take core samples at approximately 0.50 m to 1.00 m interval until reaching the required depth. 2. Core Sample Preparation 2.1 Cut the drilled core for compression test using the cutting disc. The lengthto-diameter ratio (L:D Ratio) of the cut sample should be 2:1. 2.2 Measure diameter, length, and determine the weight of samples. 2.3 Cap both ends of sample with capping compound. 3. Compression Test Place the core sample in the compression machine and carry out the compression test in accordance with ASTM Method C 42-87 until reaching ultimate point. Record the maximum load and inspect the failure mode of sample.

Fig.1 Rotary drilling machine for diamond core drill Sampling and Testing Procedures 1. Core Sampling At least 3 core samples should be obtained according to the following procedure 1.1 Install rotary drilling machine at the required location
Version 1.0 Copyright 2004 by STS

Fig. 2 Compression machine

Concrete Core Testing

4. Correction of Test Result Compressive strength obtained from core sample has to be corrected before it can be used due to the size of sample is smaller than standard cylinder (6dia.x12). The test result may also subject to correction in case the length-to-diameter ratio is not 2:1. The correction can be done using graphs in Fig.3 and Fig. 4 accordingly. 5. Backfilling the Drilled Hole After drilling is completed and good core samples are obtained, drilled hole should be grouted using non-shrink cement.

CORRECTION CHART FOR EFFECT OF CYLINDER S IZE ON COM PRESS IV E S TRENGTH OF CONCRETE
110

105 STRENGTH IN PERCENT OF 6 - BY 12 - INCH CY LINDERS 100

.

PERCENT

95

90

85

80

75 0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40

DIAM ETER OF CYLINDER, INCHES REFERENCE : CONCRETE MA NUA L NOT E : HEIGHT OF CY LINDER 2.0 DIA METERS MA XIMUM SIZE OF A GGREGA TE 1/4 DIA METER OR LESS

Fig. 3 Graph to correct compressive strength to standard sample 6 x 12

CORRECTION CHART FOR EFFECT OF L/D RATIO ON COM P RES S IV E S TRENGTH OF CONCRETE
200 PERCENT OF STRENGT H OF CYL INDER WITH L /D = 2.0

180

A V ERA GE FROM TESTS BY G.W.HUTCHINSON A ND OTHERS, REPORTED IN BULLELIN 16, LEWIS INSTITUTE, CHICA GOA GE OF SPECIMENS, 28 DA Y S

160

140

120

100

80 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0

L/D, RATIO OF LENGT H OF CYL INDER TO DIAM ETER

REFERENCE : CONCRETE MA NUA L

Fig. 4 Graph to normalize L:D ratio

Criteria For Test Result Determination Determination of test result should conform with ACI Standard guidelines as follow. Compressive strength of each core sample should exceed 75 percent of required ultimate strength and the average of three samples should exceed 85 percent.
Version 1.0 Copyright 2004 by STS

For more information, please contact: STS Engineering Consultants Co., Ltd. Quality Assurance Division 196/10-12 Soi Pradipat 14, Pradipat Road, Samsennai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400 Tel. : 0-2618-4288 (10 lines) ext. 265 Fax : 0-2279-8507, 0-2618-6373 http://www.sts.co.th