Concrete is a composite material comprising cement, fine aggregate (sand) and coarse aggregate mixed with water which hardens over time. It is the most widely used man-made product in the world with about three tonnes used annually for each man, woman and child. On average, each year, three tons of concrete are consumed by every person on earth. Because of its abundance in the world market, understanding its properties is important.
Concrete can be tested at the site but is often sent to a lab for analysis by technicians with instruments that measure different properties of concrete. Testing of fresh concrete on site is done to ensure that concrete structures comply with specifications and relevant regulations.
For instance, compressive strength is measured by crushing cubes when they reach 300 mm of age (approximately 28 days). To measure the compressive strength of concrete, 150 mm cubes are cured for 28 days. After 5-7 days, the concrete should be sufficiently hardened to allow the surface to be ground or polished.
A good example of concrete testing equipment is the Penetrometers. Penetrometers are tools that provide a measure of the overall quality of concrete. They are used to test the quality of concrete before it has hardened. Fresh concrete properties can be measured using penetrometers to determine compaction and shear strength.
The two main types of penetrometers used for testing fresh concrete are the slump cone and V-Funnel (Vebe) penetrometer. The V-funnel or Vebe penetrometer was developed by Dr. Victor Vebe in France in 1963, and the slump cone is an older method that was first introduced in 1885 by Edward Gurney Wells, who was an English civil engineer.
Techniques for determining whether or not samples have been correctly filled with fresh concrete include: Vebe consistometer through penetration resistance measurements.
There are other types of concrete testing equipment available from test cylinders to non-destructive testing methods such as rebound hammers, ultrasonic testing and permeability meters.
Yes! Testing can require extra cost, however, it is the only way of ensuring that your concrete meets the desired specifications. Testing activities should include compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, permeability, air content and chloride content.
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