FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

PASIR GUDANG

LABORATORY MANUAL

COURSE

CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIALS

COURSE CODE

ECS 256

LEVEL OF OPENNESS

CATEGORY

TRADITIONAL

DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED (%)

PERIOD OF ACTIVITY

1 WEEK (WEEK 1)

TITLE

NON-DESTRUCTIVE (NDT) MEASUREMENT OF CONCRETE

1.1 Introduction
The traditional methods of conducting laboratory activities will not be able to provide the
avenue for students to enhance independent learning activities and inculcate creativity and
innovation. Level 0 is fully prescriptive where problem, ways & means and answers are
provided to the students. However it is still necessary especially to first and second year
students.

1.0
PREAMBLE

In this laboratory activity students will be exposed to the types of non-destructive test that
can be applied to the concrete in order to identifying deficiencies in concrete.
1.2 Objective
The objective of the test is:
- To identify deficiencies in concrete where to investigate the strength of the structural
concrete member
1.3 Learning Outcomes
At the end of the laboratory activity, students would be able to:
1. Organize and conduct non-destructive laboratory experiment.
2. Classify the strength according to standard.
3. Analyse data correctly and present in typical format.
4. Work in a group to produce technical report.
1.4 Theoretical Background
Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials for a wide variety of
structural and architectural elements. But concrete can suffer from several forms of inservice deterioration. The most common deterioration modes are corrosion-induced
delamination and spilling. The corrosion process is driven by moisture and oxygen that
can permeate the concrete. Freeze-thaw damage can also deteriorate in-service
concrete. This is a progressive deterioration of the concrete material caused by the
entrance of water (into the concrete pores) that subsequently expands when it freezes,
introducing tensile stresses that can cause concrete to crack. Freeze-thaw damage leads
to a generalized deterioration of the concrete strength properties, widespread cracking,
spilling, and eventually loss of section.
In addition to in-service deterioration, construction related factors can undermine concrete
durability. These include low cover, honeycombing, and voids. Discontinuities introduced
during construction can lead to poor durability, reduced load carrying capacity, and poor
aesthetic quality of the finished concrete.
Non-Destructive (NDT) measurement provides cost-effective and reliable methods for
identifying deficiencies in concrete. NDT test methods are used to determine hardened

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PASIR GUDANG

LABORATORY MANUAL

concrete properties and to evaluate the condition of concrete in deep foundations,

bridges, buildings, pavements, dams and other concrete construction.
Several types of NDT that are commonly use include:
i.
Rebound Hammer test
ii.
Ultra Sonic Pulse Velocity or Pundit test
iii.
Rebar locator test
iv.
Half-cell test
v.
Windsor probe
Every method of non-destructive test have its own boundary and which mean the method
cannot afford an accurate and consistence result for difference cases and to detect
different defect.
The NDT methods are applied to concrete construction for four primary reasons:
1. Quality control of new construction;
2. Troubleshooting of problems with new construction;
3. Condition evaluation of older concrete for rehabilitation;
4. Purposes; and
5. Quality assurance of concrete repairs.
NDT can access parameters such as:
i.
Density
ii.
Strength
iii.
Surface hardness
It is able to check the quality of workmanship and structural stability as it can also detect
voids and cracking in concrete or other materials.
NDT technologies are evolving and research continues to enhance existing methods and
develop new methods. The report is intended to provide an overview of the principles of
various NDT methods being used in practice, and to summarize their applications and
limitations. The emphasis is placed on methods that have been applied to measure
physical properties other than the strength of concrete in structures, to detect flaws or
discontinuities, and to provide data for condition evaluation.
2.0
PROBLEM
STATEMENT

The group is required to carry out non-destructive test following the procedures outline and
subsequently analyse the data and present it in a proper technical format.
3.1 Apparatus
3.1.1 UPV/ PUNDIT Test
Pundit test equipment, pencil, ruler and concrete elements specimen (cracking line).

3.0
WAYS &
MEANS

Figure 3.1: Pundit Test Equipment

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PASIR GUDANG

LABORATORY MANUAL

Procedures (PUNDIT)
i.

ii.

iii.
iv.

v.
vi.

vii.

viii.

Preparing for use:

Before switching on the V meter, the
transducers should be connected to the sockets marked TRAN and REC.
the V meter may be operated with either:
a. The internal battery
b. An external battery
c. The A.C. line
Set reference:
A reference bar is provided to check the
instrument zero. The pulse time for the bar is engraved on it. Apply a smear
of grease to the transducer faces before placing it on the opposite ends of the
bar. Adjust the SET REF control until the reference bar transit time is
obtained on the instrument read-out.
Range selection:
For maximum accuracy, it is recommended that
the 0.1 microsecond range be selected for path length up to 400 mm.
Pulse velocity:
Having determined the most suitable test points
on the material to be tested, make careful measurement of the path length
L. Apply couplant to the surfaces of the transducers and press it hand onto
the surface of the material.
Do not move the transducers while a reading is being taken, as this can
generate noise signals and errors in measurements.
Continue holding the transducers onto the surface of the material until a
consistent reading appears on the display, which is the time in microsecond
for the ultrasonic pulse to travel the distance L.
The mean value of the display readings should be taken when the units digit
between two values.
Pulse velocity = (Path length / Travel time)
Separation of transducer leads:
It is advisable to prevent the two
transducer leads from coming into close contact with each other when the
transit time measurements are being taken. If this is not done, the receiver
lead might pick-up unwanted signals from the transducer lead and this would
result in an incorrect display of the transit time.

3.1.2 Rebound Hammer

Rebound Hammer a spring-loaded steel hammer which when released strikes a steel
plunger in contact with the concrete surface.
Test anvil a 6 inch diameter by 6 inch long high-carbon steel cylinder hardened to
Rockwell 65-67C.
Abrasive stone silicon carbide of medium grain texture.

Figure 3.2: Concrete Test Hammer

Procedures (rebound hammer)
1. Before commencement of a test, the rebound hammer should be tested against the
test anvil, to get reliable result, for which the manufacturer of the rebound hammer
indicates the range of readings on the anvil suitable for different types or model.
Check the hammer reading with the testing anvil before and after testing.

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PASIR GUDANG

LABORATORY MANUAL

2. Firmly hold the instrument in a position that allows the plunger to strike vertically
downward against the test anvil and verify that the rebound hammer provides the
rebound number specified. Be sure to follow the same procedure as for testing the
subsequent concrete test surface. Note that the test anvil shall be placed on a solid
surface, e.g., concrete floor.
3. Grind and clean the concrete surface using the abrasive stone.
4. Firmly hold the instrument in a position that allows the plunger to strike
perpendicularly to the concrete test surface.
5. Gradually increase the pressure on the plunger until the hammer impacts.
6. Examine the impression; if the impact crushes or breaks through a near surface void,
discard the reading.
7. After impact, record the rebound number to the nearest whole number. The mean of
each set of reading shall be calculated using all the readings.
3.3 Data Acquisition
Table 3.1: Comparative Hardness for Rebound Hammer
Average Rebound
> 40
30 40
20 30
< 20
0

Quality of Concrete
Very good
Good
Fair
Poor and / or delaminated
Very poor and / or delaminated

Table 3.2: Classification of Concrete Grading for Pundit Test

Pulse Velocity
(m/second)
Above 4.5
3.5 to 4.5
3.0 to 3.5
Below 3.0

Quality of Concrete (Grading)

Excellent
Good
Medium
Doubtful

Report
1) Report the test date, type of concrete, and estimated unconfined compressive strength.
2) Hammer orientation, i.e., downward, upward, horizontal, or at a specific angle.
3) Average rebound number to the nearest whole number.

4.0 Results, Analysis and Conclusion

The group is required to submit the technical report of the laboratory results highlighting the
data acquisition process, analysis carried out and the relevancy of the set-out output to achieve
the objective.
Determine. Find related formula to calculate these parameter:
1. the pulse velocity, V;
2. the modulus of elasticity, E and;
3. the mass density, .
4.0
RESULTS

A1
A2
A3
A4
A5

B1
B2
B3
B4
B5

C1
C2
C3
C4
C5

D1
D2
D3
D4
D5

E1
E2
E3
E4
E5

Figure 4.1: Example Sample Cracking Line at Wall / Column / Slab

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PASIR GUDANG

LABORATORY MANUAL

a. The results of rebound hammer on the elements were analysed by determine the
average value of each point.
Structure
element
Wall

Grid
No.
A1
B2
C3
D3
E4

Reading
(Rb)

Compressive load
(N/mm2)

Remark /
comment

Average
Classification
Table 4.1: Rebound Hammer Data Table
b. The results of Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV)/ PUNDIT Test on the elements were
analysed by determine the average value of each point.
Structure
element

Grid
No.

Wall

A1
B2
C3
D3
E4

Specimen
Defects
(visual inspection)

Specimen
Dimension

Time, t
(s)

Pulse
Velocity
V=L/t
(m/s)

Remark/
comment

Average
Classification
Table 4.2: UPV/PUNDIT Test Data Table
*The format of the report is left to the creativity and discretion of the group.
The report must be submitted 7 days after the completion of the test.