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 42-
87.
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
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
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 length-
to-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. 2 Compression machine
 Concrete Core Testing
4. Correction of Test Result
Compressive strength obtained from core 5. Backfilling the Drilled Hole
sample has to be corrected before it can be used After drilling is completed and good core
due to the size of sample is smaller than standard samples are obtained, drilled hole should be
cylinder (6”dia.x12”). The test result may also grouted using non-shrink cement.
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.

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

95
PERCENT

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 For more information, please contact:
Determination of test result should conform STS Engineering Consultants Co., Ltd.
with ACI Standard guidelines as follow. Quality Assurance Division
Compressive strength of each core sample should 196/10-12 Soi Pradipat 14, Pradipat Road,
exceed 75 percent of required ultimate strength and Samsennai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400
the average of three samples should exceed 85
Tel. : 0-2618-4288 (10 lines) ext. 265
percent.
Fax : 0-2279-8507, 0-2618-6373
http://www.sts.co.th
Version 1.0 Copyright © 2004 by STS