Critical Analysis of Non-Destructive Testing Methods for Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) Buildings

Abstract

Such methods as the Rebound Hammer Test (RHT) and the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) Test could be applied to determine the integrity and performance of the Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) structures using such an approach as Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). The paper is a critical review of these approaches in an attempt to assess its effectiveness, limitations and how they can be bettered in future. The RHT is a fairly fast determination of the surface hardness providing an approximation of the compressive strength, but its accuracy could be determined by the state of the surface. The UPV test in its turn ascertains the inner quality of concrete and gives valuable information on the homogeneity of the material and the existence of a defect in material such as a void or a crack. The two methodologies of gathering data were compared against each other in a bid to highlight structural disparities and potential flaws of the RCC structures. The analysis shows that both tests can be applied in specific purposes, however, when combined, by relying on the newest technological solutions, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), the diagnostic character of NDT would be significantly enhanced. In this paper, emphasis will be laid on the necessity to refine these techniques and opportunities of their further usage in the future to improve the RCC building assessment and maintenance practice.