A Fundamental Hammering Sound Test to assess the Degree of Deterioration in Reinforced Concrete Structure

Abstract

Conventional hammering method is the most common used inspection tools in the industry. This method requires skilled inspector to inspect. However, it is cheap and easy to use. This research is to associate spectral analyzer together with conventional analyzer to gather quantitative data. Research was conducted on both laboratory and site testing. Laboratory specimens were created with polystyrene replicating the defects. The depths and thickness were determined to vary the degree of defects. The sound pressure produced from the impact of the hammer is then evaluated with the degree of defect. From laboratory testing, healthy mortar specimen produced higher sound pressure than defective mortar specimens. The void affected the results on the defective mortar specimen. Finishing surface (plastering) also affected the sound pressure produced. Plastering on reinforced concrete (RC) structure plays huge role in inspecting as the bonding of the plastering can affect the sound pressure produced. Conventional hammering can be associated with spectral analyzer to inspect existing RC structures. Conventional hammering can replace other expensive NDT method such as infrared thermography, GPR, and etc.