Evaluation of the mechanical integrity of a concrete surface by means of combined destructive methods

Abstract

As a good bond between the repair and the old concrete is required, the soundness of the prepared surface has to be carefully assessed. This paper presents the results of an investigation intended to assess and compare quantitatively different test methods, namely the rebound hammer and the pull-off test, to evaluate superficial mechanical integrity of a prepared substrate. Although it does not yield a precise evaluation of compressive strength, the rebound hammer test is recognized as a useful tool for performing quick surveys to assess concrete uniformity. The pull-off test is very well correlated with the splitting-tensile test, but it is not suited for vertical and overhead surfaces. It appears from the results generated in this study that the combination rebound hammer / pull-off test could verywell fill the needs for the evaluation of prepared horizontal surfaces. © 2014 Taylor & Francis Group.