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Tests on buildings and structures

There are various tests that may be undertaken on buildings and structures. The selection of the most appropriate tests will depend on the particular structure being considered, the nature of the inspection and the reasons for carried it out. Details of the various tests shown in bold are given under separate headings.

Common tests include determining the reinforcement depth, carbonation depth and cores to determine the strength of the concrete. For industrial and storage structures, tests for the resistance to noxious liquids may be required.

Less common tests include near-surface strength tests, rebound hammer and ultrasonic pulse velocity. Extracted samples will be used for laboratory testing to determine cement content and for petrographic tests (see separate entry and Concrete Society Technical Report 71, Concrete petrography: An introductory guide for the non-specialist).

Infrequently tests such as thermography, radar and gamma radiography may be used. Note that tests on marine, highway and buried structures are considered separately.

Acknowledgement: The Concrete Society

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TR54 Diagnosis of deterioration in concrete structures- identification of defects, evaluation an

TR71 Concrete petrography

TG2 Guide to testing and monitoring the durability of concrete structures