TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT

ON

NONDESTRUCTIVETESTING
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Academic requirements for the award of

Bachelor of Technology in
Civil Engineering
Submitted
By

K.GOURI SHANKER GOUD (10J41A0117 )

MALLA REDDY ENGINEERING COLLGE

(Afillated to JNTU, Hyderabad)
Maisammaguda, Dhulapally ( Post Via Kompally) Secunderabad ,500100

ABSTRACT

Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods are techniques used to obtain information

about the properties or internal condition of an object without damaging the object. Nondestructive testing is a descriptive term used for the examination of materials and
components in such way that allows materials to be examined without changing or
destroying their usefulness. NDT is a quality assurance management tool which can give
impressive results when used correctly. It requires an understanding of the various
methods available, their capabilities and limitations, knowledge of the relevant standards
and specifications for performing the tests. NDT techniques can be used to monitor the
integrity of the item or structure throughout its design life.

CHAPTER - 1

INTRODUCTION

Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods are techniques used to obtain information

about the properties or internal condition of an object without damaging the object. Nondestructive testing is a descriptive term used for the examination of materials and
components in such way that allows materials to be examined without changing or
destroying their usefulness. NDT is a quality assurance management tool which can give
impressive results when used correctly. It requires an understanding of the various
methods available, their capabilities and limitations, knowledge of the relevant standards
and specifications for performing the tests. NDT techniques can be used to monitor the
integrity of the item or structure throughout its design life.
The greatest disadvantage of the conventional methods of testing concrete lies in
the fact that in-situ strength of the concrete can not be obtained without damaging the
actual structure. Also the test specimens are destroyed, once the test is performed and
subsequent testing of the same specimens is not possible. Thus the effect of prolonged
curing, weathering action and other time dependent characteristics can not be correctly
calculated. No matter how well a concrete mix is designed, there are variations in mixing
conditions, amount of compaction or curing conditions at site which cause the variations
in the final product. The variability between the batches of concrete of the same mix
proportion is assessed by testing test specimens under load in the laboratory. Such tests
enable the variability of constituents of the mix to be controlled, but they can not take
into account the differences of compaction and actual curing conditions between the test
specimens and the corresponding concrete in a structure. It is these differences, which are
difficult to assess by conventional strength tests, Also, conventional method of testing is
not sufficient to predict the performance of the structures under adverse conditions e.g.
exposure to liquid, gas, and chemicals radiation, explosion, fire, extreme cold or hot
weather, marine and chemical environment. All such severe exposure conditions may
induce deterioration in concrete and impair the integrity, strength and stability of the

structure. Thus, conventional strength test does not give idea about the durability and
performance of the actual concrete in the structure. This gave the impetus to the
development of non-destructive methods for testing structural concrete in-situ.
Thus, NDT methods are extremely valuable in assessing the condition of
structures, such as bridges, buildings, elevated service reservoirs and highways etc. The
principal objectives of the non-destructive testing of concrete in situ is to assess one or
more of the following properties of structural concrete as below

In situ strength properties

Durability

Density

Moisture content

Elastic properties

Extent of visible cracks

Thickness of structural members having only one face exposed

Position and condition of steel reinforcement

Concrete cover over the reinforcement.

Reliable assessment of the integrity or detection of defects of concrete members

even when they are accessible only from a single surface.
The standard life of R.C.C. frame structure is considered to be in the range of 50-

60 years approximately depending upon the use and the importance of the structure. But
it has been observed that many of the buildings completing just 50% of their life in
coastal areas found to be in distressed condition and this needs the evaluation of the
strength of the building so that appropriate remedial action can be taken to improve
performance of the building depending upon the extent of deterioration of the structure.
Structure may also get damaged due to fire, earthquake, explosion, etc. there could be
loss of strength and reduction in area of cross section due to fire depending on intensity
of fire ,temperature, duration of fire and size of the structural member. Stability of such

member becomes critical. It is imperative to measure residual strength and assess stability
by NDT means.
Earthquake effects could prevail on all members calling resistance to deformation
and distortions by way of ductility and toughness available with them. The resulting
distress is more pronounced at beam column junction, shear and flexural zones due to
excessive deflection and deformations exhibited by way of surface and deeper penetrated
cracks. In such cases there is a loss of integrity and stability of the structure. NDT is the
only means to assess the extend of cracks and to decide weather any structural damage
has occurred. This decision will help to undertake appropriate restoration or improvement
strategy i.e. whether to go for simple grouting or strengthening of the member.
Due to explosion, structure is suddenly loaded by way of impact forces. The
structure may get heated up under high temperature generated by explosion and burn
partially and deform when it is under loads. Visible damage may immediately help to
decide for replacement of the member. But an invisible damage, which has distressed the
structure, needs assessment for integrity, loss of strength and stability. Assessment
through NDT can guide for reuse of the structure.
The Non Destructive Testing is being fast, easy to use at site and relatively less expensive
can be used for

To test actual structure instead of representative cube samples.

To test any number of points and at any location.

Quality control and quality assurance management tool

To assess the structure for various distressed conditions

Damage assessment due to fire, chemical attack, impact, age etc.

To detect cracks, voids, fractures, honeycombs and week locations

To monitor progressive changes in properties of concrete & reinforcement.

To assess overall stability of the structure

Monitoring repairs and rehabilitation systems

Scanning for reinforcement location, stress locations.

In the recent years significant advances have been made in Non-destructive

Testing techniques, equipments and methods.

5

There are occasions when the various performance characteristics of concrete in a

structure are required to be assessed. In most of the cases, an estimate strength of
concrete in the structure is needed although parameters like overall quality, uniformity
etc., also become important. The various methods that can be adopted for in-situ
assessment of strength properties of concrete depend upon the particular aspect of the
strength in question.

CHAPTER -2

NDT TECHNIQUES

2.1 NDT TECHNIQUES

The various Non destructive / partial destructive tests are as below
Group - I A: Non Destructive Tests for Concrete

Surface Hardness Tests Rebound Hammer Test

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test

Group - I B: Partially Destructive Tests for Concrete

Penetration Resistance Test (Windsor Probe)

Pull-out Test

Pull-off Test

Break-off Test

Core Cutting

Group - II: Other Properties of Fresh / Hardened Concrete

Chemical Tests

Cement Content & Aggregate / Cement Ratio

Sulphate Determination Test

Chloride Determination Test

Alkalinity Test

Carbonation Test

Absorption & Permeability Tests

Crack Monitor

Moisture Measurement

Abrasion Resistance Test

Fresh Concrete Tests For W/C Ratio And Compressive Strength

Group - III: Reinforcement location, size and corrosion

Rebar Locator & bar sizer
Corrosion mapping

Half-cell Potentiometer

Resistivity meter

Group - IV : Miscellaneous Test

Radiographic Test

X- Ray

Cobalt Gamma ray

TABLE NO.1
SELECTION OF NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTING METHOD
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Parameter

Test / Methods

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Concrete

Compressive Strength

Rebound Hammer,
Windsor Probe,
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity,
Core,
Capo
Pull-out
Combined Methods

Flexural Strength

Break-off

Direct Tensile Strength

Pull-off

Concrete Quality, Homogeneity

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity,

Pulse Echo,
Endoscopy,
Gamma Ray Radiography

Damage Fire / Blast

Rebound Hammer
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity

Cracks- Water Tanks / Pavements

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity,

Acoustic Crack Detector
Dye Penetration Test
X-Ray Radiography
9

Gamma-Ray Radiography
Crack Scope
Steel

Location, Cover, Size

Re Bar Locator, Bar Size

Corrosion

Half-Cell Potential
Resistivity
Carbonation
Chloride Content

Condition

Endoscope / Borescope

Integrity & Performance

Tapping
Pulse-Echo
Acoustic Emission
Rader
Load Test

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.1.1 SCHMIDTS REBOUND HAMMER TEST

OBJECTS
The rebound hammer method could be used for :

Assessing the compressive strength of concrete with the help of suitable corelations between rebound index and compressive strength

Assessing the uniformity of the concrete

Assessing the quality of concrete in relation to the standard requirements

Assessing the quality of one element of concrete in relation to another.(1)

10

Principle of test: The test is based on the principle that the rebound of an elastic
mass depends on the hardness of the surface upon which it impinges. When the plunger
of the rebound hammer pressed against the surface of the concrete, the spring controlled
mass rebounds and the extent of such rebound depend upon the surface hardness of
concrete. The surface hardness and therefore the rebound is taken to be relation to the
compressive strength of concrete. The rebound is read off along a graduated scale and is
designated as the rebound number or rebound index.

Fig.1 : Basic Features of Rebound Hammer

Working of rebound hammer: A schematic cut way view of schmidt rebound hammer
is shown in fig. 1. The hammer weight about 1.8 kg., is suitable for use both in a
laboratory and in the field. When the plunger of rebound hammer is pressed against the
surface of concrete, a spring controlled mass rebounds and the extent of such rebound
depends upon the surface hardness of concrete.
The rebound distance is measured on a graduated scale and is designated as
rebound number. Basically, the rebound distance depends on the value of kinetic energy
in the hammer, prior to impact with the shoulder of the plunger and how much of that
energy is absorbed during impact. The energy absorbed by the concrete depends on the

11

stress-strain relationship of concrete. Thus, a low strength low stiffness concrete will
absorb more energy than high strength concrete and will give a lower rebound number.

Fig.2 : Schematic Cross Section of Rebound Hammer & Principle of Operation

Method of testing (operation)

1. To prepare the instrument for a test, release the plunger from its locked position
by pushing the plunger against the concrete and slowly moving the body away
from the concrete. This causes the plunger to extend from the body and the latch
engages the hammer mass to the plunger rod.
2. Hold the plunger perpendicular to the concrete surface and slowly push the body
towards the test object. (The surface must be smooth, clean and dry and should
preferably be formed, but if trowelled surfaced are unavoidable, they should be
rubbed smooth with the carborundum stone usually provided with the equipment.
Loose material can be ground off, but areas which are rough from poor
compaction, grout loss, spalling or tooling must be avoided, since the results will
be unreliable).
3. As the body is pushed, the main spring connecting the hammer mass to the body
is stretched. When the body is pushed to the limit, the latch is automatically
released and the energy stored in the spring propels the hammer mass towards the
plunger tip. The mass impacts the shoulder of the plunger rod and rebounds.

12

4. During rebound, the slide indicator travels with the hammer mass and records the
rebound distance. A button on the side of the body is pushed to lock the plunger in
the retracted position and the rebound number is read from the scale.
The test can be conducted horizontally, vertically upward or downward or at any
intermediate angle. Due to different effects of gravity on the rebound as the test
angle is changed, the rebound number will be different for the same concrete. This
will require separate calibration or correction charts, given by the manufacturer of
the hammer.
Correlation procedure: Each hammer is provided with correlation curves developed by
the manufacturer using standard cube specimens. However, the use of these curves is not
recommended because material and testing conditions may not be similar to those in
effect when the calibration of the instrument was performed. A typical correlation
procedure is given as below:
1. Prepare a number of 150 mm cube specimens covering the strength range to be
encountered on the job site. Use the same cement and aggregates as are to be
used on the job. Cure the cubes under standard moist curing room conditions.
2. After capping, place the cubes in a compression testing machine under an initial
load of approximately 15% of the ultimate load to restrain the specimen. Ensure
that cubes are in saturated surface dry conditions.
3. Make 5 hammer rebound readings on each of four moulded faces without testing
the same spot twice and minimum 20 mm gap from edges.
4. Average the readings and call this the rebound number for the cube under test.
5. Repeat this procedure for all the cubes.
6. Test the cubes to failure in compression and plot the rebound numbers against the
compressive strength on a graph.
7. Fit a curve or a line by the method of least squares.
It is important to note that some of the curves deviate considerably from the
curves supplied with the hammer.

13

Limitations: Although the rebound hammer provides a quick inexpensive means of

checking the uniformity of concrete, it has serious limitations and these must be
understood clearly for interpretation of test results.
Factors affecting rebound number
The results of Schmidt rebound hammer are significantly influenced by the
following factors
(a) Smoothness of Test Surface
(b) Size, Shape and Rigidity of the Specimen
(c) Age of Test Specimen
(d) Moisture Condition
(e) Type of Coarse Aggregate
(f) Type of Cement
(g) Type of Mould
(h) Surface Carbonation
Influence of these factors has different magnitudes. Hammer orientation will also
influence the measured values, although correction factors can be used to allow for this
effect.
Precautions to be taken while using rebound hammer: The following precautionary
measures are taken while using the rebound hammer which may give rise to minimize
error

The surface on which the hammer strikes should be smooth and uniform.
Moulded faces in such cases may be preferred over the Trowelled faces.

The test hammer should not be used within about 20 mm from the edge of the
specimen.

Rebound hammer should not be used over the same points more than once.

The rebound test must be conducted closely placed to test points, on at least 10 to
12 locations while taking the average extremely high and low values of the index
number should be neglected.

14

2.1.2 NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF CONCRETE BY ULTRASONIC

PULSE VELOCITY METHOD
The ultrasonic pulse velocity method is used for non-destructive testing of plain,
reinforced and prestressed concrete whether it is precast or cast in-situ
Objects: The main objects of the ultrasonic pulse velocity method are to establish

The Homogeneity of the Concrete

The Presence of Cracks, Voids and other Imperfections

Changes in the Structure of the Concrete Caused by the Exposure Condition,

Corrosion, Wear etc. which may occur with time,

The Quality of the Concrete in Relation to the Specified Standard Requirements.

The Quality of One Element of Concrete in Relation to the Another.

The Values of the Dynamic Elastic Modulus of the Concrete.

Principle: This is one of the most commonly used method in which the ultrasonic pulses
generated by electro-acoustical transducer are transmitted through the concrete. In solids,
the particles can oscillate along the direction of sound propagation as longitudinal waves
or the oscillations can be perpendicular to the direction of sound waves as transverse
waves. When the pulse is induced into the concrete from a transducer, it undergoes
multiple reflections at the boundaries of the different material phases within the concrete.
A complex system of stress waves is developed which includes longitudinal
(Compressional), shear (Transverse) and surface (Rayleigh) waves. This transducers
convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations (transmit mode) and mechanical
vibration into electrical signals (receive mode). The travel time is measured with an
accuracy of +/- 0.1 microseconds. Transducers with natural frequencies between 20 kHz
and 200 kHz are available, but 50 kHz to 100 kHz transducers are common.
The receiving transducer detects the onset of the longitudinal waves which is the
fastest wave. Because the velocity of the pulses is almost independent of the geometry of
the material through which they pass and depends only on its elastic property. Under
certain specified conditions, the velocity and strength of concrete are directly related. The

15

common factor is the density of concrete; a change in the density results in a change in a
pulse velocity, likewise for a same mix with change in density, the strength of concrete
changes. Thus lowering of the density caused by increase in water-cement ratio decreases
both the compressive strength of concrete as well as the velocity of a pulse transmitted
through it.
Pulse Velocity method is a convenient technique for investigating structural
concrete. The underlying principle of assessing the quality of concrete is that comparative
higher velocities are obtained when the quality of concrete in terms of density,
homogeneity and uniformity is good. In case poorer quality of concrete, lower velocities
are obtained. If there is a crack, void or flaw inside the concrete which comes in the way
of transmission of the pulses, the pulse strength is attenuated and it passes around the
discontinuity, thereby making path length longer. Consequently, lower velocities are
obtained. The actual pulse velocity obtained depends primarily upon the material and the
mix proportion of the concrete. Density and modulus of elasticity of aggregate also
significantly affect the pulse velocity.
Transducers: Piezoelectric and magnetostrictive types of transducers are available in the
range of 20 kHz to 150 kHz of natural frequency. Generally, high frequency transducers
are preferable for short path length and low frequency transducers for long path lengths.
Transducers with a frequency of 50 to 60 kHz are useful for most all-round applications.

Fig. 3: Schematic Diagram of Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Method

16

There are three possible ways of measuring pulse velocity through concrete :
a. Direct Transmission (Cross Probing) through Concrete :

In this method

transducers are held on opposite face of the concrete specimen under test as
shown in fig. The method is most commonly used and is to be preferred to the
other two methods because this results in maximum sensitivity and provides a
well defined path length.
b. Semi-direct Transmission through Concrete :

Sometimes one of the face of

the concrete specimen under test is not accessible, in that case we have to apply
semi-direct method as shown in fig. In this method, the sensitivity will be smaller
than cross probing and the path length is not clearly defined.
c. Indirect Transmission (Surface Probing) through Concrete : This method of
pulse transmission is used when only one face of concrete is accessible. Surface
probing is the least satisfactory of the three methods because the pulse velocity
measurements indicate the quality of concrete only near the surface and do not
give information about deeper layers of concrete. The weaker concrete that may
be below a strong surface can not be detected. Also in this method path length is
less well defined. Surface probing in general gives lower pulse velocity than in
the case of cross probing and depending on number of parameters.

Fig. 4 : Different Methods of Propagating Ultrasonic Pulses through Concrete

17

Table 2 : Velocity Criteria For Concrete Quality Grading

As per Table 2 of IS 13311 ( Part 1 ) : 1992
Sr.

Pulse Velocity by Cross Probing

Concrete Quality

No.

( km/sec )

Grading

1.

Above 4.5

Excellent

2.

3.5 to 4.5

Good

3.

3.0 to 3.5

Medium

4.

Below 3.0

Doubtful

Note : In case of doubtful quality of concrete, it may be necessary to carry out further
tests.
Combined methods: There are different non-destructive testing methods which can be
broadly classified as those which measure the overall quality of the concrete, dynamic or
vibration methods like resonance frequency and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests and those
which involve measurement of parameters like surface hardness, rebound, penetration,
pull-out strength etc. are believed to be indirectly related to the compressive strength of
concrete. In addition, radiographic, radiometric, nuclear, magnetic and electrical methods
are also available. Since such non-destructive tests are at best indirect methods of
monitoring the particulars, characteristics of concrete. The measurements are influenced
by materials, concrete mix proportions and environmental factors. When the data of the
materials and mix proportions used in the construction are not available, as is often the
case. In view of the limitation of the methods for the predicting the strength of concrete
in the structure, IS 13311 ( Part 1 ) : 1992 Code has suggested to use combined method of
ultrasonic pulse velocity and rebound hammer methods to alleviate the errors arising out
of influence of materials, concrete mix proportions and environmental parameters on the
respective measurement.
The use of more than one methods are capable of providing useful information
and statically improved accuracy for estimation of in situ strength of concrete.

18

Combination of ultrasonic pulse velocity method and Schmidt rebound hammer may
result much better estimation of strength of concrete because the influence of certain
factors in the composition of the concrete and its curing are minimized.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE MEASUREMENTS OF PULSE VELOCITY

Smoothness of Concrete Surface under Test

Moisture Condition of Concrete

Influence of Path Length on Pulse Velocity

Lateral Dimensions.

Temperature of Concrete

Effect of Reinforcing BarsInfluence of stress

2.1.3 DETECTION OF CORROSION BY HALF-CELL POTENTIOMETER

REINFORCEMENT LOCATION, SIZE AND CORROSION
Steel shares about 40 to 70% of the load in RCC. During last few decades it has
been observed that, corrosion of reinforcement in severe in structures near seashore and
in the vicinity of chemical industries. A lot of attention is needed for detecting this
deterioration and protecting it with proper treatment. Thus due importance shall be given
for measuring the size of bar and the amount of corrosion.
PROFOMETER / REBAR LOCATOR AND BAR SIZER
Principle and Procedure: The reinforcement bar is detected by magnetising it and
inducing a circulating "eddy current" in it. After the end of the pulse, the eddy current
dies away, creating a weaker magnetic field as an echo of the initial pulse. The strength of
the induced filed is measured by a search head as it dies away and this signal is processed
to give the depth measurement. The eddy current echo is determined by the depth of the
bar, the size of bar and the orientation of the bar. This detection of location of
reinforcement is required as a pre process for core cutting.
Profometer is a portable battery operated magnetic device that can measure the
depth of reinforcement cover in concrete and detect the position of reinforcement bars,
19

Fig-. The basic principle in this method is that the presence of steel affects the field of
electromagnet. Fig- shows a typical circuitry diagram to locate rebars and cover includes
the probe unit and display unit.
In the typical Proformeter, the probe unit consists of a high permeable U-shaped
magnetic core on which two coils are mounted. An alternating current is passed through
one of these coils and the current induced in the other coil is measured. The induced
current depends upon the mutual inductance of the coils and upon the nearness of the
steel reinforcement.
Profometer is available in three models namely Model S, Model S+, and
Model SCANLOG. Model S is standard equipment and is used for locating rebars,
measuring concrete cover, storing and evaluation of data. It displays location of rebar and
concrete cover on a LCD monitor with x/y meter scale and values obtained can be printed
and down load to PC also.
Model S+ is similar but this software can print cyber scan data without PC.
Model SCANLOG is similar to S+ but it also includes integrated software for greyscale display of concrete cover and can give direct print out without PC. Using any of
above model rebars can be scanned over a defined area by connecting the mobile probe
first and following procedure is as follows :
a)

Select defined area from Basic Steps with scan area option

b)

Set bar diameter of first layer

c)

Select option Scanning Bar from menu.

d)

Press start to locate the rebars over selected area.

e)

The starting position of a mobile probe can be defined with the cursor and the
cursor is moved with arrow keys to locate the rebars. The cursor position is then
transferred to the measuring area. In similar way, other rebars in first layer is
marked Fig-. The rebars in second layer is also marked by moving probe in
other direction as shown in Fig. Cover is also simultaneously measured.

f)

Store the diagram showing the position of rebars in first and second layer and
concrete cover. Cyber scan print out can be obtained on a printer.

20

In the similar manner diameter of bar can also be determined. A typical

arrangement for measurement of bar diameter by using diameter prob. There are various
factors, which affect the Profometer results. These factors are: arrangement of
reinforcement, variation in the iron content of cement and use of aggregate with magnetic
properties, metal ties also affects the magnetic field. These factors should be considered
in interpretation of observations obtained from this instrument.
Applications of Profometer
Profometer is used for:
1. Determination of bar arrangement
2. Determination of cover of reinforcement
3. Determination of bar diameter

Fig.5 : Diameter of Rebar in I & II Layer

Reliability and Limitations: With this instrument a cover to reinforcement can be
measured up to 100 mm with an accuracy of + 15% and a bar diameter with an accuracy
of less than 2 to 3 mm. Proper calibration of these instruments is very essential. The
factors which affect the accuracy are very closely spaced bars or bundled bars, binding
wire, aggregate containing iron or magnetic properties.

21

1.

Reinforcement less than 10mm diameter, high tensile steel or deformed bars.
In these cases the indicated cover is likely to be higher than true value.

2.

Cover measured lower than the true value when special cement, including
high alumna or added pigments is used.

3.

Rebars in excess 32mm distance may require a recalibration.

CORROSION MAPPING
Reinforcement in concrete will not corrode if the protective iron oxide film
formed by the high alkaline condition of the concrete pore fluid with a pH around 13 is
maintained. This film gets destroyed by chlorides or by carbonation, if moisture and
oxygen are present, resulting in corrosion. In the corrosion process anodic and cathodic
areas are formed on the reinforcement, causing dissolution of the steel and the formation
of expansive corrosion products at the anode.
2.1.4 HALF-CELL POTENTIOMETER
Principle and Procedure: The instrument measures the potential and the electrical
resistance between the reinforcement and the surface to evaluate the corrosion activity as
well as the actual condition of the cover layer during testing. The electrical activity of the
steel reinforcement and the concrete leads them to be considered as one half of weak
battery cell with the steel acting as one electrode and the concrete as the electrolyte. The
name half-cell surveying derives from the fact that the one half of the battery cell is
considered to be the steel reinforcing bar and the surrounding concrete. The electrical
potential of a point on the surface of steel reinforcing bar can be measured comparing its
potential with that of copper copper sulphate reference electrode on the surface.
Practically this achieved by connecting a wire from one terminal of a voltmeter to the
reinforcement and another wire to the copper sulphate reference electrode. Then readings
taken are at grid of 1 x 1 m.

22

Fig.6: Half-cell Potential Test

The risk of corrosion is evaluated by means of the potential gradient obtained, the
higher the gradient, the higher risk of corrosion. The test results can be interpreted based
on the following table.
Table 3 : Half Cell Potential Corresponding to Percentage Chance of Corrosion
Activity(21)
Half-cell potential (mv) relative to Cu-Cu sulphate Ref.

% chance of corrosion

Electrode

activity

Less than -200

10%

Between -200 to -350

50% (uncertain)

Above -350

90%

Significance and Use: This method may be used to indicate the corrosion activity
associated with steel embedded in concrete. This method can be applied to members
regardless of their size or the depth of concrete cover. This method can be used at the any
time during the life of concrete member.
Reliability and Limitation: The test does not corrosion rate or whether corrosion
activity ahs already started, but it indicates the probability of the corrosion activity
depending upon the actual surrounding conditions. if this method used in combination

23

with resistivity measurement, the accuracy is higher. If the concrete surface has dried to
the extent that it is dielectric, then pre wetting of concrete is essential.
2.1.5 RESISTIVITY METER (RESI)
One of the major problems facing an engineer today is deterioration of concrete
member by corrosion of rebars. So it is prime concern to determine the state of corrosion
in the bars. For this several commercial equipments are available, one of these
commercial equipments available is Resistivity Meter (RESI). It is portable equipment
and can be easily operated.
RESI consists of a display unit and resistivity probe as shown in Fig. Display unit
consists of memory of 7200 values and power is supplied to the unit with the help of
batteries. Resistivity probe is available with integrated electronics for the measurements
by four-point method. In this method resistivity probe is connected with the display unit
to obtain brief display. All the functions are tested and checked before starting the
measurement process. After checking, unit probe is placed on the area to be measured.
Measurement can be done with grid to represent the resistivity value for a large area. The
grid of suitable size is marked on the surface and measurements are taken. There are
various factors which affect the observations such as moisture content, carbonation and
chloride contents, temperature, connection between probe and concrete.
For taking reliable measurements good contact between the foam pad of the
resistivity probe and the concrete surface is essential. Though resistivity meter is used to
monitor corrosion but if this technique is used with half-cell potential measurements, it
will give more accurate results and corroded zone can be monitored more efficiently.
Application: It is used to monitor corrosion in the steel bars by measuring the concrete
resistivity.

24

Limitation
1.

It is difficult to measure resistivity in very close reinforcement

2.

Carbonation may affect the resistivity

3.

It cannot be used where ambient change in temperature is there.

4.

Experience operator is required to handle this equipment.

25

CONCLUSION
In the era of 20th century rapid technology development is an essential part of our
work for quality assurance. While taking concrete in mind, it is a versatile construction
material and one of the most commonly used composite material in todays construction
industry. A proper technology for making concrete starts with good knowledge of
concrete materials; its judicious selection, proportioning, mixing, placing, compaction
and curing. This has to be supported with advanced testing technologies so as to assure
the safety and durability of structure with ease and perfection.

26

REFERENCES
1.

IS : 13311 ( Part 2 ) : 1992 Non-destructive Testing of Concrete Methods of Test,

Part 2 Rebound Hammer, BIS, New Delhi.

2.

IS: 13311 ( Part 1 ) : 1992 Non-destructive Testing of Concrete Methods of Test ,

Part 1 Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity, BIS, New Delhi.

3.

National Seminars on Potential of NDT for Quality Assurance and Diagnosis 24 th

February 2004 at Hotel Le Meridien, Andheri (E), Mumbai and Diagnosis &
Evaluation of Concrete Structures using Non-Destructive Techniques 25th & 26th
February, 2004, P.I.E.T. Campus, Pune organized by India Chapter of ACI.

4.

V.M. Malhotra, Testing Hardened Concrete : Nondestructive Methods, Published

jointly by The Lowa State University Press, Lowa and ACI, Michigan, 1976.

5.

"Workshop on Non-Destructive Testing of Concrete Structures" : 22nd Sep. 2000 :

Organized by The Institution of Engineers (India), Pune Local Centre

6.

Dr. A.K. Gupta and Dr. Ravi Kumar Sharma, Short term course on Non-destructive
Assessment of Structure (MOMDAS). Department of Structural Engineering,
M.B.M. Engineering College, Jodhpur

7.

E.A. Whitehurst, Evaluation of Concrete Properties from Sonic Tests, Published

jointly by The Lowa State University Press, Lowa and ACI, Michigan, 1967.

27

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