I have been in 13 years in the quality assurance and quality control field and I already experienced about concrete works on site. How it will be cast? How it will be cured? And how it will be placed? The most important aspect of concrete is “How it will be checked and eventually be tested?” You as a quality engineer should know about these quality tests of concrete.
By the way, before we go farther, I will give the most common meaning of concrete.
“Concrete is a composite material that consists essentially of a binding medium within which are embedded particles or fragments of aggregates, usually a combination of fine aggregates and coarse aggregates; in Portland-cement concrete, the binder is a mixture of a Portland-cement and water, with or without admixtures.”
In order to determine the quality of concrete on site, it shall undergo quality tests. Here are 6 common quality tests on concrete before and after completion of casting on site.
1. Slump test before leaving the batching plant and on arrival on site
This is to determine the workability of concrete in terms of slump test. After batching the concrete, a sample of fresh concrete shall be taken to test for slump tests and the samples for compressive strength test be taken too. This is to make sure that the batched concrete is complying with the mix design before it’s released from the batching plant.
Upon arrival on site, a sample of fresh concrete shall be tested with slump test again, but temperature shall be checked with the calibrated thermometer beforehand. Three cubes or cylinders of samples shall be taken for compressive strength tests, these will be the samples from the site.
You might ask “What is a slump?” And “Why there is plus or minus sign (+/-) in the slump?” You may go ahead with this article The definition of construction terms to see the meaning of slump. The plus or minus sign is the symbol of tolerance of slump. Let say for example the slump of approved concrete design mix for your suspended slab is 150 mm +/- 25. It means that the drop of concrete after the slump cone is removed should not be more than 175 mm nor less than 125 mm.
2. Compressive strength test (this a common quality tests of concrete)
Three samples of cubes or cylinders shall be taken for compressive strength test, but it is not commonly three samples, sometimes it is two depending on the specification. You might ask why sometimes, is there an extra of one sample? Good that you asked. This one sample extra shall be tested “if!” the two cubes or cylinders samples are tested from the three and if it is failed and the remaining sample is passed. If the consultant is not satisfied with the result (definitely not!) and he wishes to test the extra one. It shall be tested in 60 days.
You might ask why again, because if the concrete cube fails at 28 days the concrete cubes might be having a slow gaining strength, but the required strength might be achieved after 60 days, especially those concrete having pozzolanic cement and cement replacement that has GGBS and FA.
So don’t forget to save extra samples.
3. Water Permeability test
A water permeability test is one of the tests to determine the durability of concrete. Three cubes shall be taken from fresh concrete and tested in accordance with the German Standard DIN 1048 at 28 days age. This kind of test shall be taken from substructures concrete elements like foundations, concrete water tank, retaining wall, etc. The frequency of the water permeability test can be found in this article The Frequency of Various Tests.
4. Rapid Chloride Ion Penetration Test
Like water permeability test, this is also one of the tests to determine the durability of concrete. Three cubes shall be taken from fresh concrete delivered on site and tested at 28 days age. The test shall be done in accordance with ASTM C1202-97.
5. Water Absorption Test
Here is the other test that would determine the durability of concrete. The three cube samples shall be taken from the delivered fresh concrete and kept it in the curing tank for 28 days or after 24 hours the concrete sample would be demoulded and it will be sent directly to the approved third-party laboratory to ensure its curing. The size of the cube sample is 150 mm and tested in accordance with BS 1881-122.
6. Initial Surface Absorption Test
Three cubes samples shall be taken from the fresh concrete delivered on site. It shall be cured and placed inside the curing tank for 28 days prior to testing. The sample is to be tested in accordance with BS 1881-208.
The water permeability test, Rapid Chloride Ion Penetration test, water absorption test, and the initial surface absorption test tests to determine the durability of concrete. To determine its ability to resist weathering action, chemical attack and any process of deterioration.
If you have supplements on the above concrete test of concrete you can write on the comment box below.
Asphalt quality testing are mainly used for roadways or pavements in construction projects because of their exceptional binding properties and waterproofing qualities together with relatively low cost.
So much has changed to ambush researchers to the point of frustration. Cement is now more alkaline than it was in the past (CKD introduced into the cement production). This creates a concrete surface that is more permeable, porous and using current best practices for curing, will still yield concrete of insufficient long-term durability. The “way too relied upon” 28 day compression test cannot be used to make such determinations.
Good discussion which is useful in many ways.
Great info, thanks for sharing it. Concrete Mix Ratio
Thanks for stopping by.
Great Job. you doing well in your field.i am also an engineer and a youtuber,make videos about civil engineirng problems.here is the link . https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqu1wk0spE_fo9YonwjRJUQ
Nice article on Test on concrete, I’m also a blogger and I have written on following topics :
Types of Cement
Various Tests on Cement
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC
Thank you.
Amazing Post! The video is useful to explain the necessary quality tests of concrete. Keep sharing such valuable information.
1:do you have any IDEA about problem solving tolls that can be used during quality investigation?
2:(Continual improvement) requirements of ISO 9001:2015
3:three process the improvement tools that can be used to fulfill
This is not a reply but a question.
What are the effects of curing delay on the strength of concrete materials?
Hi Byron,
You might want to say “effects of curing delay on the strength of concrete.”
1. There will be CRACK on concrete. The crack will develop if you will delay the curing and that is called thermal crack because the concrete is exposed to the direct sunlight, the rate of drying is very high and then definitely a huge impact will come “the NCR.” I think we can also consider NCR as the effect of delay of curing although it is the Result of the Effect.
2. Concrete will gain an early strength which is not advisable. The concrete because of the heat of hydration is faster, therefore, it creates porosity and so may result in the permeability of concrete failure.
I am hoping that the above answers your question.
Great post
It’s interesting how water permeability and water absorption have two separate quality tests when it comes to concrete. As a child, I often found it fascinating to see some minor concrete repairs being done in my school and often wondered how they are tested for durability. Now that I am getting my own house built I am reminded of that time in the past and realized that that curiosity will actually be relevant in the present.
Yes, as we grow we learn. And now we are utilizing that earned knowledge to make us safe.
Very Good article, our company is work for the concrete laser screed machine. The website is https://www.hkfloormach.com. Colud you help us write a aricle like that?
Many thanks!
Thanks for your comment. For business inquiries, you can contact me at [email protected].
Sharing your knowledge with us is really appreciated.
Thank you so much, sir.
Really you are doing a great job.
Nice article. If you want to learn more please visit https://www.civilengrr.com
Awesome blog! I am loving it!! I Will be back later to read some more.Thank you so much..!!!
Follow : https://www.civilengrr.com
Nice thanks for your precious information.
Also visit : https://www.civilengrr.com/how-to-check-quality-of-cement-on-site/
Creep test is an interesting topic i believe that is rarely discussed
Wow! Just by reading the comments I can learn a lot about Concrete Testing, or Quality Engineering in general. Thank you, Engr. Noel for inspiring me to become a QAQC Engineer.
Hi Jr,
Thank you for your comment and thanks for stopping by. Keep on commenting.
Hi
Just wanted to give you guys a heads up on a new tool for concrete and cement testing on site with instant results.Quickest concrete test method yet.
The instrument designed to accelerate traditional laboratory concrete and cement strength tests.
BS EN 12390 and 196-1 standard strength test accuracy in minutes with less effort.Simple and instantaneous test procedure
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Hand held with innovative user friendly interface
Data logging and USB results transfer to your PC or Mac
Always at fingertips thanks to Kit briefcase
If you require more info on this please use the link below and quote ref ARCH 1968
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Hi sir, the quality control of concrete career is good.
Hi Noel, I really appreciate you helping me learn more about different concrete tests. I am not familiar with these actually, however, I did find water permeability test a bit familiar. Nonetheless, I’d be interested to learn more material testing for future reference. Cheers and more power, thanks!
Hi,
Nice conversation between you all.
Could you please suggest me how much kn require to crush M50 mould?
For a cube of size 150*150*150, concrete grade M50
at 28 days-50*22.5=1125Kn
and at 7 days=753.75Kn
How to know 1, 3,and 14 day strength
Sir Noel,
How to buy your ebooks about method statement, ITP’s and PQP if don’t have
credit card or Paypal account?
Ricky Sese
Dear Sir.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge, I appreciate highly your article.
So, how about Air content test?
In my project, for Concrete work, we always carry out Air content test? How about your project? Do you carry out the same test?
Hi Nguyen,
We did that only during the trial mix.
Good write it really help
Thank you sir
Thank you sir, it served my quest!!
Hi Noel Sir , I really thank you for doing this amazing work.
Can you make a blog about ASTM, ACI Standards etc, so that we have a clear idea about this?
Hi Mohd,
I’m gonna do it for you. Thank you for the comment. If you have more ideas that you would like me to write, feel free to comment it again.
Regards,
The write up was awesome and broaden my mind as a fresh civil engineering graduate.
Wouldn’t mind talking to you personally as a mentor.
Thank you.
I am preparing a course just watch for it. It’s kind of like a mentorship though. Thanks a lot, Ayoyemi.
Hi,
How do you test concrete readiness for finishing? The footprint test seems very imprecise as it can vary with weight of tester and measurement of depth can vary with perception of top and bottom of slope.
Hi, this my question .
Discuss the simple test which defines quality of water that should be used in production of concrete? can you please answer that ?what is the test?
When you feel that water is used for drinking that itself opt for concrete. If you feel salty then go for temporary hardness test for water
Dear sir,
Kindly share the details of all soil investigation tests like CBR, Procotor, PSD, Soil Penetration Test, Unconfined Compression test, Description of soils and Soil Liquid Limit plastic limit and Plasticity Index.
Thanks you very much
That is a good idea, I join request
But mainly this is for GEOTECH or SOIL engineering, but yeah if Engr Noel could do it why not. just saying.
Can you pls tell us something about temperature test, poring temperature and what is the maximum and minimum environment temperature required during pouring of concrete?
Dear Sir.
Is there any test for the fresh concrete, freshly come to the site to ensure Strength of the concrete? Or we should wait for 3,7 and 28 days for cube results.
Kishor
Hi
There is a machine for testing cement and concrete on site which will give you the results straight away.
BS EN 12390 and 196-1 standard strength test accuracy in minutes with less effort.
Simple and instantaneous test procedure
Determines compressive strength of concrete, compressive and flexural strength of the cement, cement quantity and water consumption
Hand held with innovative user friendly interface
Data logging and USB results transfer to your PC or Mac
Always at fingertips thanks to Kit briefcaseThis is a new machine and if you would like to know more please email me
[email protected]
Sir are they hiring female QAQC Engineers in UAE? hoping for your reply. thank you.
Yes, two of my friends are female QAQC Engineers.
Just starting in concrete QC. Your blog is tremendously helpful. Thanks.
Welcome. Thank you for being here.
Thanks to give such knowledge about qa/qc, it will help me
Thanks to give such knowledge about qa/qc, it will help me.
Welcome. Thanks for being here.
Please contact me, I need a comprehensive book which is able to explain all test carried out on civil engineering material. -Tanpure Anil mobile no.9764999592 & 9130040070
How to detect cavities formed in concrete ?
Sir do you know what are the quality test we do when we use recycled aggregrates?
Very interesting blogs for us who are in line with Qa/Qc profession..Thanks sir Noel….Can you also discuss what are the quality test needed in Asphalt paving works.
Hi Rodel, thank you and welcome. I will try that just watch for it.
My family owns a big old house and we decided to rebuild it. Believe it or not, we got everything else but forgot about the concrete. So I started calling companies to deliver some fast, I finally got lucky and found these guys http://atlantconcrete.com/. Really fast delivery!
Really Appreciate your work.
Thanks.
Great Blog sir
Thank you.
If compressive strength 28 days is failed, what structural safety should be taken ? which type of test require ? …A question arise in municipality exam in DUBAI ………
I really don’t know what’s the exact answer but my presumptive answer is 1. If it is suspented slab, the structural safely shall provide exclusion zone of the area. 2. Compressive test; Spare cubes sample shall be tested in 56 days. Because the concrete might achieve the specifield strength at 56 days.
As far i know— NDT ( NON destructive test ) & finally load test should be done….(A.) Schmitt hammaer test – for hardend concrete (B) cylindrical test by taking non disturb sample by core drill test (c) Load test
The most nearest answer for me is “Coring/Core drill” and this would be the option when you don’t want to do the 56 days test of spare cube because you know it is quite long to wait for another 28 days.
Non destructive test is something that you will not destroy the specimen. So, the test involves here is X-ray, radiographic evaluation, rebound hammer, integrity test etc.
Load test is considered as destructive test.
There is reason why I would take the way of testing the 56 days test of spare concrete cube sample.
Hi
If 28 days strength has failed, then a core sample may be taken for assessment of strength and also non-destructive test method may be adopted to find out strength. If strength of concrete is lesser than expected, then the structure shall be re-validated with a structural expert for acceptance or rejection.
If acceptable from the structural point of view, then a reduction in the price shall be made to compensate for the reduced strength.
Engineer in charge shall make the assessment for a reduction in price.
I hope you got the answer.
Sir, I studied b.tech in civil engineering but I don’t want to study more, so please suggest me which is good field in civil engineering?
If you mean about career you can go for quality engineering field. Or go for what you are passionate about. Just ask yourself “what I am passionate about?’ Follow your intuition.
Hi
I was reading this article and it is very informative. I am looking for the quality inspection cost per sq. foot of the poured concrete. For example, when the concrete is poured it is not leveled evenly. So to check the level, in sufficient concrete pour etc are tested by the inspector. I am trying to ascertain the cost of quality inspection.
Do you guys have any statistics or a standard formula to ascertain this value?
If you can help would be great just send to my email address.
Regards,
Mangesh Mavinkurve
Hello Mangesh,
Firstly, thank you for reading my blog.
If you mean getting the volume of correct level of concrete or slab. You can approach the Land Surveyor to get the designed level from the current level of the concrete so that you can compute the volume required. Once you get the amount of concrete per volume then you can convert the cost per area. You can approach also your Quantity Surveyor, he is the one who could help you with statistic or formula kind of thing.
Sir, what about the quality of bricks . Are there any quality tests?
Yes it can be tested with comprehensive test.
Firstly, it is not allowed to add water to the concrete. Adding water shall result of poor compressive strength of concrete.
Yes the concrete can be tested via rebound hammer test especially concrete wall. Yes it is reliable, it is used by Engineers since 1950 until today.
Welcome..
There was a time when our Engineer decided to add water to the concrete mixture while the pouring is ongoing. Is there any other way where we don’t have to get separate samples and test the existing structures instead? is hammer test reliable?
There was a time at our site when the Engineer decided to add water while the pouring is ongoing. Is there any other way that we can test the concrete without getting separate samples but test the structures itself? Is hammer test reliable? Thanks.
It is true that concrete is a highly crucial ingredient for any construction project, therefore testing the concrete remains immensely important for building professionals. You have effectively described various types of test that should be implemented for preparing high-quality concrete. I came to know about many types of test like slump test and surface absorption test. Thanks for the useful post on concrete.
Thank you for the compliments Matt. And thank you for stopping by.