What Is Concrete Testing and How Does It work

Ensuring the construction of a concrete structure meets the specified requirements is an important task. Concrete testing is an analysis intended to determine the structural integrity of the concrete. It’s usually a part of a more extensive inspection but can also serve as a stand-alone test. Many types of tests can be conducted on concrete.

These tests are vital because they inspect the re-emergence and integrity of a building. Keep reading to learn more about concrete testing and its works.

Procedures for Concrete Testing

Concrete Slump Testing

Concrete slump testing is done to determine how well newly mixed concrete flows. To ensure that the quality of the concrete is uniform throughout the building process, it is done from batch to batch. The slump test is the simplest, least expensive, and fastest way to determine if the concrete is workable.

Air Content Testing

Concrete is tested for air content to see if the supplied concrete complies with the engineer’s air content requirements. Air-entrained concrete is frequently requested in regions of the country where damage from frost is possible. The pressure technique is commonly used to assess the amount of air in freshly laid, normal-density concrete.

Density Testing

To determine the unit weight or density of the concrete, fresh concrete is weighed after being poured within a container with a defined capacity. This container must be at least .20 cubic feet and have a known volume. Then the container is weighed to record that value to the nearest tenth of a pound.

Compressive Strength Lab Test

This test gives a general concept of all the properties of concrete. The compressive strength of concrete depends on many factors such as water-cement ratio, cement strength, quality of concrete material, quality control during concrete production, and so on.

All of these components are tested on a cube or a cylinder to record the overall compressive strength of the concrete.

Flexural Testing

The flexural test evaluates the tensile strength of concrete indirectly. It considers a concrete beam or slab’s resistance to failure due to bending. Flexural strength is assessed by loading 6 x 6 inch (150 x 150mm) concrete beams with a span length of at least three times the depth. Furthermore, bigger beam specimens would lower the measured concrete flexural strength.

Concrete testing can be helpful for any homeowner or contractor who is building a new structure. It provides an accurate reading of the concrete strength and allows contractors to make any needed adjustments before problems arise. Concrete testing can also monitor an existing foundation or structure to ensure it’s safe and sound.

Skyline Engineering is the best choice if you are wondering where to get the concrete testing done for your building! With our expert engineers, we can concrete test your installation and avoid future damages.