ABSTRACT
There is a wide variety of available methods and techniques for the non-destructive testing of structural concrete, which can be broadly divided into those which assess the concrete itself and those which are concerned with locating and determining the condition of the steel embedded in it. This chapter describes three well-established tests for concrete that are strictly non-destructive, more briefly discusses others that involve some minor damage to the concrete – the so-called partially destructive tests – and then lists and briefly comments on some other methods. An estimation of the strength of the concrete is often required, and therefore the degree of correlation of the non-destructive test measurement(s) with strength is important, and is discussed in each case. The specific need to assess the strength of in situ concrete has led to the development of a range of tests in which the surface zone is penetrated or fractured.
