Most construction projects require concrete as a material. However, the quality of the concrete used must be thoroughly tested, especially in construction projects with special structural requirements, such as earthquake-resistant buildings and high-rise buildings.
To minimize the risk of damage, concrete testing must be conducted to ensure that the specifications align with the project's needs.
Concrete testing is generally a mandatory procedure in medium to large-scale construction projects, such as the construction of apartments, bridges, dams, tunnels, and airports. These testing attempts are included in quality control, which significantly affects work safety and the sustainability of the building.
This article will explain the types of concrete testing and the factors that affect concrete strength. For that, before running the project, check out the following explanation!
Types of Concrete Testing Techniques
In reality, concrete testing can be done with several techniques. The following are some of the types of concrete testing techniques that you can do:
1. Compression Test
The first type of concrete testing is the compression test, which is done by measuring the strength of concrete to withstand compressive loads. The procedure takes place in a laboratory using a compressor machine.
The method is to apply pressure gradually to a cylindrical concrete sample until it is destroyed. Perform the compressive strength test several times within a certain period to obtain accurate results.
2. Tensile Test
In opposition to the compressive test, this type of concrete testing aims to determine the strength of concrete in resisting tensile forces. There are three methods in the tensile test, namely the direct tensile strength test, the split cylinder test, and the modulus of rupture test.
You should know that concrete is very strong in resisting compression, but weak in resisting tensile forces. Usually, the tensile strength is only about 15–20% of the compressive strength.
3. Slump Test
The slump test is a test that aims to determine the moisture content in concrete. Through the slump test, the viscosity of the concrete mixture can be detected to ensure compliance with standards or technical specifications in construction projects.
This concrete test technique is performed using an Abram cone (slump cone). The results are divided into three, namely true slump as a valid result, shear slump, which indicates that the mixture is not equal, and collapse slump, which indicates that the concrete mixture is too watery.
4. Core Drill
This type of concrete testing uses a core drill to take a finished core sample. Then, the sample will be tested with a crushing test in a concrete laboratory. Taking samples from the finished structure is both an advantage and a risk.
The advantage is that the results of this test can have a very high level of accuracy because it uses ready-made materials in the field. However, sampling can be risky because it is prone to hitting the concrete reinforcement and endangering the building structure.
5. Hammer Test
Hammer tests are run using concrete test equipment with a Schmidt hammer or rebound hammer. This concrete test technique aims to test the strength and stress characteristics of concrete, without performing destruction or destructive procedures.
The working mechanism of the hammer test is to give an impact load on the surface of the concrete. In general, hammer tests target 20 points on a column, beam, or floor plate.
The results of the hammer test are calculated using the standard deviation to determine the strength of the concrete and ensure whether the quality meets the standards.
6. UPVT (Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test)
Just like the hammer test, UPVT includes non-destructive testing and does not involve a destructive mechanism. The difference is that this concrete test is conducted by propagating ultrasonic waves through the concrete, then measuring the velocity to determine the quality of the concrete.
In general, UPVT is carried out using a concrete tester called PUNDIT (Portable Unit Non-Destructive Indicator Tester). The process of testing concrete with UPVT is relatively easy and fast because there is no need to destroy the structure, but the accuracy is relatively low.
7. Water Permeability Test
This concrete test is very important for building structures that interact directly with water, such as swimming pools and bridges. The purpose is to determine the ability of concrete to withstand water penetration and see the durability of concrete against water damage in the long term.
The testing mechanism is done by applying constant water pressure to the concrete surface for a certain period of time. Next, the concrete is split, and an examination is made of how deep the water can penetrate the concrete structure.
Functions of Concrete Test
Concrete testing is generally a mandatory procedure in many construction projects. This is because concrete testing has the following functions:
1. Determining the Strength and Reliability of Structures
Various concrete testing techniques, both destructive and non-destructive tests, play an important role in ensuring that concrete actually meets the strength and reliability standards set in the industry.
Concrete test results can be used to evaluate whether the structure is still suitable for use, needs to be repaired, or even replaced. This prevents potentially dangerous structural failures.
2. Avoiding Rework & Operational Cost Losses
By performing testing techniques such as compressive strength tests, slump tests, or UPVT, the quality and strength of concrete can be detected early on. So, if the concrete is deemed not up to standard, then immediate action can be taken before proceeding to the next process.
If the construction project has gone far enough and it turns out that the structure was built with defective concrete, just imagine how much it will cost to redo it.
Therefore, concrete testing is very important to avoid rework that can increase operational costs
3. Keeping Workers’ Safety
If the two functions above are related to building structures and technical components, it is different from this one function, which is more related to human resources in a project. This is the main concern of implementing the OHS system in the construction field, or known as K3 in Indonesia.
Basically, the strength of concrete must be ensured so that the building is sturdy and the workers' safety is guaranteed. Remember, the success indicator of a construction project is not only on the aesthetic side, but also the safety of the individuals involved in it.
Read also: How to Calculate Road Concreting Cost: A Complete Guide
Factors Affecting the Strength of Concrete
After a concrete test, the results usually vary. There are several factors that affect the strength of concrete, including:
- Mix composition: To make strong concrete, not only does the ratio of cement and sand have to be correct, but also the composition of the split stone used. In general, the ratio of cement, sand, and split stone is 1:2:3.
- Environmental conditions: Chemical reactions, moisture, temperature, and durability of concrete are greatly affected by the surrounding environmental conditions. Therefore, it is important to select materials that are suitable for the environment or provide additional protection to concrete placed in extreme environments.
- Mixing and compaction process: Strong concrete requires a well-mixed process and correct compaction techniques. Otherwise, the resulting concrete tends to be weak and porous.
Read also: The Right Ratio of Cement and Sand for A Sturdy Building
That is all the explanation about concrete testing as an important step to strive for long-term durability of buildings. This test is not only related to technical matters, but also an attempt to achieve time efficiency.
In addition to taking testing steps, you also need to choose quality building materials that can facilitate all stages of the construction project, for example, by using superior concrete products from Semen Merah Putih.
Through one of its subsidiaries, Beton Merah Putih, Semen Merah Putih supplies innovative ready-mixed concrete products designed for a variety of unique and strong applications, with its flagship products, such as Ready Mix Concrete and Precast Concrete.
As one of the products of Beton Merah Putih, Precast Concrete has high-quality standards because it is produced using modern precast machines. There are various shapes, types, and sizes of Precast Concrete at competitive prices that can be delivered on time.
If you are still confused about choosing a type of concrete that is high quality and suitable for your project, do not hesitate to consult with our team. Contact us now to get complete information about all Semen Merah Putih products that are best suited to support your construction project.
Read also: 3 Advantages of Using Precast Concrete
