Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity and Rebound Hammer Testing for Nondestructive Evaluation of Existing Concrete Structure

Nondestructive evaluation of existing structures is a vital part and an active area of research in civil engineering industry. Whenever modifications in a structure or its use are proposed the process begins with the evaluation of existing condition. Rebound hammer (RH) and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests are the two readily available and easy-to-perform methods that are widely used in the industry. Current research work is focused on evaluation of an eight years old, half-built reinforced concrete building. The objective was to gather information to decide about the future construction and use. The study concludes that concrete is of reasonable quality and building is appropriate for future construction and use. However, one column in the basement has very poor quality concrete and needs strengthening. Paper also provides a comparison of existing regression models for the prediction of concrete strength based on RH and UPV test data.

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