Testing hardened concrete is a critical yet often misunderstood aspect of assessing structural condition and durability. This article provides practical guidance on surveying, testing and interpreting results to accurately diagnose deterioration mechanisms. It explains how visual inspections, hammer testing, material sampling and in-situ measurements should be planned, executed and interpreted by competent professionals.
Covering carbonation, chloride contamination, reinforcement corrosion and concrete strength, the article highlights the importance of representative testing and informed judgement. It offers clarity on when specific methods are appropriate, supporting more reliable repair strategies, accurate Bills of Quantities and better long-term asset management.
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