Improving the reliability of on-site concrete strength estimation with non-destructive techniques

Abstract

The non-destructive assessment of concrete strength in existing structures is a complex issue. While many standards exist addressing the way non-destructive measurements must be carried out, few exist for the strength assessment itself. Many questions remain unanswered, like for instance the reliability of the strength estimation, the possibility of estimating the concrete variability, or the advantages of combining several non-destructive techniques. These problems have been tackled by a recent RILEM committee (TC ISC 249) whose Guidelines and Recommendations are to be released soon. This paper details their main innovations and how they are expected to improve the engineering practice and the reliability of strength estimation in existing structures.