BS1881:

part 207:1!392

Testing concrete
part 207. Recommendations for the
assessment of concrete strength by
near-to-surface tests
BS1881:hrt207:1992

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the ‘l&hnical Sector
Board for Building and Civil Engineering (B/-) to lbchnical Committee CAB/4,
upon which the following bodies were represented:

Association of Lightweight Aggregate Manufacturers

Association of Metropolitan Authorities
Association of Quality Pulverised Fuel Ash Suppliers
British Aggregate Construction Materials Industries
British Cement Association
British Civil Engineering ‘I&t Equipment Manufacturers Association
British Precast Concrete Federation
British Ready Mixed Concrete Association
Building Employers Confederation
Cement Admixtures Association d
Cementitious Slag Makers Association
Concrete Society
County Surveyors’ Society
Department of the Environment (Building Research Establishment)
Department of the Environment (Property Services Agency)
Department of Transport
Department of Transport (‘Iransport and Road Research Laboratory)
Electricity Industry in United Kingdom
Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors
Institute of Concrete Technology
Institution of Civil Engineers
Institution of Highways and Transportation
Institution of Structural Engineers
Institution of Water and Environmental Management
National House-Building Council
Sand and Gravel Association
Society of Chemical Industry

The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard,
through subcommittees and panels:
British Nuclear Fuels plc
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Technical Sector
E3oard for Building and Civil
Enaneering, was published Amendments issued since publication
under the authority of the
Standards Board and comes into A&. No. Date l&t affected
effect on 31 January 1992

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference CAB/4
Draft for comment 89/16(X9 DC

ISBNO!580203654
 Bs1881:Rut207:1992

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword 2
Recommendations
1 scope 3
2 Definitions 3
3 General 3
4 Applications 3
6 Choice of test method 4
6 Internal fracture test 4
7 Pull-out test 7
8 Pull-off test 8
9 Penetration resistance test 10
10 Break-off test 11
11 Methods of establishing correlations between near-to-surface tests
and strength 12
12 Assessment of structures 13
13 Repot 13
'able
1 Summary of near-to-surface test methods 4
Fignre
1 Principal features of near-to-surface tests using commercially
available apparatus 5

1
Bs1881:Rwt207:1!3!32

Foreword

This Part of BS 1881 has been prepared under the direction of the ‘l&h&al
Sector Board for Building and Civil Engineering. All aspects of testing concrete
are being included as Parts of BS 1331 from sampling fresh concrete to assessing
concrete in structures. Part 201 gives general guidance on the choice of
non-destructive test methods, including a bibliography, and should be consulted
for advice on methods which complement the use of near-to-surface strength
tests or are useful as alternatives.
In recent years, several tests and devices have been developed which give a
measure of the insitu strength of concrete near to the surface. Carrying out
near-to-surface tests requires only one face of the concrete to be available and
this face need not be as smooth as that required for some alternative tests.
Although most of these tests measure a property of concrete related to its
strength, correlation with compressive strength has to be established
experimentally. The results obtained may be used to estimate the strength of the
body of the concrete. However, placing, compacting and curing may make the
concrete in the surface zone unrepresentative of the concrete at deeper levels.
For some methods the same correlation can be used over a wide range of
concrete types but this is not universally true. Care should be taken to ensure
that the correlations adopted are relevant to the circumstances of use.
Guidance on planning and interpreting tests to assess the strength of concrete in
structures is given in BS 6089, which refers to the use of near-to-surface
methods. The tests described in this Part of BS 1331 are those for which there is
most experience at present. Other near-to-surface techniques may be proposed,
usually to meet some particular need, and their use is not precluded by this Fart.
The recommendations of clauses 3, 4, 5 and 11 to 13 may usefully be applied to
such methods.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity from
legal obligations.

2
 B!s1881:hrt207:1992

Recommendations

1 Scope More detailed guidance on the use of

This Fart of ES 1881 gives recommendations on near-to-surface tests for assessing formwork
tests that are designed to assess the strength of striking times may be found in CIRIA Report
concrete by causing locahzed failure in a small No. 73. These values should take due account of
zone, typically up to 75 mm from the surface, the limitations on accuracy of strength estimations
according to the method. The recommendations for the particular test method used and the normal
cover the following test methods: variations in properties within cast concrete.
(a) internal fracture; The critical values for the near-to-surface test
(b) pull-out; results should be established on the basis of
laboratory calibration or past experience of
(c) pull-off; performance. In acceptance testing or quality
(d) penetration resistance; control procedures a small number of cores or
(e) break-off. destructive tests can be supplemented by a larger
NUI’E. The titles of publications referred to in this standard are number of near-to-surface tests which are quicker
listed on the inside back cover.
to carry out and less damaging.
2 Definitions 4.2 Estimation of in situ concrete strength
For the purposes of this Part of BS 1881 the Near-to-surface tests can be correlated with
definitions given in BS 1881 : Part 201 and strength tests on standard concrete specimens or
BS 6100 : Fart 6 apply. on drilled cores. The estimation of strength in a
concrete structure by near-to-surface testing should
be made with considerable care and estimated
3 General values should be given only to the nearest
It should be recognized that an individual test 1 N/mm2. In particular it should be remembered
result indicates the quality of the concrete only in that the strength of the concrete near the surface
the immediate vicinity of the test point. The mean may differ from that of the interior of a large mass
result from a number of tests is needed to estimate and strength variations are likely to exist over the
the average quality of the surface zone. depth of a member. It is essential that test locations
Near-to-surface tests should not be carried out selected should be representative of the concrete
where the surface concrete is known to be under investigation. General guidance on the
unrepresentative of the concrete in the structure, assessment of concrete strength in structures is
unless the purpose of the investigation is to assess given in BS 6089. Guidance on relating
the condition of this surface zone. In both cases, near-to-surface test results and strength is given in
any correlation obtained as described in clause 11 clause 11 of this Part. Although the most common
will not be valid. The surface concrete can be correlation is with compressive strength, results
damaged by aggressive agents such as fire, frost, may also be related to tensile strength.
corrosive liquids, etc. ‘Ibsts should not be made on
frozen concrete. The surface layer can also 4.3 Checking the uniformity of concrete
comprise a topping added subsequent to the Near-to-surface tests can be used to define areas of
compaction of the main body of concrete. different quality in a structural member and to
All the test methods described in this Fart of locate areas appropriate for testing by other
BS 1881 produce a kxalized zone of surface methods. The tests should be carried out at similar
damage. The need for local&d repairs following concrete maturity and ambient conditions. This
testing, and the implications for the appearance approach can be applied to precast and in situ
and durability of exposed concrete surfaces, concrete.
especially if the test is carried out adjacent to 4.4 !ibting repairs to concrete
reinforcing steel, should therefore be considered.
It is important that tests should be performed by Some near-to-surface tests are also an effective
trained and experienced staff if worthwhile results means of checking the quality of repairs to
are to be achieved and it is recommended that two concrete structures. When the bond between a
persons should normally be involved during testing substrate and a repair material is to be determined,
on site. either a pull-off test or break-off test should be
used.
4 Applications 4.5 Long-term monitoring
4.1 Comparative testing of concrete Near-to-surface tests should be considered for use
Near-to-surface test values may be laid down so in situations where future deterioration of the
that tests can indicate when handling and surface concrete is expected and monitoring is
transport of precast units, application of prestress required.
and the removal of formwork or temporary
supports for structural members may commence.

3
Bs1881:Rwt207:1992

5 Choice of test method 6 Internal fracture test

Selection of the most appropriate method should 6.1 General
take account of the purpose of the testing and
practical factors relating to the nature and position The internal fracture test is based on the concept
of the concrete under investigation. These will that a measurement of the tensile force required
include the availability and reliability of strength for a wedge anchor bolt to cause failure of the
correlations, the acceptability of surface damage, concrete can be related to the concrete
size of member to be tested, test complexity and compressive strength. Apparatus has been
preparation, access requirements and test developed ln which a bolt is inserted into a
positions. Experience with all the methods predrilled hole and loaded in tension through a
described is based primarily on testing concrete reaction stand by means of a torquemeter acting on
containing aggregate of nominal sixe 20 mm or less. a greased nut. More consistent results are obtained
Caution should be exer&ed in interpreting results using apparatus in which a direct axial load is
on concrete containing larger aggregates. More applied to the bolt. See figure l(a).
detailed guidance on planning an investigation is A 6 mm diameter bolt set at 20 mm depth as
provided in BS 1881 : Part 201. described in 6.3 has been found to be suitable for
Some relevant details for each of the methods in use in concrete of compressive strength up
thisf’artaregivenintable 1. to 40 MPa.
The recommendations in 6.2 and 6.3 are based on
these sixes. If other sixes are used, different
apparatus and criteria are required.

able 1. Summary of near-to-surface test methods

Test method Number of valid tests 96 % confidence CorrelatioIl Pregaration
required at a location limits for strength requirements requirements
esamate of in situ
c0mxet.e
Internal fracture 6 f30% Specific to loading Hole drilhng with
(clause 6) method and masonry drill
concrete mix
Pull-out (clause 7) 4 f 20 % General for natural Either
aggregates (a) cast-in insert
or
(b) drilling and
under-reaming with
specialist
equipment
Pull-off (clause 8) 6 (* 15%in specific to Providingadryflat
laboratory concrete mix concrete surface
conditions) Partialcoringif
req-
Penetration 3 f 20 % spt?cific to No power supply or
resistance w3f3wWe complex access
(clause 9) required but safety
precautions necessary
Break-off 5 f 20 % specific to ‘I&t cylinder formed
(clause 10) concrete mix either
(a) during casting
or
(b) by partial coring
with specialist
equipment

4
 Bs1881:hrt207:1992

Protruding length
7
Wedge anchor bolt

surface

nominal 6

(a) Internal fracture test (d) Penetration resistance test

TReactii block , Loading block

failure surface

L Removable shaft
Bearing rtig ’ \ Typical failure surface

(b) Pull-out test (e) Break-off test

I Load

Circular metal block

(c) Pull-off test

All dimensions are in millimetres.

J?igure 1. Principal features of near-to-surface tests using commerciaUy available apparatus

5
Bs1881:hxt207:1992

6.2 Apparatus 6.3 ‘Ikst procedure

6.2.1 &&o-hummer driu, fitted with a nominal 6.3.1 !&st positions
6 mm hard-tipped bit. ‘kst holes should be drilled (6.2.1) more than
NOTE. It is important for the consistency of test results that the 15Ommapartandnocloserthan75mmtoan
drilled holes have straight parallel sides and are uniform in edge. They should be positioned so that all
diameter. Electropneumatic drills have been found to be
suitable for this purpose. reinforcement is outside the expected conic
fracture surface by at least one bar diameter or the
6.2.2 Drill tip diameter gauge, to check that the maximum aggregate size, whichever is greater. For
drill bit has a diameter in the range 6.1 mm this purpose the conic fracture surface may be
to 6.4 mm. taken as about 17 mm deep at the apex and 75 mm
6.2.3 Air blower, capable of clearing drilled holes in diameter at the surface of the concrete. Where
of debris. possible, test positions should also be chosen in
locations not subjected to high compressive stresses
6.2.4 Wedge anchor bolts, nominally identical, or possessing cracks. At least six tests should be
compatible with the loading system, with an IS0 performed in each location.
metric screw thread designation M6-6e complying
withBS3643:F’artl. 6.3.2 Lhdling and fitting the bolt
Nuts and washers to fit these bolts are required if Each hole should be drilled normal to the concrete
the load is to be applied by a torquemeter. surface 30 mm to 35 mm deep. The hole should be
cleaned of debris using an air blower (6.2.3)
6.2.5 Gbge, or other device, for checking the immediately before insertion of the bolt (6.2.4).
normality to the concrete surface of each inserted The bolt should be marked so that it can be fitted
wedge anchor bolt prior to testing, allowing a into the hole with the lower edge of the expanding
maximum deviation of 5O from the normal. sleeve 20 mm below the concrete surface. The bolt
6.2.6 Reaction stand, consisting of a steel ring of should be tapped into the hole to the marked
internal diameter of at least 30 mm with three depth without damaging the thread which should
supports to bear on the concrete surface that can be checked by running a nut over its full length.
be placed symmetrically around a bolt to transmit The gauge (6.2.5) should be used to check that
to the concrete the reactive load from the tension each protruding bolt section satisfies the normality
applied to the anchor bolt. requirement. If the axis of the bolt is not within 5O
of the normal, that test position should not be
6.2.7 Load&g w&em, capable of applying a used.
tensile force to the bolt against the reaction onto NOIE. The normality of the drilled hole can be checked with a
the concrete surface through the reaction stand plain steel rod of the same diameter as the test bolt.
(see 6.2.6). The loading system should be designed 6.3.3 Lauding
to allow the reaction stand to be placed
symmetrically about the bolt and should include a The loading system (6.2.7) should be connected to
means for allowing for any slight deviation of the the bolt and load applied steadily, or in a series of
axis of the bolt from the normal to the concrete smoothly applied increments without jerking, and
surface. The loading system should indicate either at such a rate as to cause failure in approximately
tensile force or torque to an accuracy of f 3 % in 1minto2min.Thisoccumwhenthemaximum
the anticipated working range. It should include a reading is indicated. The precise loading method
maximum value indicator that retains the reading and rate may vary according to the apparatus
when fracture and force release occur employed but a consistent procedure should be
adopted throughout a series of tests and the same
The loading system should be calibrated by procedure should be used when establishing
equipment, the accuracy of which is traceable to correlations.
national standards, at yearly intervals or following
adjustment or repair
 Bs1881:F&rt207:1992

6.4 ‘l&t results 7.2 Apparatus

lkst results should be reported as the failure value 7.2.1 Insert, of metal not readily attacked by fresh
in newton metres for torque or kilonewtons for concrete, of sufficient thickness and strength to
tensile force and the mean rounded off to the avoid yielding during the test. The insert may be
nearest 0.1 N-m or 0.1 kN respectively. cast into the concrete or positioned in hardened
6.5 Relationship between internal fmchue concrete in an under-reamed groove from a drilled
force and strength of concrete hole. Inserts for casting-in should have a circular
head and tapered shaft to minimiz side friction
The internal fracture force generally increases with during subsequent testing. The shaft, which may
the strength of the concrete. However, the stress be removable, should have a diameter not more
distribution in the concrete is complex and than 0.6 of the diameter of the head and a length
incompletely understood. Correlations between such that the outer surface of the head is the same
internal fracture force and strength should depth below the concrete surface as its diameter.
therefore be established experimentally. For The inserts may be coated with a release agent to
guidance, see clause 11. Evidence suggests that, prevent bonding to the concrete and may be
although similar relationships between internal notched to prevent their rotation in the concrete if
fracture force and strength may be obtained for a the shafts are to be unscrewed. Inserts for use in
wide range of mix compositions, the use of a drilled holes should have means for expanding
universal correlation can give serious errors. them to fit into the groove, such as a split ring on a
Factors which may influence the relationship tapered rod.
between internal fracture force and strength
include mix constituents, curing, hole size (which 7.2.2 DriUing and under-reaming equ@ment,
may be influenced by the precise size of the bit and specialised equipment for drilling and then
- the efficiency of the drill), operator effects and enlarging the base of the hole when the insert is
I loading method. not cast into the concrete.
E
I
I
The coefficient of variation of a set of measured 7.2.3 Bearing ring, that can be placed on the
values at one location under site conditions is concrete surface symmetrically around the insert
typically about 15 96. However, in assessing axis, having an inside diameter 2.0 to 2.4 times the
compressive strength the accuracy of the insert head diameter and an outside diameter at
c2* correlation with torque or tensile force should also least 1.25 times the inside diameter.
be considered as an additional factor. Experience
suggests that a well-prepared correlation using a 7.2.4 Louding system, capable of applying a
torquemeter will allow strength estimates to within tensile force to the insert with the reaction being
f 30 % at the 95 % confidence level from the transmitted to the concrete surface through the
mean of six valid results. Improved accuracy has bearing ring (see 7.2.3). The loading system should
been obtained in the laboratory by the use of a ensure that the bearing ring is concentric with the
direct tensile loading system. insert shaft and that the load is applied
perpendicular to the plane of the insert. The
loading system should include a means of
7 Pull-out test indicating the maximum applied force to an
7.1 General accuracy of 2 % in the anticipated working range.
The pull-out test is based on the concept that the The loading system should be calibrated by
strength of the concrete is related to the maximum equipment, the accuracy of which is traceable to
tensile load that can be applied to an embedded national standards, at yearly intervals or following
insert before the concrete fails. Commercially adjustment or repair
available apparatus has been developed for this NUlT. Suitable apparatus is commercially available for a 25 mm
insert depth.
purpose. Other equipment may be used but the
user should ensum that it will give reliable results
and that it is in accordance with this Fart of
ES 1331. See figure l(b). Experiments show that
this pull-out test gives more reliable results at
lower strengths than other near-to-surface tests
and so is useful for the estimation of early age
strength.

7
B!31881:Part207:1992

7.3 Test procedure It has been shown that for a given type of
apparatus the relationship between pull-out force
7.3.1 l&t positions and compressive strength is similar over a wide
The centres of test positions should be separated by range of concrete mixes and that a general
at least eight times the insert head diameter. The correlation can be used with reasonable accuracy.
centres should be at least four times the head Greater accuracy can, however, be achieved if a
diameter from the edge of the concrete. The specific correlation is obtained for the type of
inserts should be placed so that all reinforcement is concrete under investigation. special correlations
outside the expected conic fracture surface by at are required for lightweight concretes or other
least one bar diameter or the maximum aggregate mixes with less common constituents.
size whichever is greater. The thickness of the The coefficient of variation of a set of measured
concrete to be tested should be at least four times values at one location under site conditions is likely
the insert head diameter. to be about 7 %. However, in asses&g compressive
At least four pull-out tests should be performed in strength, the accuracy of the correlation with
each location. pull-out force should also be considered as an
7.3.2 Installation of inserts additional factor When a general correlation is
used, estimates of compressive strength are
Cast-in inserts (7.2.1) should be securely fmed to unlikely to have 95 % confidence limits better than
the formwork or locating device at the required ±20 % of the mean of four valid results. When a
test positions. A small separately removable panel specially prepared correlation for the type of
may be incorporated in the formwork when the concrete is available, estimates can be
test is being used to determine the formwork within ±10 % .
stripping time. It is important to ensure that the
shafts are disconnected from the fonnwork before
its removal. Holes for other inserts should be 8 Pull-off test
drilled and under-reamed (7.2.2) and the inserts
8.1 General
assembled according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. The pull-off test is based on the concept that the
force required to pull a metal block, together with
7.3.3 Loading a layer of concrete or mortar, from the surface to
The tapered shaft of a cast-in insert should first be which it has been attached, is related to the
removed and then the loading system (7.2.4) stm-tgth of the concrete.
connected to the insert in accordance with the The technique may be applied in two forms. If a
manufacturer’s instructions. The load should be block is attached directly to the surface then the
applied and increased at a steady rate without stressed volume of concrete lies close to the face of
jerking to cause failure. For a 25 mm diameter the block and the results may be less related to the
insert a loading rate of (0.5 f 0.2) kN/s should be strength of the body of the concrete than with
used. some other near-to-surface tests. See figve l(c).
The insert may be loaded to rupture the concrete if Alternatively the test may be carried out by
the strength is to be estimated or a proof load may partially coring the concrete and bonding a block of
be applied to check that the concrete has achieved the same nominal diameter to the top of the
a minimum strength. cylinder of concrete thus isolated. This allows the
fracture surface to occur deeper into the concrete.
7.4 lkst results
‘l&t results should be reported as the failure value 8.2 Apparatus
in kilonewtons and the mean rounded off to the 8.2.1 Cylindrical metal blocks, having a flat
nearest 0.5 kN. surface prepared for bonding to the surface of the
7.5 Relationship between pull-out force and concrete using a suitable resin adhesive and which
strength of concrete can be connected to the loading system so that a
tensile force can be applied perpendicular to the
The pull-out force can be empirically related to the interface between the block and the concrete. The
compressive strength of the concrete as determined thickness of the block should not be less than 40 96
by standard tests in accordance with BS 1881: of its diameter.
Parts 116 and 120. The correlation between
NOlIE. Current work indicates that a greater thickness/diameter
strength and pull-out force for the apparatus being ratio may be desirable to ensure uniform stress distribution in
used should be established experimentally. The the concrete. A ratio of 60 % would be appropriate for
manufacturer may provide this information for aluminium blocks.
specific concretes.

8
 BS1881:Phxt207:1992

8.2.2 Bearing ring or tripod, that can be placed 0.3.3 Loading

on the concrete surface concentric with the axis of The loading system (8.2.3) should be connected to
the block, having dimensions such that the block the block and tensile load applied and increased at
can move freely and that will distribute the a steady rate without jerking to cause failure. A
reaction force to the surface of the surrounding loading rate to provide an increase of stress at
concrete. (0.05 f 0.03) N/mm2-s should be used. Both the
8.2.3 Loa&tg systenz, capable of applying a force maximum load and mode of failure (concrete or
to the block normal to the concrete surface adhesive) should be recorded. If there is any failure
through the bearing ring or tripod (see 8.2.2). It in the adhesive, the strength indicated can only be
should include a load measuring device capable of a lower limit to the concrete strength. Such a value
recording the maximum load after force release has should be discounted when calculating the mean
occurred. The accuracy of load measurement strength and tests should be repeated as necessary.
should be to 2 96 of the working range. The pull-off stress can be calculated as the
maximum load divided by the cross-sectional area
The loading system should be calibrated by of the block in the case of surface tests or the
equipment, the accuracy of which is traceable to measured cross-sectional area of the cylinder in the
national standards, at yearly intervals or following case of subsurface tests.
adjustment or repair
NUl’E. Apparatus is commercially available for 50 mm and 8.4 lkst resnlts
75 mm dieter blocks. ‘l&t results should be reported as the failure stress
8.3 lkst procedure in newtons per square millimetre and the mean
rounded off to the nearest 0.1 N/mm2.
0.3. I lkst positions
8.5 Relationship between pull-off stress and
- The centres of test positions should be at least two
strength of concrete
I
E
block or core hole diameters apart and one
I diameter from an edge. If the test is carried out on The pulloff test causes tensile failure of the
I
= a plain flat surface, reinforcing steel at normal concrete. However, the results cannot be directly
I covers will not affect the results. If the test is equated to the tensile strength measured in
- accordance with BS 1881 : Part 117. If pull-off
carried out after partial coring, reinforcing steel
should neither lie within the annuls nor within a tests are to be used to estimate strength in terms of
ci* depth equal to the maximum aggregate size from standard test methods, correlations should be
the base of the annulus. Six valid tests are usually established experimentally. Correlations between
sufficient in each location. pull-off stress and compressive strength are
influenced by the aggregate type, block material
8.3.2 Preparation and thickness. A correlation should therefore be
The metal block (8.2.1) and the concrete surface established for the particular concrete under
should be carefully prepared to give a good bond. investigation and the apparatus being used. In
L Clean off any laitance to expose the top of the
coarse aggregate by abrasion to produce a flat
some circumstances, use of a general correlation
may be adequate. It should be noted that surface
surface with a texture suitable for bonding. tests and subsurface tests using partial coring are
Remove all grease and dust from the surface of the unlikely to give the same results.
metal block liable to impair bonding of the two The coefficient of variation of a set of measured
surfaces. A thin uniform layer of adhesive should values at one location under site conditions is likely
be applied over the entire contact area and any to be about 10 %. However, in assessing
excess adhesive squeezed out round the edges of compressive strength, the accuracy of the
the block should be removed before it sets. correlation with pull-off strength should also be
Sufficient time should be allowed to enable the considered as an additional factor. ‘lbsts under
adhesive to cure prior to load application. The time laboratory conditions indicate that estimates of
required will vary according to the type of adhesive compressive strength are unlikely to have 95 %
and the temperature and may range from confidence limits better than f 15 % of the mean
1.5 h to 24 h. Difficulties may be met with damp of six valid results but there is currently
surfaces. Where the partial coring technique is to insufficient evidence to suggest the likely accuracy
be used a core of diameter equal to that of the under site conditions.
block should be cut to the required depth before
surface preparation. Care should be taken to
ensure that the axis of the core is perpendicular to
the concrete surface.

9
BS1881:lWt207: 1992

9 Penetration resistance test 9.3 Ikst method

9.3.1 mt positions
9.1 General
‘lkst positions should be chosen to minimize the
The penetration n&stance test is based on the risk of structural cracking or movement of the
concept that the depth of penetration of a metal member under test and should be at least 200 mm
probe fired into a concrete surface depends on the apart and 150 mm from an edge. The thickness of
strength of the concrete. The depth of concrete the concrete element should be not less than
that affects the test result may be up to about 150 mm. ‘lb&s should not be conducted within
75 mm for the equipment described in 9.2. Some 50 mm of a reinforcing bar Three valid
slender or flexible members may be unsuitable for measurements of penetration are required to give a
testing by this method. A simple test to ascertain result for a location. If the probe is not firmly
whether the concrete is too strong or too weak to embedded or if the range of depth of penetration
be tested by this method is described in forthreetestsismorethan5mmthetestisnot
appendix A of E&S 4078 : Part 1 : 1987. valid and repeat tests should be made.
Commercially available equipment has been 9.3.2 -urn
developed in which the probe is propelled by a Probes (9.2.1) should be fired into concrete using
powder charge and this clause describes only this the driver unit (9.2.2) in accordance with the d
method of driving the probe. manufacturer’s instructions and taking all
9.2 Apparatus necessary safety precautions. The protruding
length of each probe which is firmly held in the
9.2.1 Probe, of hardened alloy steel with a blunt concrete should be measured (9.2.3). The length
conical nose which can be fired into the concrete should be measured relative to the original surface
in such a way that it remains fully embedded. of the concrete as shown in figure l(d). It may be
The tail end is threaded to facilitate firing, necessary to remove concrete which has been
measurement and withdrawal. Probes should be of raised round the base of the probe to provide a
uniform length to within f 0.5 %. Different probes suitable reference surface. On rough surfaces more
are used for normal weight and lightweight sophisticated measurement techniques will be
aggregate concretes. The probes are typically about necessary or the surface may be ground smooth
80 mm long and can be expected to penetrate up before testing.
to 40 mm into the concrete.
9.4 lkst report
9.2.2 Driver unit, for firing probes into the The protruding probe length should be reported in
concrete with an accurately controlled amount of millimetres and the mean rounded off to the
energy. Different energies should be used for nearest 0.5 mm. The depth of penetration may be
different concrete strength ranges. The driver unit calculated from this value and the length of the
has to incorporate features to prevent firing when p&t?.
the unit is not properly placed in a positioning 9.5 Relationship between penetration and
device held against the concrete surface and strength of concrete
incorporate a splinter guard to protect against d
The depth of penetration of a probe can be
flying particles. empirically related to the strength of the concrete.
The driver unit should be checked by the This relationship is significantly influenced by the
manufacturer at least annually. properties and proportions of the coarse and fine
CAUTION. Powder-actuated driving units should aggregates. An individual correlation should
only be operated by trained personnel in therefore be prepared for each different concrete
accordance with the recommendations of Bs 4078 : to be tested. Reliance on published ‘universal’
Part 1. Attention is drawn to the need to comply correlations may well lead to significant error in
with statutory requirements such as the Health and strength estimation. The use alone of Mohs’ scale
Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, &ctories Act 1961, of hardness to determine corrections for aggregate
Explosives Act 1875 as amended, Protection of type is unlikely to give satisfactory results.
Eyes Regulations 1974. Guidance can also be found The coefficient of variation of a set of measured
in the Health and Safety Executive’s Guidance values at one location under site conditions is not
Note PM 14.‘) likely to be more than 5 %. However, in assessing
compressive strength, the accuracy of the
9.2.3 Limgth- nzeuswing dewice, for measuring the correlation with depth of penetration should also
length of the probe exposed above the original be considered as an additional factor. Experience
surface to an accuracy, traceable to national suggests that a well-prepared correlation will allow
standards, of f 0.25 mm. strength estimates to be within f 20 % at the
95 % confidence level from the mean of three valid
results. d
‘IAvailable from the addresses given in the footnote on the inside back cover.

10
 BS1881:Rlrt207:1992

10 Break-off test The loading system should be calibrated by

equipment, the accuracy of which is traceable to
lO.lGeneral national standards, at yearly intervals or following
The break-off test determines directly a flexural adjustment or repair
tensile strength in a plane parallel to the concrete 10.3 lkst procedure
surface at a predetermined distance below the
surface. A transverse force is applied to the top of 10.3.1 l&t positions
a cylinder of concrete made either by partial coring lbst positions should be chosen to minimi~ the
of the hardened concrete or formed in fresh risk of structural damage. The thickness of the
concrete during casting. See figure l(e). The force concrete member should be not less than 100 mm.
required to break this cylinder of concrete at its
base from the parent material is measured, and The outer circumference of the surface grooves
known as the break-off force. In some should have a clear spacing or distance to the edge
of the member of not less than four times the
circumstances it may be more convenient to
measure and record the pressure required in the maximum aggregate size and in no case less than
50 mm. The intended fracture surface should not
loading equipment to provide this force. Equipment
for this purpose is commer&lly available and forms be crossed by any reinforcing bars. At least five
L the basis for the sizes given in this clause. Other valid tests should be carried out at a given
location.
equipment may be used but the user should ensure
that it will give reliable results. 10.3.2 Pmpamtion
10.2 Apparatus If farmers (10.2.2) are used these should be well
NUl’E. The core cutter (see 10.2-l) and hole former (see 10.2.2)
greased and placed in the surface of the concrete
are alternatives for use with hardened or fresh concrete after it has been compacted and before it stiffens.
nxpectively. Fbrmers should not be used when the maximum
aggregate size exceeds 20 mm. Concrete
10.2.1 Core cutter, diamond-tipped, capable of surrounding the former-s should be compacted by
drillinganannuhrsatleastlmmwidetoforma lightly tapping on the surface to ensure that they
concrete cylinder (55 f 1) mm diameter and are completely embedded. The formers should be
(70 f 3) mm deep and then enlarging the annulus extract4 slowly by hand when the concrete has
v:* into a groove at the surface approximately 10 mm reached sufficient strength to ensure that it will
wide and 10 mm deep to accommodate the loading not be damaged and preferably immediately before
apparatus. testing. Care should be taken to ensure that the
10.2.2 Hole former, of material not readily concrete at prepared test positions receives similar
attacked by fresh concrete and sufficiently rigid to curing to that of the surrounding body of concrete.
retain its shape during insertion into fresh 10.3.3 Leading
concrete. This should be shaped as a hollow tube
of internal diameter (55 f 1) mm, overall length A transverse force is applied by the loading
L (70 f 1) mm and wall thickness at least 1 mm system (10.2.3) near to the top of the
incorporating a collar to form the groove at the cored (10.2.1) or formed cylinder until it breaks
surface required for the loading apparatus. The off. The minimum depth of the fracture measured
collar should enable a manual extractive device to at the cylinder face should be recorded. If the
be attached. fracture does not take place within 20 mm of the
base of the annulus the result is not valid for
10.2.3 Loading system, to apply a transverse force estimating strength.
to the concrete cylinder centred at (5 f 1) mm
below the surface of the concrete. The load should 10.4 lI?stresults
be applied through a loading block over a 25 mm to ‘I&t results should be reported as either the
30 mm length of the cylinder circumference. The break-off pressure in megapascals or the break-off
reaction force is transmiw to the concrete around force in kilonewtons and the mean rounded off to
the annulus over an approximately 10 mm length the nearest 0.2 M)3a or 0.05 kN respectively. Force
on either side of this. Commercially available values can only be reported when an appropriate
equipment provides a pressure reading in calibration is available for the equipment in use.
megapascals that may be converted to force by an 10.5 IZelationship between break-off force and
appropriate calibration curve for the apparatus.
streugth of concrete
The apparatus should be capable of increasing the
load smoothly at a mean rate of (0.1 * 0.05) kN/s The break-off force will increase with concrete
and of measuring and recording the maximum strength and is related to the modulus of rupture
reading at fracture. The accuracy of load measured on prism specimens.
c measurement should be to 2 % of the working
range.

11
Correlations may be developed experimentally specimens and measuring strength on a companion
between break-off force and strength. Confidence series cast from the same concrete batch and cured
limits for compressive strength correlation may be under identical conditions. The form and number
expected to be wider than for tensile strength or of companion specimens will depend on the type of
modulus of rupture correlations. While a strength correlation required. These companion
correlation for the particular type of concrete specimens should be made and tested in
under test is recommended, a general correlation accordance with the relevant Parts of this
with compressive strength covering a wide range of standard. Some near-to-surface tests can be carried
mixes may be useful. out on cubes but for others, larger specimens will
The coefficient of variation of a set of measured be required to satisfy the requirements for
values at one location under site conditions is minimum edge distances. Ideally the correlation
typically about 10 %. However, in assessing specimens should represent the structure to be
compressive strength, the accuracy of the tested as closely as possible in manufacture and
correlation with break-off force should also be CUIkg.
considered as an additional factor. Limited The method of varying the strength should be
experience suggests that a well-prepared chosen in relation to the purpose for which the
correlation will allow strength estimates to be correlation is to be used. For example, if it is 4
within f 20 % at the 95 % confidence level from intended to monitor the development of strength in
the mean of five valid results. a structure then it would be appropriate to test
correlation specimens of the same mix at different
ages. If it is proposed to monitor the quality of the
11 Methods of establishing correlations concrete in a structure it would be appropriate to
between near-to-surface tests and vary the mix proportions of the concrete. At least
strength the number of near-to-surface tests given in table 1
should be made on the relevant specimens and the
11.1 Introduction mean value related to the mean strength obtained
All the tests described in this Part may be used to from three companion strength test specimens of
estimate strength. The extent to which each test the same age. At least eight points at different
method requires separate correlation for different strengths should be used to establish a correlation
types of concrete has been outlined in clauses 6 unless the general form of the relationship is
to 10. It should be noted that all tests measure available, in which case a smaller number of points
properties of concrete near to the surface and will may be acceptable. Different tests are influenced
only allow estimation of strength of concrete in the by different factors and the degree to which the
interior of the mass if there is a known relationship correlation specimens may differ from the structure
between the concrete properties near to and away without unduly affecting the validity of the
from the surface. This relationship will be correlation will depend on the particular test
influenced by the curing conditions and will be involved (see 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5). Caution
particularly sensitive to temperature gradients at may be required when establishing correlations at d
early ages and any segregation in the plastic early ages to allow for maturity differences
concrete. between the near-to-surface test specimens and the
lb prepare a correlation between a near-to-surface strength test specimens.
test and strength, a number of specimens should be 11.3 Site correlation
tested which encompasses the likely range of
strength to be expected in the structure. The It is difficult to ensure that laboratory specimens
reliability of the correlation will be increased by accurately represent the concrete in the structure
increasing the number of specimens and the range to be tested and more reliable results may be
of strengths. The near-to-surface tests should be obtained if a correlation is made using cores. In
carried out in accordance with the relevant clauses this case cores should be cut close to the positions
of this Part of ES 1881. of the near-to-surface tests but sufficiently far
away to avoid the possibility of the tests interfering
A correlation curve should be drawn through the with one another Results should be obtained from
points plotted from the mean near-to-surface test at least three cores cut from each of at least two
results and the mean strength of each locations within the test area selected to be likely
corresponding set of nominally identical specimens. to provide extreme values of the strength range
The equation of this curve can be determined by involved based on the results of the near-to-surface
any standard curve fitting procedure. or other tests. It may be necessary to establish the
11.2 hboralmry correlation general form of the relationship by tests on
laboratory-cast specimens to enable the correlation
A correlation between a near-to-surface test and to apply over an adequate range of strength values
strength should be obtained by carrying out the d
but unjustifiable extrapolation should be avoided.
near-to-surface tests on a series of concrete

12
 B!S1881:brt207:1992

12 Assessment of structures 13 Report

The near-to-surface test appropriate to the type of 13.1 General
concrete and the purpose of the investigation
should be selected taking account of the factors The report should affirm that near-to-surface
identified in clause 5. testing was carried out in accordance with this Fart
of Bs 1881.
Suitable test locations should be chosen in relation
to the purpose of the investigation and the factors 13.2 Information to be included in the test
which limit the applicability of a particular test report
method. Anticipated strength variations which are 13.2.1 Obligatory i@orrnation
likely to exist within members should be
considered at this stage. When testing a number of The following information should be included in
similar elements they should be tested at similar the test report:
positions to reduce any possible effects due to (a) date, time and place of test;
segregation. If test results on a structure are to be (b) description of the structure and locations of
compared with a reference value or in situ strength test positions (give sketches if necessary);
is to be estimated using a correlation, the structure
L should be tested under conditions as close as
(c) details of concrete and conditions of test;
possible to those used when obtaining the (d) details of test, including make, type and
reference value or preparing the correlation. When identifying number of apparatus and the date of
testing existing structures for which no correlation its last calibration;
is available the use of cores may be necessary. (e) individual test results and their mean value
The correct operation of the apparatus should be and coefficient of variation for each location.
- checked and the apparatus should be used in 13.2.2 Additional ir@ormation
I accordance with the relevant clauses of this Part of
e Where appropriate, the following information also
I Bs 1881 and those sections of the manufacturer’s
I should be included in the test report:
= instructions which refer to its physical operation.
I
- Differences between the results of tests at different (a) test results expressed in terms of a correlated
locations will give a measure of the variability of property (e.g. strength) and an estimate of their
accuracy; the source and details of the
v:* the concrete within that structure or unit. In
correlation should be provided;
assessing such variability the precision of the test
method should be taken into account. (b) results of complementary tests by other
methods;
(c) where applicable, the appearance of the
fracture surface and of the adjacent concrete.

13
 Publication(s) referred to

Bs 1881 Testing concrete

Part 116 Method for determination of compressive strength of concrete cubes
Part 117 Method for determination of tensile splitting strength
Part 120 Method for determination of the compressive strength of concrete cores
Part 201 Guide to the use of non-destructive methods of test for hardened concrete
Bs 3643 Is0 metric screw threads
Part 1 Principles and basic data
BS 4078 Powder actuated fixing systems
Part 1 Code of practice for safe use
BS 6089 Guide to assessment of concrete strength in existing structures
BS 6100 Glossary of building and civil engineering terms
Part 6 Concrete and plaster
L l)CIRIA Report 73 ‘Formwork striking times. Method of assessment’ T.A. Harrison, 2nd edition 1987
2)Health and Safety Executive Guidance Note, PM 14 ‘Safety in the use of cartridge operated fixing
tools’

t
‘)Available from Construction Industry Research and Information Association, 6 Storey’s Gate, London SWlP DAU.
“‘Available from HMSO, 49 High Holborn, London WCIV 6HE3 for personal callers, or by post from HMSO, PO 276,
London SW18 5M:
BS 1881:
Part207:1992
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