Know How To Evaluate The Strength Of Concrete On-Site

Everyone in the construction industry is aware of the importance of concrete strength. It is basically the performance measure used by engineers while designing buildings and other concrete structures. The test helps to ensure that the concrete mixture delivered by your concrete suppliers meets the requirements of the specific strength.

Concrete suppliers in Croydon

Since concrete strength is so important, it is always advisable to evaluate the strength of the concrete you are using on-site before starting with your construction project. The first thing you need to do is to get in touch with renowned concrete suppliers and they will share with you a few easy tips.

4 Tips By Concrete Suppliers In Croydon To Evaluate The Strength Of Concrete On-Site

  • Compression Test For The Cores

Compression test on concrete cores is regarded to be the most reliable solution if you want to test the structure for strength. First, cut the core and prepare the surface. One of the primary benefits of using this method to evaluate the compressive strength of concrete is that it is relatively fast. Just don’t forget or neglect to repair the core after the test has been conducted.

  • Pull-Out Test

Early diagnosis of concrete strength problems becomes easier with the pull-out test. Get in touch with experienced professionals as they know how to evaluate concrete strength in existing structures. Small equipment will be attached with the exterior nut, bolt, fixing or screw before pulling it to the designated stress load level. This helps in determining the strength of the fixing. Concrete suppliers opt for this pull-out test as it is relatively easy to use and helps in delivering robust results.

  • Rebound Hammer

A spring driven hammer is used to hit the concrete before measuring its rebound. This test is based on the rebound principle. Its primary objective is to evaluate the hardness of the surface. It was introduced in the year 1948 and has since then been widely used. The convenience and simplicity of the method have enhanced its popularity. Some empirical correlations were later established between the rebound number and the strength properties of the structure. The test helps concrete suppliers in Croydon to evaluate the uniformity of concrete.

  • Combined Methods

Various NDT methods are combined to evaluate concrete strength online. Several researchers have highly suggested including the rebound hammer method and the UPV method. When various methods are combined, the results delivered are more comprehensive. The accuracy of the prediction can also be improved by using various correction factors like the influence of the cement content, fine aggregate fraction, cement type, aggregate maximum size and petrologic aggregate type. These being said, it’s time to follow the tips stated above and get in touch with renowned concrete suppliers if you want to evaluate the strength of concrete on-site.

Enhancing The Durability Of Concrete In Croydon Is Now Easier

Concrete is a very vital element in every construction project, as it is generally used to make the foundation of a structure. This is why it is your responsibility to ensure that it has adequate load bearing strength, durability and resistance to various environmental factors. Whether you are mixing the concrete using hand or machine, it should be properly placed around the reinforcement.

Durability Of Concrete

One of the main reasons why the performance of a concrete structure decreases with the passage of time, is because they are often subjected to harsh climatic conditions for a prolonged period of time. If you want it to perform satisfactorily, there are a few vital points you need to consider.

The Durability Of Concrete In Croydon? 4 Vital Points To Consider

  • Aggregate Quality

One of the easiest ways to increase the durability of hardened concrete is by using good quality aggregates. It is the responsibility of the concrete suppliers to ensure that the shape of the particles used is round and smooth. If they are elongated and flaky, the workability of the concrete might reduce. If you are willing to achieve a dense concrete mix, well-graded aggregates should be used. The moisture content of the aggregates should also be tested before mixing.

  • Cement Content

If the quantity of cement used to make the concrete mix is not sufficient, it can have a negative impact on the durability of the structure. This is why you should always take the aid of renowned concrete suppliers in Croydon. They are aware of the fact that the workability of the material reduces when the water-cement ratio reduces. If more cement is used than necessary, issues like alkali-silica reaction and drying shrinkage might occur.

  • Quality Of Water

Not everyone preparing the concrete mix is aware of the fact that the quality of water used also impacts its durability. It is always advisable to use water which has a pH level from 6 to 8. Not only should the water be clean but also free from salts, sugar, oils, alkalies, acids and organic materials. Chemical reactions can corrode the steel if the water used to prepare the concrete in Croydon contains impurities.

  • Permeability

If water can pass through the concrete structure, it can have a negative impact on the durability of the material. When water enters into a concrete structure, it expands and cracks from within. With the passage of time, the concrete structure disintegrates. The easiest way to ensure that the structure isn’t permeable is by checking whether there are any capillary cavities in the concrete. This generally happens due to high water-cement ratio.

These being said, it’s time you consider all the factors stated above when preparing and pouring concrete and increasing the durability of the concrete structure will become easier.