All you need to know about the Concrete Hammer Test

 A Concrete Hammer test is done in the materials testing laboratory. It is used for determining the characteristics of the concrete without using any destructive ways. A technician can assess the quality and uniformity of the concrete based on the different specifications by making a comparison of the element quality and establishing a relative strength profile for the concrete structure. The building material testing lab that has the specialized elements to undertake the testing procedures performs the concrete hammer testing.

Performing Concrete Hammer Test

The concrete hammer test is a relatively simple test than the other soil investigation services. It works by holding the concrete test hammer (called rebound/impact hammer) against the concrete structure and releasing the spring-loaded hammer. The hammer tool has a digital scale and window along the side to check the rebound value from the impact of the hammer.

Steps to follow:

1. Make use of the best quality anvil for checking the calibration of the testing impact hammer that could be suitable for 1000-1800 uses. The hammer must be checked before each use.
2. The concrete surface used must be clean, dry, and smooth.
3. Use a concrete grinding stone for smoothening the surface to prepare it for the hammer test.
4. The chosen impact point needs to be a minimum of 20 mm away from the edge of the structure or any discontinuous shapes.
5. Six rebound readings must be taken for taking an average for a reliable value.

The type of cement and aggregate used to create the concrete can make an influence on the concrete hammer test. You need to evaluate the results of the test based on the mixture specifications. The construction materials testing laboratory will give you details about the concrete and its strength.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Concrete Hammer Test

The concrete hammer test has its pros and cons defined by the materials testing laboratory. You cannot take it as an absolute measure of finding the compressive strength of the concrete.

Advantages:

• The best anvil, such as the Schmidt hammer calibration anvil can be used for checking the calibration of your testing hammer for up to 1000-1800 impacts.
• Concrete surface strength can be calculated by smoothening the surface before testing. Every hammer must be tested before the use.
• The impact point needs to be 20 mm away from the structure of the edge or any shape discontinuation and requires a perfect way to perform the test to obtain appropriate results.
• The average of readings gives the tentatively appropriate value of the hammer calibration with some level of reliability.
• Easy to perform the test with applicability to any structure in the appropriate way.
• No destruction could be caused by the concrete hammer test in the building material testing lab.
• To prepare for the concrete hammer test, the major requirements are a grinding stone and an anvil of the best quality.

Disadvantages

• The results are not the complete indicator of the compressive strength of the concrete.
• Some flaws can’t be determined by using this test.
• Areas need to be completely dry and smooth to prepare for testing as uneven concrete areas can give false results. Construction materials testing laboratory assures that the areas are completely smoothened and treated before the testing procedure.

Conclusion

National Laboratory is the Soil testing laboratory in Sharjah specializing in professionally licensed and leading soil and construction materials testing. The company is working since 1987 as a successful material testing laboratory. They provide testing services for all soil and concrete depending on the different specifications and features.

The company has been working for 33 years and has experienced staff that assures you to get the most trusted results for the building materials testing. The well-qualified labor works professionally for the soil investigation services that are professional in all the terms. The laboratory works in different areas and has an administrative staff with numerous testing options to get the most trusted results.