AHAM is capable of conducting several tests aimed at the analysis of structures that can be applied to both old and new structures. For new structures, the principal applications are likely to be for quality control or the resolution of doubts about the quality of materials or construction. The testing of existing structures is usually related to an assessment of structural integrity or adequacy. The tests available for testing concrete range from the completely non-destructive, where there is no damage to the concrete, through those where the concrete surface is slightly damaged, to partially destructive tests, such as core tests and pullout and pull off tests, where the surface has to be repaired after the test.
Non-destructive testing is usually carried out in the following situations:-
- to investigate the homogeneity of concrete mixing
- to determine the density and strength of concrete in a structure
- to determine the location of reinforcing bars and the cover over the bars
- to determine the number and size/diameter of reinforcing bars
- to determine the extent of defects
- to determine the location of in-built wiring, piping, ducting, etc
- to determine whether internal defects in concrete
- to determine if there is a bond between epoxy bonded steel plates and concrete members
- to determine the bonding strength of plaster
AHAM is continuously striving forward to use all the knowledge and equipment available to undertake NDT in order to get as much information as possible about structures. |
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