Abstract

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s current practice for determining the compressive strength of structural concrete consists of two methods. Both methods require that samples be delivered to an off-site facility for testing. Accordingly, affected parties on the project site must wait for the delivery of samples to the off-site facility, the performance of tests and analysis of test data, and the return of test results to the project site. Analysis of existing structural concrete requires core samples to be taken from the structural element in question. As a result, sample locations must be patched and repaired. Sampling can also potentially damage an element’s structural integrity. A quick, on-site method that requires minimal repair is needed to determine the compressive strength of concrete. The lateral pull off test, which is conceptually and methodologically similar to the pull off/pull out test, can be used to determine the compressive strength of in-place concrete. It appears to be an accurate, non-destructive, and reliable method. This method also requires minimal patch work at sample locations. Samples are easily obtained and the test results are quickly determined on-site. Two series of tests — a laboratory test on freshly poured concrete slabs and an in-situ test on ready-to-demolish old bridges — were carried out. Both series of tests run the compressive strength cylindrical concrete test and lateral pull off test simultaneously to validate lateral pull off test as an acceptable and dependable method of determining concrete compressive strength. The test procedure and results look very promising based on the project’s objective.

Report Date

1-2019

Report Number

KTC-19-01/SPR17-541-1F

Digital Object Identifier

https://doi.org/10.13023/ktc.rr.2019.01

Notes

© 2018 University of Kentucky, Kentucky Transportation Center

Information may not be used, reproduced, or republished without KTC’s written consent. Kentucky Transportation Center

The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Transportation Center, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the United States Department of Transportation, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. The inclusion of manufacturer names or trade names is for identification purposes and should not be considered an endorsement.

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