Nondestructive Testing

Nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques can be used to detect embedded reinforcing steel, general quality of concrete and hidden flaws such as honeycombing, cracks, delaminations, voids, etc. Some of the NDT techniques include:

• Rebound hammer: for general quality of concrete, estimate of concrete strength
  
  
• Radar: to detect embedded reinforcing steel, post tensioning cables
  
  
• Copper-Copper Sulfate Tests: to determine corrosion of reinforcing steel
  
  
• Pulse Velocity: general quality, interior flaws
  
  
• Impact-echo: to detect interior flaws
  
  
• Impulse Response: to detect voids under slab, grout condition under steel plates
  
  
• “Dome” Tests: to determine amount of moisture vapor emitted by the concrete slab
  
  
• pH Tests: to determine carbonation and alkalinity of concrete
  
  
• Rapid Chloride Tests: to determine chloride amount in the concrete