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D1-7
DIAGNOSIS OF THE CONDITION OF MATERIALS
CONCRETE

IN SITU CONCRETE STRENGTH ASSESSMENT

CONTEXT
This methodology for evaluating the compressive strength of concrete on site is strongly inspired by standard NF EN 13791/CN of
2021 "Evaluation of the compressive strength on site of structures and precast concrete elements" and in particular its Chapters 6
"Core Testing and Determination of On-site Compressive Strength", 7 "Initial Evaluation of the Data Set", and 8 "Estimation of
Compressive Strength for the Evaluation of a existing structure”.
The case of the evaluation of the compressive strength class of a concrete in the event of doubt during construction (non-compliant concrete)
retained in article 9 of the European standard, is not dealt with in this procedure.

The characteristic "design" resistance is obtained by dividing the characteristic compressive resistance "holds on site" by a
coefficient of 0.85 in accordance with paragraph NA.8 of standard NF EN 13791/CN. This is because the concrete in the structure
generally has less strength than that conventionally measured on evidence cast at construction and taken into account in design
calculations.
For example, one may need to know the compressive strength of concrete when carrying out the structural evaluation
(recalculation) of a structure with a view to planning a repair or reinforcement, in particular by additional prestressing, or to know
the residual resistance of a structure whose concrete presents a pathology such as an internal swelling reaction.

DIAGNOSTIC METHODOLOGY
The objective is to identify the different types and deliveries of concrete that may have been used
to build the structure as well as its method of construction. This makes it possible to divide the
structure into test zones having a priori the same concrete formulation, or at least a certain
homogeneity of resistance. A test area incorporates several test areas.

Reminder of the definitions of standard NF EN 13791/CN:

− Test area: “limited area which is selected for the measurements and which is generally used to
estimate a single test result, which must allow the evaluation of the compressive strength on
site”. A test area corresponds to at least one core, or the median of 9 sclerometer measurements,
STEP 1 or one sound velocity measurement;
ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK − “Test area: one or more structural elements or similar precast concrete elements which are
FILE known or believed to be made of concrete having the same constituents and the same class
of compressive strength or equivalent to the volume defined associated with identification
tests for compressive strength”.
We will try to identify, thanks to the delivery slips, the different plants that supplied the concrete and the
delivery dates; this will make it possible to refine the zoning previously defined.

By way of illustration, a test area may correspond to a column, a wall, a slab, a set of columns,
a set of walls, a set of columns and slabs provided that these sets include elements cast on
the same day with the same concrete characteristics (when these data are accessible).

Depending on the results of stage 1 and the observations made during the detailed inspection
(existence of concreting times, facings of uniform color indicating the use of the same concrete,
formwork joints delimiting zones of different aspects , segment joints, etc.), the previously defined
zoning will be refined in order to decide on the number of cores to be taken and to implant the
2ND STEP cores, or to implant the test areas where the non-destructive measurements will be made. The
DETAILED INSPECTION number of test areas per test area depends on the volume of concrete considered, the purpose of
(OR PRE-DIAGNOSIS) the tests and the level of confidence required for the estimate.
AND DEFINITION OF TEST
ZONES AND AREAS If the choice to use cores only (with reference to clause 8.1 of the standard) is made, the
minimum number of valid test results to estimate the characteristic on-site compressive
strength of a test area is eight, provided that the diameter of the cores is greater than or
equal to 75 mm, but it is recommended to core at least ten test areas to take into account
possible outliers.

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 If the choice to use indirect tests in a test area of less than 30 m3(referring to article 8.3 of the
2ND STEP standard) is carried out, the minimum number of valid test results obtained on cores with a
DETAILED INSPECTION diameter ≥ 75 mm to be used is three, but it is recommended to core at least four areas of test
(OR PRE-DIAGNOSIS) AND to account for a possible outlier.
DEFINITION OF ZONES In all cases, the corings must be carried out in areas where there are no structural problems,
AND TEST AREAS for example at the level of the neutral axis. Prior identification of the position of the passive
reinforcements and the prestressing cables must be carried out.

The NF EN 13791/CN standard proposes three different methods for evaluating the
characteristic compressive strength, depending on whether this evaluation is based solely on
cores, on a correlation between non-destructive measurements and a few cores, or on the use
of non-destructive measurements in a test area of less than 30 m3to choose the test area (or
areas) in which core samples will be taken.

Evaluation based on compression tests on cores (article 8.1)

As standard NF EN 13791/CN indicates, it is strongly recommended to assess the compressive

strength of concreteon the spotby compression tests on cores.
It is recalled that the quality of the sampling by core drilling is very important in order not to
damage the cores and to guarantee compliance with the geometry required for the compression
test. Carrots must be taken, examined and prepared in accordance with NF EN 12504-1 (see also the
A1-1 monitoring sheet ) then tested in accordance with NF EN 12390-3.

If the NF EN 13791/CN standard specifies the taking of cores with a diameter ≥ 75 mm and cut
to a length such that after preparation the length/diameter ratio (slenderness) is between 2
and 1, it authorizes the taking of cores of diameter Φ between 50 and 150 mm, and length h
and gives correction coefficients K1to reduce to carrots with a diameter of 150 mm and K2to
reduce to a slenderness of 2. The correction relation is as follows:

ƒIt is=ƒc, 300:150, carrot=K1K2ƒc, h:Φ, carrot

with :
K1= 108.748 / (-0.0003Φ2+ 0.244 Φ + 78.898) for a resistance ≤ 40 MPa
K1= 106.358 / (-0.0004Φ2+ 0.2266 Φ + 81.368) for a resistance > 40 MPa and ≤ 80 MPa
K2= 0.18 E + 0.64 where E is the slenderness of the core.
STEP 3
AUSCULTATION
In a test area, the standard requires taking at least 3 cores with a diameter between 50 and 75
mm or at least 1 core with a diameter ≥ 75 mm to obtain a result; it also mentions in a note
that the dimension of the aggregates has a significant effect on the resistance measured
when the ratio between the diameter of the core and the maximum dimension of the
aggregates is less than approximately 3. It is not desirable, if the reinforcement and the size of
the piece allow it, to take cores with a diameter equal to 5 times the diameter of the largest
aggregate, which leads in most cases to taking cores with a diameter equal to about 100 mm.

In a test area, core collection depends on the size of the area:

− for a “non-small” zone within the meaning of the standard: take at least 8 cores with a diameter ≥
75 mm or at least 12 cores with a diameter ≥ 50 mm and < 75 mm;
− in a small test area comprising one to three structural elements and having a total volume less
than or equal to approximately 10 m3: take at least 3 carrots with a diameter ≥ 75 mm, including
at least one carrot in each element.

The interpretation of the compression tests is done according to the size of the test area:

a) for a "non-small" area (as defined by the standard)

It should be assessed whether this “non-small” area represents a single concrete strength
class; If the improved test results that the test area can have two compressive strengths, it
should:
− either divide the data set into two test areas, respecting the minimum requirements for a
test area;
− Or divide the data into two sets and determine if the average resistance is different using,
for example, the Student test.
The test zone(s) being proven, it is then necessary to evaluate whether there are one or more
resistance values deemed to be outliers with the Grubbs test at 1% or 5%. If there are outliers, their
elimination or retention depends on the judgment of the engineer.

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 Then we recommend the characteristic resistanceon the spot(Fck is) per test area from the lowest of
these 2 values:

ƒck is=ƒc,m(n)is–knotS (1)

where s is the sample standard deviation and is at least 0.08Fc,m(n)isand orknotis provided by
the following table:

not 8 ten 12 16 20 30 ∞
knot 2.00 1.92 1.87 1.81 1.76 1.73 1.64

And ƒck is=ƒit is the weakest+M (2)

where M is a margin given by the following table:

Valueƒit is the weakest Margarine

MPa MPa
≥ 20 4
≥ 16 and < 20 3
≥ 12 and < 16 2
< 12 1

b) for a small area

The lowest value of three or more cores (provided that the dispersion of the test results is not
more than 15% of the mean value) should be taken as the characteristic on-site compressive
strength (fck is).
If the dispersion of the results is greater than 15%, more information should be sought on this
small test area…
c) for a small area
Ultimately, the characteristic resistance of the concrete to be taken into account for the calculation is given by the following
relationship:
Fck=fck is/ 0.85
STEP 3
AUSCULTATION
Evaluation based on a correlation between indirect tests and cores (article 8.2)

If it proves impossible to rely on compression tests on core samples taken to evaluate the
compressive strength of the concrete in the structure, then it is possible to apply non-
destructive auscultation methods, also called within the framework of standard NF EN 13791/
CN "indirect tests" (as opposed to direct compression tests under press), provided that the
indirect methods are calibrated with compression tests on cores.

This means that it is out of the question to apply the transition formulas given by the equipment
manufacturers without calibration by tests on cores taken from the structure; otherwise these
resistance values should be considered as very approximate.

The standard authorizes two indirect methods which are the measurement of the rebound index
(sclerometer measurements according to standard NF EN 12504-2; see alsothe B1-1 monitoring sheet ) and
the measurement of the speed of sound propagation (sonic auscultation of concrete according to standard
NF EN 12504-4; see alsothe B1-2 monitoring sheet ).

Note: as indicated by the national supplement to standard NF EN 13791, the pull-out test is to be
avoided for the evaluation of a resistanceon the spot.

Indeed, within the framework of existing structures, the measurement of the tearing force requires
drilling with a special tool in the concrete so as to fit an insert therein and then pulling on this insert.
This operation, which is too dependent on the implementation, provides results that are unreliable and
unrepresentative of the strength of the concrete at the heart of the structure.

Ideally, auscultation should be carried out by indirect tests before proceeding with coring. It is
recommended to use the data from this analysis to choose the core positions. Cores should be
taken from areas where indirect test values are available. According to the standard, the
correlation must be based on at least 8 pairs of test results; to achieve this, it is recommended
to obtain 10 to take into account possible outliers. In addition, core test areas should reduce
the full range of indirect test values and include extreme values.

The results of the compression tests on cores are corrected by the coefficients K1and K2
(see above). We then seek to detect the atypical values by an analysis of the normalized residues
and, if necessary, to eliminate the values deemed to be atypical and therefore invalid.

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 From the values of the pairs of test results, the linear regression line best fitted to these
values is determined, and it is judged whether it is reasonable for the concrete evaluated
according to its age, type, etc. , using the linear linear regression equation, all valid indirect
test values are converted to equivalent values of compressive strength (fit is, reg) by the
regression equation, even at the level of the test areas for the existing demands of the actual
core test results. When determining f-valuesit is, regof the regression equation, the latter
should not be extrapolated by more than 4 MPa for both ends of the relationship established.

Then, the interpretation of the test results is done according to the type of test area:

a) For a non-specific test area (most common case)

In the most common cases, where one is interested in a test area representing several homogeneous
symmetrical structural elements, given the average strength and the overall standard deviation of the
compressive strength on site for the area test by applying formulas 5 to 9 of the standard. The overall
standard deviation incorporates the standard deviation linked to the dispersion of the core strength test
data around the fitted regression curve and the standard deviation linked to the dispersion of the set of
estimated strengths around of their mean value.

Then we recommend the characteristic resistanceon the spot(Fck is) according to formulas 1 and 2 presented
above, replacing “n” in formula 1 with “ndelete+ 1” where ndeleterepresents the effective number of degrees of
freedom associated with the overall standard deviation.

Ultimately, the characteristic resistance of the concrete to be taken into account for the calculation is given by the following
relationship:

Fck=fck is/ 0.85

b) For a specific test area
When one is interested in a specific test area (presenting for example particular pathologies or
poor workmanship), it is not safe to use the average relation to estimate the compressive
strength on site at the level of a test area of the specific area, as there is a 50% probability
that the actual resistance will be less than the estimated resistance; the compressive strength
STEP 3 on site is therefore given from the values of results of indirect tests converted into values on
AUSCULTATION the lower limit curve of the prediction interval for a degree of significance α of 5% (unilateral
Student test), by applying formula 10 of the standard.This formula 10 provides an estimated
compressive strength which is not the characteristic compressive strength of the test area.

The standard also specifies that, if a test result on cores with a diameter ≥ 75 mm is available,
then this value can be used.

Evaluation based on indirect tests to take at least 3 cores in an area

test less than 30 m3(section 8.3)

This type of assessment can be applied to a test area of no more than 30 m3of concrete in
order to estimate the compressive strength on site using indirect methods without calibration,
when the compressive strength of the concrete supplied does not pose a particular problem.

In the test area of less than 30m3, the areas with the lowest compressive strengths are
identified from the results of indirect tests (by measuring the speed of sound propagation or
by sclerometer tests). Then at least 3 cores with a diameter ≥ 75 mm (or a greater number of
cores with a smaller diameter according to table 4 of the standard) are taken from the vicinity
of the test area (or areas) having the most indirect values. weaker, and they are subjected to
compression tests by applying the correction coefficients K1and K2(see above).

We consider that the characteristic resistanceon the spotis obtained from the average of 3 (or
more) cores, provided that the dispersion of the test results is less than 15% of the average
value. When this dispersion is greater than 15% of the average value, if a study provides a
justified reason for rejecting one of the core test results, the on-site compressive strength (fck
is)reserve is the average of the remaining valid values.

Ultimately, the characteristic resistance of the concrete to be taken into account for the calculation is given by the following
relationship:

Fck=fck is/ 0.85

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 REPOSITORY

Normative documents:

NF EN 12390-1: Tests on hardened concrete – Part 1: shape, dimensions and other requirements relating to specimens and moulds.

NF EN 12390-3: Tests on hardened concrete – Part 3: compressive strength of test specimens.

NF EN 12504-1: Tests for concrete in structures – Part 1: core samples - sampling, examination and compression tests.

NF EN 12504-2: Tests for concrete in structures – Part 2: Non-destructive tests – Determination of the rebound index.
NF EN 12504-4: Tests for concrete in structures – Part 4: determination of the speed of sound propagation.
NF EN 13791/CN: Assessment of the on-site compressive strength of precast concrete structures and elements – national
supplement.
FD P18-471: Guide for the application of the NF EN 13791/CN standard and context of the specifications.

Collection of methods for auscultation of materials and structures of engineering structures (interactive notebook UGE-Cerema "Auscultation of engineering
structures"):
A1-1 Concrete coring B1-1 Sclerometer
measurements B1-2 Sonic auscultation
of concrete

FLOWCHART

A flowchart or decision diagram summarizes the diagnosis methodology by visualizing in a sequential and logical way the actions to be
taken and the decisions to be made to determine the characteristic compressive strength of the concrete on site.

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D1-7: EVALUATION OF CONCRETE RESISTANCE IN SITU

Analysis of the book file

Pre-definition of test areas

Step 1

Review of detailed inspection results

Definition of test areas and areas 2nd step

Defining a sampling plan

and/or auscultation
per homogeneous concrete area
Step 3

Choice to use
carrots and/or
indirect tests?

Case 1 Case 2 Case 3

Choice to use only Choice to use a correlation Choice to use indirect tests to
carrots (8.1) between indirect tests and cores (8.2) take at least 3 cores in a test
area
less than 30m3(8.3)
Performance of indirect tests then
choice of core locations and sampling
Carrot samples of at least 10 cores From indirect test results,
identifying areas of lower
resistance
in compression
Compression tests
Compression tests
Corrections to test results
Corrections to results
park1and K2
tests by K1and K2 Take at least 3 cores from
the area or areas with
Establishment of the right indirect values
linear regression the weakest
Size of the
test area?
Detect outliers by analysis of
Compression tests
normalized residuals
Corrections to results
tests by K1and K2
Test area “Small area Transform all trial values
"not small" test » valid indirects in resistors
in compression

Resistance evaluation
Area assessment characteristicon the
test in order to Area type spot from the average of
determine if it trial? 3 carrots
represents a single diameter ≥ 75 mm or
resistance class more
concrete more carrots
(Student's t-test) Test area Test area small diameter
take the most
low value of not specific specific
three carrots
Evaluation of or more like
existence of values being the Assessment of Estimate of
of resistance judged resistance medium resistance resistance to
outliers characteristic on site for the compression on site
(Grubbs test) on the spotFck is test area from the values
indirect tests
(if a test result
Assessment Assessment on carrots
resistance resistance diameter ≥ 75mm
characteristic characteristic is available,
on the spotFck is on the spotFck is use this value)

Evaluation of the characteristic strength of concrete for the calculation: fck=fck is/ 0.85

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