Data required from the customer and in situ diagnostic methods
Data required from the customer
A key component of the whole process is collecting data from the customer. It allows efficiency and cost savings.
For the construction condition assessment process, the client needs to gather information and data related to the construction design, the materials used, and the execution of the project. Also useful are maintenance records. As a final step, a report should be drafted based on the data above regarding the future use of the structure.
In situ diagnostic methods
An overview of the most common in situ diagnostic methods (tests) is presented here, followed by a brief description of each one.
• Ultrasonic concrete testing: based on the propagation of ultrasonic pulses through the structural elements of the construction.
• Rebound hammer test: this method measures the surface hardness of concrete, stone or mortar using a rebound hammer.
• Impact test: a method based on frequency analysis of pulse frequencies by their propagation through the concrete.
• Infrared photogrammetry method: based on the variation of thermal conductivity through a construction element.
• Ground penetrating radar (GPR): an electromagnetic wave is reflected by different materials with different dielectric constants.
• Concrete endoscopy: in this test, a small hole is drilled into a structural element to check the condition of the mass and take photographs.
• Scratch test: this method is used to test mortar’s compressive strength. The test is based on the surface hardness of the mortar.
• Test of flat jacks: it is an on-site compression test of the construction on a real scale.
• Crack width measurement test: deformation control tests are conducted on-site to measure and monitor deformations.
• Load testing (static or dynamic): it is used to experimentally check the loadbearing capacity or the dynamic characteristics (damping and self-loading) of a structure and to monitor the deformation of the materials.
• Steel concrete tests: tests carried out on the concrete-reinforcing steel (ferrous or ductile metal) to evaluate its mechanical characteristics and its chemical composition.
