Estimation of In-situ concrete strength using drilling resistance

Rapid and reliable condition assessment of reinforced concrete structures in high seismicity regions is a priority task in estimating their seismic safety. Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods may contribute to the condition assessment practice by providing fast and reliable strength estimation while causing minimal or no damage to the structure. Drilling resistance is an NDT method that has been used for mechanical characterization of natural stone and wood by measuring the force response for constant penetration rate and rotational speed. This paper focuses on the relationship between drilling resistance and compressive strength of concrete, including when it is combined with other NDT methods. Concrete cube samples produced using 6 different concrete mixtures were tested. Correlation equations were then obtained using statistical analysis. The results reveal that it may be possible to reliably estimate the compressive strength of concrete using drilling resistance method.