The full penetration diamond core method is a viable and cost-effective process for accurately assessing the compressive strength of concrete, minimizing the risk of obtaining false or misleading test results. This method provides a reliable measure of the concretes strength, since it wets the entire core of concrete and eliminates the risk of any false readings caused by partial wetting of the core surface.
The process of diamond core testing begins by drilling a cylindrical hole into the concrete with a diamond core drill. The size of the core should be chosen based on the expected strength of the concrete and the required accuracy of the results. A larger core diameter leads to a more accurate result, and in general each inch of core diameter should produce a ±5% assessment of the expected compressive strength. After the core is extracted, a hydraulic or pneumatic jacking device is used to apply a downward compressive load of between 100 and 500 microstrain on the top of the core.
The pressure is then increased until the total accumulated strain is 0.1-0.2%, typically at which point the core should be aligned perpendicular to the applied load, indicating that the core has failed. The exact compressive strength achieved should then be compared against the expected strength of the concrete to determine its accuracy.
It is important to note that the diamond core process is more accurate than methods that take samples from the surface of the concrete, such as ultrasonic or rebound hammer tests, because these tests can produce results that are distorted due to surface imperfections and irregularities. The diamond core method eliminates this risk, as the entire core is tested, giving a more accurate assessment.
Other advantages of this process include its ability to assess the strength of concrete in difficult to access locations, such as in deep members, concrete walls, and other nondescript points. Additionally, this method requires very little cleanup as it is relatively clean.
In conclusion, the full penetration diamond core method is an economical, accurate and reliable way to test the compressive strength of concrete. It offers reliable results with minimal setup and cleanup costs, allowing construction companies, home owners, and engineers to test the compressive strength of concrete in a safe, convenient and cost-effective manner.
