Evolution of Non-Destructive Testing Methods for Concrete

Authors: Alain Sanchez, Institut National des Sciences Appliquees de Lyon

Original Language: French (see French version)

Abstract

First, the communication briefly presents the state of the different existing non-destructive test methods, according to the properties of concrete. After highlighting those that appear to present sufficient technical-economic interest, the presentation develops, from concrete examples, the possible orientations for using these methods; in particular the estimation of concrete strength from results at early age. The presentation also shows how these methods integrate into the permanent search for product quality optimization and self-control. The advantages that non-destructive tests represent compared to conventional destructive testing are thus recalled. In conclusion, the presentation describes the foreseeable evolution of application of these methods in the medium term and briefly addresses the achievable reduction in product testing costs that will result.