The point-load strength test for concrete cores

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Abstract
Synopsis The point-load test, commonly used in geotechnical practice, is evaluated for application in concrete testing. The method uses portable equipment to test concrete cores which require no further preparation after removal from the structure. This paper examines the results of a laboratory investigation in which over 450 cores were cut and tested. The influence of specimen and aggregate size, core-length/diameter ratio, and aggregate type upon point-load strengths is examined, and minimum values for the length/diameter and diameter/aggregate-size ratios are proposed. For concrete strengths greater than 20 N/mm2 a linear relationship between core point-load index and cube compressive strength was observed, and the variability of the point-load strengths compared favourably with values reported for compressive testing of cores. The advantages of both the point-load test and the uniaxial compression test for cores are discussed, and it is argued that, provided a satisfactory method can be found for estimating the effect of the coarse aggregate type upon the point-load strength index, this simple test offers a practical alternative to the compressive testing of cores.

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