Gulf Construction Online - Testing equipment gets the limelight

Bauma 2004

Testing equipment gets the limelight

01 March 2004

Switzerland-based manufacturer of testing instruments – Proceq – claims that its concrete test hammers ‘Original Schmidt’ have been found effective in the non-destructive measurement of the concrete/mortar compressive strength and the control of the uniform concrete quality (in-situ concrete and prefabricated structures) as well as for detecting weak spots.

The instruments of the concrete line from Proceq are used for the non-destructive testing of concrete, mortar, artificial stone and coatings. Applications also include the condition recording for the release of new structures as well as a base for the remedial work of buildings, bridges, and tunnels.
“With the Original Schmidt you can use additional conversion curves to determine the compressive strength as well as consider the influence of the carbonation by means of reduction curves,” says a company spokesman.
The compressive fc (concrete compressive strength) is established by measuring the hardness (rebound value R) of the concrete surface and comparing with the conversion curves.
According to the form and sizes of the concrete structures, concrete test hammers with various impact energies can be used (lower impact energy for thin and/or weak components) and types with paper strips can automatically register the rebound values on a paper strip.
Elaborating on the features of the hammer, the spokesman says: “The new functions are integrated in the software menu of the digital version Digi-Schmidt and are therefore easy to use. The ProVista software that allows the easy transfer and processing the results is now available with Digi-Schmidt (only for Profometer 5 so far).
“The storage possibilities of the ultrasonic measuring instrument Tico have been improved and the modulus of elasticity can be established on the basis of the Standard BS 1881, Part 203.
“A new electric drive for the pull-off and extraction tester Dyna Z is available and the load rate can be adjusted exactly according to the requirements of the corresponding standards.
“In the meantime, the rebar locator Profometer 5 has proven itself on the market for its steady and exact measurements. This has been made possible because of the new eddy current measuring method with pulse induction. The universal probe and the Scancar make the use of this instrument easier.
“The product line is completed by three other instruments to determine the quality and reinforcement bars.
• Canin to measure the corrosion potential of the reinforcing bars on a large area;
• Resi to measure the electric resistance of the concrete; and
• Torrent to evaluate the air permeability of the concrete.
Proceq, which claims that its testing systems are easy, precise, fast, flexible, non-destructive is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The company manufactures measuring instruments, testing instruments, site investigation, bridge bearings, joint constructions, and building construction products.
It is also involved in the design and supply of installations and special constructions made to customer’s specifications in the field of prestressed concrete technique, installations for lifting, shifting and weighing heavy loads.
Proceq will present the whole range of its proven instruments at bauma 2004.