Concrete Strength Measurement and Assessment – Cores and Indirect Methods
Course description:
This course provides an introduction to assessing hardened concrete for strength for both new and existing structures. The focus of the course is core testing, reference is also made to other indirect non-destructive testing (NDT) methods.
Structural Concrete is specified by a characteristic compressive strength class. This course will provide an understanding of the practical interpretation of BS EN 13791 and BS EN 12504-1 and the importance of a sampling, manufacture and testing of specimens alongside methods used for analysing results. For example: If insufficient cores are taken then the assessment would lead to the designer not accepting the reported strength of the structure.
The course is designed to offer insights for consultants, engineers, supervisors, laboratory, technical managers and technicians.
Learning outcomes:
Delegates will gain an understanding the importance of a correct testing regime and an interpretation of the results achieved.
- Characteristic Strength
- How in-situ cores relate to test cube specimens
- Review of supplier and site records
- Cores
- Suitability
- Extraction
- Sample preparation
- Testing
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
- Rebound Hammer
- UPV
- Pull out test
- Historic/Existing Structures
- Planning for test location and numbers
- Assessment of strength where no or lack of information is available
- Analysing the results
- New Structures
- Planning for test location and numbers
- Assessment of strength when concrete supply is in doubt
- Analysing the results
- NDT results
- Analysing the results
- Analysing in combination with core results
Following the course delegates will be able to:
- Describe the test methods.
- Explain why correct testing procedures are critical.
- Describe the relevance of in-situ strength in relation to characteristic strength class.
- Analysis test results.
- Determine if any concrete remains non-conforming.
Who should attend:
The course is designed for all those involved in the concrete supply chain and concreting operations.
Title: Concrete Strength Measurement and Assessment – Cores and Indirect Methods
Duration: 3 hours
Date: Tuesday 9th June 2026
Time: 10.00am to 1pm, including a short break
Location: Zoom – joining instructions will be provided following payment and at least 24 hours before the course
Recommended reference materials:
Concrete Advice Note No.68 – Assessment of in-situ concrete strength – Concrete Society, 2021
Corporate members of the Society can access Advice notes via the members area.
Trainers:
The trainer(s) will be confirmed prior to the event.
Ian Evans IEng, MICT
Concrete Society
Prior to joining the Concrete Society Ian worked as a Technical Manager in both ready-mixed concrete and cement. Ian has considerable practical, on-site experience including best practice for concrete operations and the influence of concrete properties.
Dr Ian Heritage, B.Eng., M.Sc., Ph.D., MICT
Concrete Society
Prior to joining the Concrete Society Ian worked for Lafarge Cement as a technical advisor and product training manager. Ian is a technical specialist responsible for the provision of impartial technical advice on concrete and training courses and seminars on concrete and related products.
James Niland AMICT
Concrete Society
James has experience in concrete and its constituent materials. Prior to joining the Concrete Society he was involved with suppliers and contractors on large-scale civil engineering projects.
Concrete Society trainers have a Level 3 Award in Education and Training (PTLLS).
Price: £55 +VAT (Concrete Society members) or £78+VAT (Non-Concrete Society members)