Laboratory tests of porosity, water absorption, permeability and diffusion of gases and ionic species can be carried out on sections from cores. The tests are used as a fairly general assessment of concrete quality or are used to provide parameters for use in estimates of remaining life. A range of chemical tests can be carried out on sub-samples of concrete dust, obtained from cores or lump samples by drilling or grinding. Petrography (see separate entry) can be used to determine a range of information on the constituent materials.

Guidance on various tests may be found in Concrete Society Technical Report 32, Analysis of hardened concrete: A guide to testing procedures and interpretation of results and Technical Report 71, Concrete petrography: An introductory guide for the non-specialist.