Test Cores

Prior to the placing of concrete in its final position, although there are always some site tests conducted to verify the consistency of the material, however, the degree of final compaction is still uncertain. Visual inspection on the deployment of exterior or internal vibrators or the paving machine may help to justify the degree of compaction, nevertheless, this watch-out may be quite subjective and requires some further proof. The Engineer or the specification may require subsequent cores for compression tests to demonstrate that the finished product has achieved the specified strength. Or occasionally, if the site performance is in doubt, for instance, the formation of a cold joint, the Engineer may require specific test cores at the affected area to prove whether the finished product is still in compliance with the specification.