Title

AS 1012.14-1991 Methods of testing concrete - Method for securing and testing

cores from hardened concrete for compressive strength

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 1
AS 1012.141991
Australian StandardR

Methods of testing concrete

Method 14: Method for securing and

testing cores from hardened concrete for
compressive strength

PREFACE

This Standard supersedes AS 1012, Methods of testing concrete, Part 141973, Method for
securing and testing cores from hardened concrete for compressive strength or indirect
tensile strength.
The format of the Standard has been rearranged to comply with AS 2929, Guide to the
layout and preparation of standard methods of chemical analysis and with Standards
Australia Format B, which is the preferred method for a series of test methods as it reduces
the amount of common content and precludes the need for separate covers.
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The major differences from the 1973 edition are the deletion of the test method for indirect
tensile strength and the reduction of the minimum required length/diameter ratio of the cores
from 1.5 to 1.0.

CONTENTS
Page
1 SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
3 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
4 PRINCIPLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
5 APPARATUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
6 PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
7 CALCULATION AND EXPRESSION OF RESULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
8 PRECISION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
9 RECORDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
10 REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

APPENDICES

A GUIDANCE ON SECURING CORES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

B INTERPRETATION OF CORE TEST RESULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

METHOD
1 SCOPE This Standard sets out a method for the securing and testing of cylindrical cores
from hardened concrete for the determination of compressive strength for an estimate of the
inservice strength of a structure or part thereof.
NOTE: Because of the increased variability associated with core strengths, it is not recommended that concrete
cores be used for direct quality control purposes.
 AS 1012.141991 2

2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS The following documents are referred to in this Standard:

AS
1012 Methods of testing concrete
1012.9 Part 9: Method for the determination of the compressive strength of concrete
specimens
1012.12 Part 12: Methods for the determination of mass per unit volume of hardened
concrete
2758 Aggregates and rock for engineering purposes
2758.1 Part 1: Concrete aggregates
3600 Concrete structures
ASTM
C 42 Methods of obtaining and testing drilled cores and sawed beams of concrete
BS
1881 Testing concrete
Part 120: Method for determination of the compressive strength of concrete cores

3 DEFINITIONS For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions below apply.
3.1 Designerthe person, persons or organization responsible for the design of the structure.
3.2 Locationa region of concrete that is being assessed and that for practical purposes is
assumed to be of uniform quality.

4 PRINCIPLE Cores are secured from the hardened concrete by using a core drill, then trimmed,
conditioned and tested for compressive strength in accordance with AS 1012.9.
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5 APPARATUS The following apparatus is required:

(a) A core drill with the facility for the application of water as a cooling fluid to the cutting edge.
(b) A masonry or diamond saw for trimming the cores.
(c) Facilities for conditioning in water at a temperature of 23 5C for three days, such as a water
bath.
(d) Facilities for conditioning in air at a temperature of 23 5C at a relative humidity of
50 10% for seven days immediately before testing.
(e) Facilities for capping and testing the cores in accordance with AS 1012.9.

6 PROCEDURE
6.1 General The procedure for securing and preparing the cores is as follows:
(a) Secure the core from the hardened concrete.
(b) Check the core for acceptance.
(c) Prepare the core for testing by trimming and conditioning it.
Compressive testing is then carried out in accordance with AS 1012.9.
6.2 Securing the cores
6.2.1 General The aim is to secure cores with a ratio of length/diameter after trimming of
approximately 2:1 and surfaces that are smooth, cylindrical and free from steps, ridges and grooves.
The diameter of cores shall be not less than the greater of 75 mm or 3 times the nominal size of
coarse aggregate in the concrete, measured in accordance with AS 2758.1.
6.2.2 Procedure The procedure for securing the cores is as follows:
NOTE: Appendix A gives guidelines on securing cores.
(a) Take the cores from a location and at a time as specified by the designer or delegate, where
possible avoiding the reinforcement.
(b) Secure the test cores by carefully using a core drill so that the concrete will not be weakened
by shock or by heating. During the drilling process apply water as a cooling fluid to the
cutting edge.
(c) Record the location and direction of coring for each core secured.

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 3 AS 1012.141991

6.3 Acceptance of cores

6.3.1 General Core specimens shall be accepted for testing if they have been secured in
accordance with Clause 6.2 and appear to be free from defects likely to affect their strength.
The cores are examined for acceptance as follows:
(a) Handle the cores carefully to avoid damage.
(b) Note and record the size and position of any significant voids or areas of poor compaction.
(c) Moisten the surfaces of cores and examine for cracks prior to conditioning. If any such cracks
are found, saw off that part of the core so that the sawn-off piece extends beyond any visible
crack.
(d) Note all apparent defects as required by Clauses 9 and 10.
6.3.2 Rejection criteria Uncapped cores shall be liable to rejection if any of the following criteria
apply:
(a) A diameter less than 75 mm.
(b) The diameter at any cross-section deviates from either end diameter by more than 2 mm.
(c) The length of the core when ready for capping is less than the diameter.
(d) Any edge is broken away in such a manner that the radial or vertical break is more than
10 mm from the edge line and the corresponding circumferential break (or sum of
circumferential breaks) exceeds 10% of the circumference of the core.
(e) Either end of the core is not at right angles to the axis and the departure from squareness
exceeds 2 degrees (approximately 5 mm in 150 mm).
(f) Aggregate or other bulges protrude from either end by more than 2 mm.
(g) Either end of a core is convex or concave by more than 2 mm.
(h) There is an apparent defect likely to affect the test result.
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NOTES:
1 The core may be retrimmed to conform with these criteria.
2 In view of the difficulties associated with obtaining cores and duplicating them, it may be necessary to test cores
which do not comply with the requirements of Clause 6.3.2. The results may be used for acceptance criteria if they
exceed the strength values required. The level of non-compliance should be assessed if results are to be used for
rejection criteria.
6.4 Preparation of test cores The cores shall be prepared for testing as follows:
(a) Reinforcement Before and after trimming record
(i) the presence, size, type and location of any reinforcement; and
(ii) the position of any reinforcement by measuring, to the nearest 2 mm, from the centre
of the exposed bars to the top of the core as tested.
(b) Trimming Trim the ends of the core so that
(i) the preferred length/diameter ratio is as near as possible to 2:1; and
(ii) the core complies with Clause 6.3.1(c).
(c) Mass per unit volume Where a measurement of mass per unit volume is required, it shall be
carried out in accordance with AS 1012.12, making allowance for any reinforcement that may
be present.
(d) Preconditioning Cores shall be either wet- or dry-conditioned as follows:
(i) Wet-conditioning The procedure for wet-conditioning is as follows:
(A) Complete all preparation of the ends of the cores, except capping, prior to
submerging the cores in water.
(B) Either submerge the cores in water at a temperature of 23 5C for three days, or
vacuum-soak them for 3 h immediately before testing.
(ii) Dry-conditioning The procedure for dry-conditioning is as follows:
(A) Complete all preparation of the ends of the cores, except capping, prior to the
commencement of the conditioning period.
(B) Store in air at a temperature of 23 5C at a relative humidity of 50 10% for
seven days immediately before testing.
(e) Capping Cap the cores as specified in AS 1012.9.
NOTE: Rubber capping of both ends of the specimen is not generally recommended.
(f) Inspection Prior to testing, inspect the cores and record details of any reinforcement and any
defects such as voids, honeycombing of the concrete, or scoring of the surface.

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 AS 1012.141991 4

6.5 Testing Testing of the prepared cores is carried out in accordance with AS 1012.9. The
maximum applied force, in kilonewtons, indicated by the testing machine shall be recorded.

7 CALCULATION AND EXPRESSION OF RESULTS

7.1 Core strength The core strength is calculated as follows:
(a) Calculate the cross-sectional area of the core as set out in AS 1012.9.
(b) Calculate the core strength, in megapascals, from the following equation:

Core strength =

where
F = maximum applied force, in kilonewtons (see Clause 6.5)
A = cross-sectional area, in square millimetres (see Item (a))
7.2 Corrected compressive strength Where required, the corrected compressive strength shall
be calculated by multiplying the core strength by a correction factor for the length/diameter ratio
of the core (see Table 1).
The corrected compressive strength is expressed in megapascals.
NOTE: Other factors listed in Appendix B may influence the calculation of compressive strength.

TABLE 1
CORRECTION FACTORS FOR
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
L/d Correction factor
2 1
1.75 0.98
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1.5 0.96
1.25 0.93
1.0 0.87
LEGEND:
L = length of the trimmed core, in millimetres
d = the mid-point diameter of the core, in millimetres,
measured as set out in AS 1012.9

8 PRECISION For a group of three cored specimens secured from the same location, cured in
similar conditions and tested at age 28 days or more, the accuracy expressed as a percentage of the
mean of the strengths obtained, is +7% at the 95% probability level, subject to a length/diameter
ratio of 2:1. As this ratio decreases, the repeatability of the test also increases in value.

9 RECORDS The following information concerning each test core shall be recorded:
(a) Identification of core.
(b) Details of location and direction of coring.
(c) Date of test.
(d) Age of concrete in core at testing, where known.
(e) Results of inspection of the core before and after testing.
(f) Height and each measured diameter of the core.
(g) Where required, mass per unit volume, expressed in accordance with AS 1012.12.
(h) Preconditioning of core when tested, i.e., wet or dry.
(i) Size and position of any reinforcement, before and after trimming.
(j) Force at failure, in kilonewtons.
(k) Calculated core strength, to the nearest 0.5 MPa.
(l) If determined, the corrected compressive strengh of each core, to the nearest 0.5 MPa.
(m) If determined, the length/diameter ratio of the trimmed core and any correction factors used
to calculate compressive strength.
(n) Any other significant factors noted before or after testing.
(o) Identification of the operator carrying out the test.

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 5 AS 1012.141991

10 REPORT The following information shall be reported:

(a) Identification of cores.
(b) Date of test.
(c) Age of concrete in core at test, where known.
(d) Preconditioning of core when tested, i.e., wet or dry.
(e) Dimensions of core.
(f) Where required, mass per unit volume, expressed in accordance with AS 1012.12.
(g) Size and position of any reinforcement, before and after testing.
(h) Calculated core strength, to the nearest 0.5 MPa.
(i) Where required, corrected compressive strength, to the nearest 0.5 MPa.
(j) Any defects in core before or after testing.
(k) The number of this Australian Standard, i.e., AS 1012.14.
(l) Such other information contained in the records as may be requested.
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 AS 1012.141991 6

APPENDIX A
GUIDANCE ON SECURING CORES
(Informative)

Cores are taken for a number of reasons, including estimation of the compressive strength of the
concrete in the structure. The sampling and interpretation of core tests is by no means as simple
as it might appear. Cores should not be used to assess the compliance of concrete with AS 3600,
as compliance is achieved only by the testing of cylinder specimens. Cores can assist in
determining subsequent action, however, if the concrete does not comply. Cores are also useful in
resolving doubt about the structure caused by accidental damage, chemical attack or poor
construction methods.
The practice of securing and testing cores should take into account the following:
(a) Location The following should be considered when selecting the location for coring:
(i) As coring may weaken the structure, a non-critical location should be selected.
(ii) Non-destructive testing can assist in the location of defective areas.
(b) Number Increased accuracy is obtained in estimating the strength of the element when more
cores are secured. At least three cores should be taken for each sample.
(c) Size The diameter and length/diameter ratio should be within the specified limits.
(d) Direction of coring The direction of coring may be either vertical or horizontal.
(e) Drilling procedures A rigidly positioned water-cooled drill with diamond- impregnated bit
should be used. The total depth should be checked before break-out.
(f) Age The basis of design and comparison is usually the 28-day strength. If cores are taken at
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ages greatly differing from this, some correction will be needed.

(g) Moisture condition AS 3600 requires that the cores be tested dry unless the concrete is
expected to be wet in service.
(h) Top layer The top layer of a concrete member should be avoided as it usually is of lower
strength than the bulk of the concrete.
(i) Making good When the cores have been secured all core holes should be repaired.

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 7 AS 1012.141991

APPENDIX B
INTERPRETATION OF CORE TEST RESULTS
(Informative)
B1 INTRODUCTION There are many factors which influence the compressive strength of cores.
Chiefly these are as follows:
(a) Physical factors relating to the securing of the core itself.
(b) Properties of the concrete supplied.
(c) Factors related to the compaction and the curing of the concrete provided.
It should be recognized that most core results used as an estimate of the in-service strength of a
structure will be affected by all of the above factors.
In recent years there has been a significant amount of investigational work on the testing of
concrete cores both in Australia and overseas. The following notes summarize the available
information and are included to assist in the interpretation of the results obtained from coring.

B2 FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE THE STRENGTH OF CORES The main factors which
influence the strength of cores are related to the production and properties of the concrete and the
securing of the core itself. The variability of core results is, however, higher than that obtained
from moulded specimens. For example, when only three cores are secured, less reliance can be
placed on the average strength result than for the same number of moulded specimens.
Early work on the effect of core diameter on strength seemed to imply higher strengths for small
diameters, but recent work indicates that there is no significant difference for cores having
diameters within the range of 100 mm to 150 mm, provided the cores are taken from the centre
of the mass of concrete. There can be a strength gradient within the concrete, increasing with depth
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below the surface resulting from curing and consolidation effects. This should be considered,
particularly when securing or assessing small diameter cores.

B3 CALCULATION OF CORRECTED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH Investigations into

the effect of length/diameter ratios show that, in general, for the same concrete, the compressive
strength results increase as the ratio of the length/diameter decreases. However, it has been shown
that adjustment factors for length/diameter ratio also depend on the compressive strength of the
concrete, with a tendency for the higher strength results to be less affected than the lower strength
results. The variation in these factors increases as the length/diameter ratio decreases.
Adjustment factors for concrete cores tested dry have not been established as firmly as for those
tested in a wet condition. In this regard ASTM C 42 notes that air-dry cores should have a
length/diameter ratio of 2:1. In BS 1881:Part 120, the cores are tested after immersion in water.
However, it is considered that, provided the length/diameter ratio is not less than 1:1, the
adjustment factors indicated in Table 1 can be applied to both wet and air-dry cores, provided also
that it is recognized that the value of the adjustment factor is only an approximation.

B4 SUMMARY In securing cores and assessing the test results, the following factors should be
taken into account (see also Appendix A):
(a) Physical factors relating to the securing of the core.
(b) Properties of the concrete supplied.
(c) Factors related to the compaction and curing of concrete.
(d) To achieve minimum errors in the interpretation of estimated compressive strengths, the
following conditions should apply:
(i) The length/diameter ratio should approach or equal 2:1.
(ii) Cores should be of maximum diameter compatible with Item (i).
(iii) Cores should be secured from a location that will best represent the strength of the
concrete under consideration.
(e) Less reliance can be placed on the average corrected compressive strength results than on
standard cylinder results.
(f) Generally there is no need to apply an adjustment factor for the diameter of core, but some
consideration should be given to the effect of the location of the core in deep slabs.

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 AS 1012.141991 8

This Australian Standard was prepared by Committee BD/42, Methods of Testing Concrete. It was approved on behalf of
the Council of Standards Australia on 14 May 1991 and published on 12 July 1991.

Review of Australian Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Australian Standards are subject to periodic
review and are kept up to date by the issue of amendments or new editions as necessary. It is important therefore that
Standards users ensure that they are in possession of the latest edition, and any amendments thereto.
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Full details of all Australian Standards and related publications will be found in the Standards Australia Catalogue of
Publications; this information is supplemented each month by the magazine The Australian Standard, which subscribing
members receive, and which gives details of new publications, new editions and amendments, and of withdrawn Standards.
Suggestions for improvements to Australian Standards, addressed to the head office of Standards Australia, are welcomed.
Notification of any inaccuracy or ambiguity found in an Australian Standard should be made without delay in order that
the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.

AS 1012.141991 first published as AS A1051957.

Second edition 1968.
Third edition 1973.
Revised and redesignated AS 1012.141973.
AS A1051973 withdrawn 1976.
Second edition AS 1012.141991.

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 90071.

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