Concrete Test Coring & Core Sampling
Concrete Investigation • Test Core Extraction • GPR Before Coring • Laboratory Testing Support
Core drilling specifically for concrete testing and investigation purposes across Adelaide, regional and remote South Australia.
Core Drilling for Concrete Testing Only
Scan Core S.A provides concrete core drilling where the purpose is to obtain representative samples of hardened concrete for testing, investigation or condition assessment.
This service is specifically for concrete testing and investigation. Scan Core does not provide general core-hole drilling for plumbing, electrical, mechanical or other service penetrations.
Test cores can provide physical samples of the existing concrete that may be examined or sent to a suitable laboratory for the required testing. Core sampling can also be combined with Scan Core’s non-destructive GPR, Schmidt Hammer and CMM testing to provide a broader investigation of the structure.
Why Are Concrete Cores Taken?
Concrete cores are extracted when a physical sample of the hardened concrete is required for further assessment. Depending on the project requirements, core samples may be used for laboratory compressive-strength testing, mass-per-unit-volume assessment, visual examination of the concrete, carbonation or other condition investigations specified by the project engineer, consultant or testing laboratory.
Typical purposes
- Laboratory compressive-strength testing
- Investigation of existing concrete condition
- Physical examination of concrete through its depth
- Carbonation-depth investigation where specified
- Assessment following unexpected non-destructive test results
- Supporting engineering or structural investigations
AS 1012.14
AS 1012.14:2018 sets out a method for securing, preparing and testing cylindrical cores from hardened concrete for determination of compressive strength and mass per unit volume. Where testing to a particular standard or specification is required, core locations, dimensions, conditioning and laboratory testing requirements should be established for that project.
GPR Scanning Before Test Coring
Before a test core is extracted, Scan Core can first survey the proposed area using the Proceq GP8000 Pro GPR system. The objective is to identify reinforcement and other detectable embedded features and help select a suitable coring position.
This is particularly important when a representative concrete sample is required without cutting through reinforcement. AS 1012.14:2018 notes that, where possible, reinforcement should be located using a calibrated cover meter, ground penetrating radar or another suitable device before securing the core.
GPR can assist with
- Locating reinforcement before coring
- Identifying reinforcement spacing and cover
- Checking for multiple reinforcing layers
- Locating post-tension tendons where present and detectable
- Understanding slab thickness and structural configuration
- Selecting a more suitable test-core location
A coordinated investigation
Because Scan Core carries out both the GPR investigation and the test-core extraction, the coring work can be coordinated directly with the findings from the scan rather than treating the two stages as unrelated services.
Combine Core Sampling with Non-Destructive Testing
Test coring can form one part of a broader concrete investigation rather than being considered in isolation.
- GPR: reinforcement configuration, cover, structural depth and embedded features
- Schmidt Hammer: indicative surface hardness and comparative strength assessment
- CMM: comparative surface and near-surface moisture conditions
- Test cores: physical concrete samples for laboratory or condition assessment
Reporting & Sample Documentation
Where required, Scan Core can document core locations, site conditions, GPR findings and associated non-destructive test results within a detailed PDF report. Core samples can be identified by location so results from subsequent laboratory testing can be related back to the area investigated.
The laboratory testing itself should be undertaken by a suitably equipped testing laboratory where certified compressive-strength or other laboratory results are required.
Need Concrete Test Cores?
For concrete test coring, GPR scanning and concrete condition investigation, contact Shane directly to discuss the testing requirements and proposed core locations.
Test coring for concrete testing and investigation purposes only — not general service penetrations.
