Nondestructive Evaluation of Concrete Compressive Strength through the Use of Impact Force Response Signal and Its Application to Field Model Structures

ABSTRACT This study investigates a novel nondestructive testing (NDT) method for evaluating the compressive strength of concrete by analyzing impact force response signals. The objective of this research is to determine whether a parameter derived from these signals—total impact force signal energy (TIFSE)—can serve as a reliable and quantifiable indicator of uniaxial compressive strength. Motivated by the limitations of existing NDT methods, such as the rebound hardness test and the ultrasonic pulse velocity test, this study introduces TIFSE, which is defined as the time integral of the squared impact force measured during both the initial and subsequent rebound impacts. This formulation reflects the energy attenuation behavior of the material, which is inherently linked to its mechanical strength. To validate this approach, experiments were conducted on concrete specimens with different sizes and mix designs, as well as six on-site field model structures. The results demonstrated a strong, direct, and consistent correlation between TIFSE and measured compressive strength across all conditions tested. These findings indicate that TIFSE provides a reliable, practical, and noninvasive method for assessing concrete compressive strength in both laboratory and field conditions.