BS EN 12504-2:2012

BSI Standards Publication

Testing concrete in structures

Part 2: Non-destructive testing —
Determination of rebound number
BS EN 12504-2:2012 BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 12504-2:2012.
It supersedes BS EN 12504-2:2001 which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee B/517/1, Concrete production and testing.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be
obtained on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct
application.
© The British Standards Institution 2012.
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2012
ISBN 978 0 580 76921 4
ICS 91.100.30
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 January 2013.
Amendments issued since publication
Date Text affected
 BS EN 12504-2:2012

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 12504-2

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM September 2012

ICS 91.100.30 Supersedes EN 12504-2:2001

English Version

Testing concrete in structures - Part 2: Non-destructive testing -

Determination of rebound number

Essais pour béton dans les structures - Partie 2: Essais Prüfung von Beton in Bauwerken - Teil 2: Zerstörungsfreie
non destructifs - Détermination de l'indice de Prüfung - Bestimmung der Rückprallzahl
rebondissement

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 13 July 2012.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same
status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United
Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2012 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12504-2:2012: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
BS EN 12504-2:2012
EN 12504-2:2012 (E)

Contents Page

Foreword ..............................................................................................................................................................3
1 Scope ......................................................................................................................................................4
2 Normative references ............................................................................................................................4
3 Principle ..................................................................................................................................................4
4 Apparatus ...............................................................................................................................................4
4.1 Rebound hammer ..................................................................................................................................4
4.2 Reference anvil ......................................................................................................................................4
4.3 Abrasive stone .......................................................................................................................................5
5 Test location ...........................................................................................................................................5
5.1 Selection .................................................................................................................................................5
5.2 Preparation .............................................................................................................................................5
6 Procedure ...............................................................................................................................................5
6.1 Preliminary preparation ........................................................................................................................5
6.2 Operations ..............................................................................................................................................5
6.3 Reference checking ...............................................................................................................................6
7 Test result ...............................................................................................................................................6
8 Test report ..............................................................................................................................................6
9 Precision .................................................................................................................................................7
Bibliography ........................................................................................................................................................8
National Annex NA (informative) Guidance on the application of surface hardness testing
by rebound hammer........................................................................................................................................... 9

2
 BS EN 12504-2:2012
EN 12504-2:2012 (E)

Foreword
This document (EN 12504-2:2012) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 104 “Concrete and
related products”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by March 2013, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at
the latest by March 2013.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

This document supersedes EN 12504-2:2001.

This document is based on the International Standard ISO 1920-7, Testing of concrete – Part 7: Non-
destructive tests on hardened concrete, and reference has been made to ASTM C805, Standard Test Method
for Rebound number of hardened concrete.

This document has been framed around the use of a Type N, spring driven steel hammer, originally designed
by Schmidt.

This European Standard is one of a series of test methods for concrete.

The series EN 12504 "Testing concrete in structures" consists of the following parts:

 Part 1: Cored specimens — Taking, examining and testing in compression;

 Part 2: Non-destructive testing — Determination of rebound number;

 Part 3: Determination of pull-out force;

 Part 4: Determination of ultrasonic pulse velocity.

The main changes with respect to the previous edition are listed below:

a) editorial revision;

b) clarification to the procedure for carrying out the test and indicates the required specification of the
equipment to be used;

c) the option of using an electronic measuring device as well as the mechanical version.

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

3
BS EN 12504-2:2012
EN 12504-2:2012 (E)

1 Scope
This European Standard specifies a method for determining the rebound number of an area of hardened
concrete using a spring-driven hammer.

NOTE 1 The rebound number determined by this method can be used to assess the uniformity of concrete in situ, to
delineate zones or areas of poor quality or deteriorated concrete in structures.

NOTE 2 The test method is not intended as an alternative for the compressive strength determination of concrete
(EN 12390-3), but with suitable correlation, it can provide an estimate of in situ compressive strength. For the assessment
of in-situ compressive strength see EN 13791.

NOTE 3 The hammer may be used for comparative testing, referenced against a concrete with known strength or
against a concrete which has been shown that it has come from a defined volume of concrete with a population verified as
conforming to a particular strength class.

2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

EN ISO 6508-1, Metallic materials – Rockwell hardness test – Part 1: Test method (scales A, B, C, D, E, F, G,
H, K, N, T) (ISO 6508-1)

3 Principle
A mass propelled by a spring strikes a plunger in contact with the surface of the structure or specimen to be
tested. The test result is expressed as a number in terms of the rebound distance of the mass. A number may
also be obtained in terms of the energy or velocity differential before and after impact of the mass.

4 Apparatus

4.1 Rebound hammer

Consisting of a spring-loaded hammer mass which, when released, strikes a plunger in contact with the
surface to be tested. The rebound distance of the hammer mass from the plunger or other rebound values
shall be measured.

NOTE Several types and sizes of rebound hammers are commercially available for testing various strength classes
and types of concrete. Each type and size of hammer should be used only with the strength class and type of concrete for
which it is intended.

4.2 Reference anvil

Steel reference anvil for verification of the hammer, with an impact area having a hardness of minimum
52 HRC when tested in accordance with EN ISO 6508-1 and a mass of (16 ± 1) kg and a diameter of
approximately 150 mm.

Other anvils may be used if it can be demonstrated the accuracy of the readings are not significantly affected.

The manufacturer’s instructions and any other equipment shall be used to ensure the longitudinal axis of the
plunger is perpendicular to the surface of the anvil at impact.

NOTE Verification on an anvil will not guarantee that different hammers will yield the same results at other points on
the rebound scale.

4
 BS EN 12504-2:2012
EN 12504-2:2012 (E)

4.3 Abrasive stone

A medium-grain texture silicon carbide stone or equivalent material.

5 Test location

5.1 Selection

Concrete elements to be tested shall be at least 100 mm thick and fixed within a structure. Smaller elements
or specimens may be tested provided they are rigidly supported. Areas exhibiting honeycombing, scaling,
rough texture, or high porosity should be avoided.

In selecting an area to be tested, the following factors should be considered:

a) the strength of the concrete;

b) type of surface (e.g. formed or unformed);

c) type of concrete (e.g. normal or lightweight);

d) moisture condition of the surface;

e) carbonation (if appropriate);

f) direction of test;

g) other appropriate factors.

A test location should be approximately 300 mm × 300 mm.

5.2 Preparation

Using the abrasive stone, grind heavily textured or soft surfaces, or surfaces with loose mortar, until they are
smooth and free of loose material. Smooth-formed or trowelled surfaces may be tested without grinding.

Remove any water present on the surface of the concrete.

6 Procedure

6.1 Preliminary preparation

6.1.1 Use the hammer in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for its operation.

6.1.2 Before a sequence of tests on a concrete surface, clean the impact surfaces of the reference anvil
and plunger. Perform at least five impacts on the steel reference anvil and record the readings from the next
five impacts. If the readings from the last five impacts are not within ± 3 of the value given by the
manufacturer, clean and/or adjust the hammer in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and repeat
the above.

6.1.3 The hammer shall only be operated at a temperature within the range 0 °C to 50 °C.

6.2 Operations

At the time of the test, the hammer shall meet the requirements defined in 6.1.2.

Hold the hammer firmly in a position that allows the plunger to impact perpendicularly to the surface being
tested.

5
BS EN 12504-2:2012
EN 12504-2:2012 (E)

Gradually increase the pressure on the plunger until the hammer impacts (see 6.1.1).

After impact, record the rebound number based on the rebound distance and/or energy or velocity
measurements.

Examine each impression made on the surface after impact and if the impact has crushed or broken through a
near-to-surface void, discount the result.

Take a minimum of nine valid readings to obtain a reliable estimate of the rebound number for a test location.

Record the position and orientation of the hammer for each set of readings.

Ensure that no two impact points are closer than 25 mm and none are within 25 mm of an edge.

NOTE It is preferable to draw a regular grid of lines 25 mm to 50 mm apart and take the intersections of the lines as
the test points.

6.3 Reference checking

After performing the tests, take five readings using the steel reference anvil. If the readings are not within ± 3
of the value given by the manufacturer, clean and/or adjust the hammer according to the manufacturer’s
instruction and repeat the test.

7 Test result
The rebound number of the test location shall be taken as the median of all the readings, adjusted if
necessary to take into account the orientation of the hammer in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions. The rebound number shall be expressed as a whole number.

If more than 20 % of all the readings differ from the median by more than 30 % the entire set of readings shall
be discarded.

NOTE If more than one hammer is to be used, a sufficient number of tests should be made on similar concrete
surfaces with all hammers, to determine the variation in the results obtained.

8 Test report
The report shall include:

a) identification of the concrete structure/element;

b) identification of test location(s);

c) identification of the rebound hammer and its specification if known;

d) description of preparation of test location(s);

e) details of concrete (if known) and its condition;

f) date/time of performance of the test;

g) rebound number (median of test result readings) adjusted for hammer orientation (if appropriate) for each
test location;

h) any deviation from the standard test method e.g. presence of water on surface (see 5.2), temperature
outside acceptable range (see 6.1.3);

6
 BS EN 12504-2:2012
EN 12504-2:2012 (E)

i) a declaration by the person technically responsible for the test that it was carried out in accordance with
this document, except as noted in item h).

The report may include:

j) individual rebound hammer readings, if required.

9 Precision
There are no precision data available for this test.

7
BS EN 12504-2:2012
EN 12504-2:2012 (E)

Bibliography

[1] EN 12390-3, Testing hardened concrete – Part 3: Compressive strength of test specimens

[2] EN 13791, Assessment of in-situ compressive strength in structures and precast concrete components

8
 BS EN 12504-2:2012
EN 12504-2:2012 (E)

National Annex NA (informative)

i) a declaration by the person technically responsible for the test that it was carried out in accordance with
this document,
Guidance except
on the as noted in item
application h).
of surface hardness testing by rebound hammer
The report may include:
NA.1 General
j)The individual
testing of rebound
concretehammer readings,
by hardness if required.
methods is not generally considered to be a substitute for other
well-established methods, but only as a useful preliminary or complementary method. Hardness
9measurements
Precisionprovide information on the quality of the surface layer (about 30 mm deep) of the
concrete only.
There are no precision data available for this test.
The attention of the user is drawn to the fact that rebound hammers give a measure of the surface
hardness of the concrete only, and that the relationship to any other property of the concrete is
empirical.

No single correlation with strength or any other measurable property applies to all concrete, and a
calibration for a specific set of circumstances is necessary if acceptable accuracy is to be obtained. It
may be possible to apply well established and documented correction factors for a number of
influences but it is doubtful whether, if a large number of correction factors were required, the
estimate of the property would be sufficiently accurate. It is possible that the simultaneous change of
two or more influences would result in an interaction affecting the results in a way different from
predictions based on the sum of their separate actions.

The accuracy with which a property of the concrete may be estimated from a hardness test will not be
better than the confidence limits of the correlation derived between that property and hardness
readings. If the specimens used for deriving the correlation do not exactly represent the concrete to
be tested additional errors will be introduced into the results. It is unlikely that 95 % confidence limits
on the estimation of the strength of concrete in situ will be better than ±25 % under ideal conditions.
The use of universal calibrations, such as those produced by the manufacturers of rebound hammers,
can lead to serious errors and should be avoided.

Examples of cases where hardness methods are particularly useful are given in NA.2.1 to NA.2.4

NA.2 Typical applications for the measurement of concrete hardness

NA.2.1 Checking the uniformity of concrete

Hardness measurements can be used in the production of concrete where it may be desirable to
establish the uniformity of products or similar elements in a structure in situ at a constant age,
temperature, maturity and moisture condition. Hardness measurements can also be used to define
areas of different quality prior to testing by other methods, possibly using destructive tests.

NA.2.2 Comparing a given concrete with a reference in terms of a specific requirement

A hardness value may be set to determine the handling and transport of units, the removal of
temporary supports from structural members, etc. The critical hardness should be established on the
basis of a proof load or past experience of performance. In acceptance testing or quality control
procedures, simple but numerous hardness tests can supplement a small number of proof load tests
or destructive tests.

NA.2.3 Determining the properties of the surface of the concrete which have a direct
influence on its performance
The assessment of the wearing quality of a concrete floor can be based on its hardness. The
characteristics of a concrete surface which govern abrasion resistance have been shown to correlate
reasonably well with those characteristics which determine rebound hammer readings. Hardness
measurements for this purpose should not be made earlier than 14 days nor later than 3 months after

1
9
7
BS EN 12504-2:2012
EN 12504-2:2012 (E)

laying the concrete. Appropriate specialist publications contain broad relationships between rebound
number and abrasion resistance.
1
Bibliography
NA.2.4 Estimation of strength of concrete in structures
The estimation of strength should be made with considerable care. A procedure for relating strength
[1] EN 12390-3, Testing
and rebound hardened
hammer concrete
reading – Partin3:clause
is given Compressive strength guidance
NA.6. General of test specimens
on the assessment of
concrete strength in structures is given in BS 6089:2010.
[2] EN 13791, Assessment of in-situ compressive strength in structures and precast concrete components
NA.3 Method of obtaining a correlation between strength and rebound number
The most convenient method of producing a correlation between strength and rebound number is by
tests in which both measurements are made on concrete cubes. It is difficult to ensure that cubes
accurately represent the structure to be tested and more reliable results may be obtained if a
correlation is made using cores. In this case hardness tests should be made on the concrete in-situ
at proposed core positions and cores subsequently cut and tested for strength.

The test specimens used for correlation should be of as large as mass as possible. If cubes are used
for this purpose, 150 mm cubes are preferred to 100 mm cubes. Unless there is sufficient evidence to
support a general correlation, the constituent materials used in the manufacture of test cubes to be
used to establish a correlation should be the same as the concrete to be examined. The most
satisfactory way of carrying out hardness tests on cubes is by holding them in a compression testing
2 2
machine under a load corresponding to a stress between 7 N/mm and 10 N/mm if the impact energy
is about 2.2 N·m. The load should be increased for testing with devices of greater impact energy and
can be decreased with devices of lesser impact energy.

To prepare a correlation between rebound number and strength it is necessary to test a number of
specimens which encompass the likely range of strength expected in the structure. The reliability of
the correlation is increased by increasing the number of specimens. The method of varying the
strength should be chosen in relation to the purpose for which the correlation is used. If it is intended
to monitor the development of strength in a structure then it would be appropriate to test correlation
specimens at different ages. If it is proposed to monitor the quality of the concrete in a structure it
would be appropriate to vary the mix proportions of the concrete.

Correlation specimens should represent the structure to be tested as closely as possible; all the
factors given in clause NA.4 should be considered. Where cubes are used as the specimens, take
nine readings using the rebound hammer on each of two moulded and opposite side faces. The
points of impact on the specimen should not be nearer an edge than 25 mm and should be not less
than 25 mm from each other. The same point should not be struck more than once. Construct a
correlation curve from the mean rebound number and strength for each test specimen. The equation
for this curve can be determined by any standard curve fitting procedure.

NA.4 Factors influencing the measured hardness of a concrete surface

NA.4.1 Concrete strength
NA.4.1.1 General
It is possible to produce empirical relationships between the strength of concrete and its hardness
which are influenced by the factors described in NA.4.1.2 to NA.4.1.6

NA.4.1.2 Type of cement

The effect of differences between CEM I cements of different fineness on the correlation with strength
is relatively small, not exceeding 10 %. Concretes made with high alumina cements can give
strengths 100 % higher than a calibration obtained on Portland cement would indicate. Some less

1
R. G. Chaplin. Abrasion Resistant Concrete Floors. In: Adv. In concrete slab technology. pp 532-
534, 1980, and M. Sadegzadeh & R. Kettle, Indirect and non-destructive methods for assessing
abrasion resistance of concrete, In: Magazine of concrete research, Vol.38, No 137, Dec 1986.

2
10
8
 BS EN 12504-2:2012
EN 12504-2:2012 (E)

common cements can give 50 % lower strengths than a calibration obtained for Portland cement
i)would
a declaration
indicate. by the person technically responsible for the test that it was carried out in accordance with
this document, except as noted in item h).
NA.4.1.3 Cement content
The report may include:
Concrete with a high cement content will give lower rebound hammer readings than concrete of the
same strength but a lower cement content. However, the error in strength estimation resulting from a
j) individual rebound hammer readings, if required.
change in cement content is unlikely to exceed 10 %.

9NA.4.1.4
Precision
Type of aggregate
Although
There are many normaldata
no precision weight aggregates
available for this give
test. similar correlations between concrete strength and
hardness, these should not be assumed unless supporting test evidence is available.

Lightweight aggregates and aggregates with unusual properties require special calibrations.

NA.4.1.5 Type of curing and age of concrete

The relationship between hardness and strength varies as a function of time. Variations in initial rate
of hardening, subsequent curing and conditions of exposure also influence the relationship. Separate
calibration curves are required for different curing regimes but the effect of age can generally be
ignored for concrete between 3 days and 3 months old (see NA.4.5).

NA.4.1.6 Compaction
Rebound hammers are unsuitable for detecting strength variations caused by different degrees of
compaction. If the concrete is not fully compacted, strength cannot be reliably estimated.

NA.4.2 Type of surface

Only smooth surfaces should be tested. Surfaces obtained by casting against different formwork
materials respond differently to hardness tests. Trowelled surfaces are generally harder than those
cast against formwork and may also give more variable results.

Tests on cut or ground surfaces are likely to give more variable results that differ significantly from
those obtained on a cast surface.

Tests on moulded surfaces are generally to be preferred. Lack of quantitative evidence on how
different surfaces behave under a hardness test can lead to considerable errors when results from
different surfaces are compared. In such cases separate calibrations are necessary.

NA.4.3 Type of concrete

Hardness methods are only suitable for close textured concrete. These tests are unsuitable for open
textured concrete typical of masonry blocks, honeycombed concrete, or no-fines concrete.

NA.4.4 Moisture condition of the surface

A wet surface gives lower rebound hammer readings than a dry surface. This effect can be
considerable and a reduction in rebound number of 20 % is typical for structural concrete when wet,
although some types of concrete can give greater differences.

NA.4.5 Carbonation
Carbonation affects the surface layer which ceases to be representative of the concrete within an
element. The effect of carbonation is to increase the hardness of concrete. Normal rates of
carbonation do not significantly affect the measured hardness when the concrete is less than 3
months old. In some circumstances of high temperature and high carbon dioxide concentration,
carbonation may have a significant effect at earlier ages.

NA.4.6 Movement of concrete under test

The impact from the rebound hammer should not be allowed to cause noticeable vibration or
movement of the concrete being tested. Consequently, small concrete specimens have to be rigidly
mounted, e.g. by clamping them firmly in a heavy testing machine. For some structural members the

3
11
7
BS EN 12504-2:2012
EN 12504-2:2012 (E)

slenderness or mass may be such that this criterion is not fully satisfied and in such cases strength
Bibliography
prediction is difficult, although comparisons between or within individual members may be made by
conducting tests at points of similar rigidity.

NA.4.7 Direction of test

[1] EN 12390-3, Testing
The direction of hardened concrete the
test will influence – Part 3: Compressive
measured hardness.strength of testdirections
The usual specimensof test are either
horizontal or vertically down, but any direction of test can be used provided that it is. Corrections for a
given direction
[2] EN 13791, Assessmentare of
usually
in-situsupplied with strength
compressive the rebound hammer.and
in structures It is desirable
precast that components
concrete they should be
checked experimentally.

NA.4.8 Other factors

Other factors which are known to influence hardness readings are proximity of the test area to a
discontinuity, the state of stress of the concrete and the temperature of both the concrete and the
hardness tester. Provided that points of impact are at least 25 mm from any edge or sharp
discontinuity and extreme conditions are avoided, these effects are likely to be small in normal
practical situations. Normal sizes and covers of reinforcing steel in concrete are unlikely to have a
significant effect on hardness when measured as described in this standard.

Different rebound hammers of the same nominal design may give different rebound numbers and all
tests should be made with the same device if results are to be compared. If the use of more than one
rebound hammer is unavoidable, a sufficient number of tests should be made on typical concrete
surfaces with all of them to determine the magnitude of the differences to be expected between them.
Rebound numbers must be converted to strength values using only the correlation established for that
device.

NA.5 Apparatus
Surface hardness measurements are influenced not only by the characteristics of the concrete
surface but also by the design of the measuring apparatus. Several rebound hammers which have
given satisfactory performance are commercially available.

For most impact hammers the face of the plunger which strikes the concrete surface is curved and the
area in contact with the surface varies during the impact owing to the formation of a small indentation
which will normally be less than 1 mm deep and 15 mm in diameter. The results are expressed in
terms of rebound number which is a measure of the rebound distance of the mass.

A number of rebound hammers are available giving different impact energies and areas of contact
applicable to light-weight concrete, normal structural concrete and mass concrete. The principles
governing hardness testing which are outlined in this standard are applicable to all rebound hammers.
Details of test procedure, such as minimum spacing between test positions, relate specifically to a
rebound hammer giving an impact energy of about 2.2 N·m which is the size most frequently used
and is appropriate for normal structural concrete.

NA.6 Method of testing

Select a rebound hammer appropriate to the type of concrete to be tested.

Choose suitable test locations in relation to the factors listed in clause 5.1 and the purpose of the
investigation.

For comparative surveys all test locations should be tested under similar conditions. When testing a
number of similar elements, they should be tested at similar positions to reduce any possible effects
due to differences in rigidity and uniformity of the concrete. If tests on a structure are to be compared
with a correlation curve. or other predetermined rebound number, the structure should be tested
under the same conditions as those occurring when the correlation was prepared.

A moulded surface is preferable but a free trowelled surface may also be satisfactory if appropriate
corrections are applied or a specific correlation is prepared. When hardness measurements are being

4
12
8
 BS EN 12504-2:2012
EN 12504-2:2012 (E)

used to assess abrasion resistance it may be necessary to test a trowelled surface. If extraneous
i)matter
a declaration by the
is present on the surface
person this
technically responsible
should be removed.for the test that it was carried out in accordance with
this document, except as noted in item h).
In those cases where a smooth surface is not available for testing it may be necessary to rub smooth
The report may
the surface include:
using a medium-grain texture silicon carbide stone or equivalent material stone.

j)Rough
individual
surfacesrebound hammer
resulting readings, ifcompaction,
from incomplete required. loss of grout, spalled or tooled surfaces will not
give reliable results and should be avoided.
9 Precision
The moisture condition of the surface should be consistent throughout the testing and should be
consistent
There with
are no the moisture
precision conditionforofthis
data available anytest.
correlation specimens. Dry surfaces are preferred but,
provided free water is wiped from the surface, saturated concrete can be tested satisfactorily (see
NA.4.4).

It is preferable to draw a regular grid of lines 25 mm to 50 mm apart and to take the intersections of
the lines as test points. This procedure tends to reduce any bias by the operator. If at least 10
readings are obtained in this way the mean rebound number is likely to be accurate within ±15√n %
with 95 % confidence, where n is the number of readings.

The coefficient of variation of individual readings within one test is usually of the order of 10% but is
sometimes as low as 2 % or as high as 15 %. The coefficient of variation decreases with an increase
in the strength of concrete and increases with an increase in the size and amount of coarse
aggregate.

NA.7 Interpretation of results

Differences between the results of tests at different locations will give a measure of the variability of
the concrete within that structure or unit. Thus, for example, the position of test in relation to the depth
of lift of concrete will give different results owing to differences in the water cement ratio which are
caused by settlement and bleeding. BS 6089 gives an indication of the variation in concrete strength
to be expected in a structure.

The interpretation of the results of surveys may be aided by the use of graphical methods. Contour
plots showing zones of equal rebound number may indicate areas of abnormally high or low hardness
which may then, if necessary, be subjected to further tests. When a large number of results is
available from similar locations, histograms may give an indication of the variability of the concrete.
For example, uniform concrete and good site practice should result in a single peak with an
approximately normal distribution. A distribution with a long tail may indicate poor construction and
two distinct peaks may indicate that two qualities of concrete have been supplied. When graphical
methods are being used the results should be expressed in terms of the rebound number rather than
in terms of any correlated property.

Confidence in the test results can be improved by combining hardness testing with measurements of
ultrasonic pulse velocity as described in EN 12504-4:2004.

5
13
7
BS EN 12504-2:2012
EN 12504-2:2012 (E)

Bibliography
Bibliography

EN 12504-4:2004, Testing concrete – Part 4: Determination of ultrasonic pulse velocity

[1] EN 12390-3, Testing hardened concrete – Part 3: Compressive strength of test specimens
BS 6089:2010, Assessment of in-situ strength in structures and precast concrete components –
[2] EN 13791, Assessment
Complementary of in-situ
guidance compressive
to that strength
given in BS in structures and precast concrete components
EN 13791

CHAPLIN. R.G. Abrasion resistant concrete floors. In: Advances in concrete slab technology, 532-
534, 1980.

M. SADEGZADEH & R. KETTLE, Indirect and non-destructive methods for assessing abrasion
resistance of concrete, Magazine of concrete research, Vol.38, No 137, Dec 1986.

6
14
8
This page deliberately left blank
NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

British Standards Institution (BSI)

BSI is the national body responsible for preparing British Standards and other
standards-related publications, information and services.
BSI is incorporated by Royal Charter. British Standards and other standardization
products are published by BSI Standards Limited.

About us Revisions
We bring together business, industry, government, consumers, innovators Our British Standards and other publications are updated by amendment or revision.
and others to shape their combined experience and expertise into standards We continually improve the quality of our products and services to benefit your
-based solutions. business. If you find an inaccuracy or ambiguity within a British Standard or other
The knowledge embodied in our standards has been carefully assembled in BSI publication please inform the Knowledge Centre.
a dependable format and refined through our open consultation process.
Organizations of all sizes and across all sectors choose standards to help Copyright
them achieve their goals. All the data, software and documentation set out in all British Standards and
other BSI publications are the property of and copyrighted by BSI, or some person
Information on standards or entity that owns copyright in the information used (such as the international
We can provide you with the knowledge that your organization needs standardization bodies) and has formally licensed such information to BSI for
to succeed. Find out more about British Standards by visiting our website at commercial publication and use. Except as permitted under the Copyright, Designs
bsigroup.com/standards or contacting our Customer Services team or and Patents Act 1988 no extract may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system
Knowledge Centre. or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, photocopying, recording
or otherwise – without prior written permission from BSI. Details and advice can
Buying standards be obtained from the Copyright & Licensing Department.
You can buy and download PDF versions of BSI publications, including British
and adopted European and international standards, through our website at Useful Contacts:
bsigroup.com/shop, where hard copies can also be purchased. Customer Services
If you need international and foreign standards from other Standards Development Tel: +44 845 086 9001
Organizations, hard copies can be ordered from our Customer Services team. Email (orders): orders@bsigroup.com
Email (enquiries): cservices@bsigroup.com
Subscriptions
Subscriptions
Our range of subscription services are designed to make using standards
Tel: +44 845 086 9001
easier for you. For further information on our subscription products go to
Email: subscriptions@bsigroup.com
bsigroup.com/subscriptions.
With British Standards Online (BSOL) you’ll have instant access to over 55,000 Knowledge Centre
British and adopted European and international standards from your desktop. Tel: +44 20 8996 7004
It’s available 24/7 and is refreshed daily so you’ll always be up to date. Email: knowledgecentre@bsigroup.com
You can keep in touch with standards developments and receive substantial
Copyright & Licensing
discounts on the purchase price of standards, both in single copy and subscription
format, by becoming a BSI Subscribing Member. Tel: +44 20 8996 7070
Email: copyright@bsigroup.com
PLUS is an updating service exclusive to BSI Subscribing Members. You will
automatically receive the latest hard copy of your standards when they’re
revised or replaced.
To find out more about becoming a BSI Subscribing Member and the benefits
of membership, please visit bsigroup.com/shop.
With a Multi-User Network Licence (MUNL) you are able to host standards
publications on your intranet. Licences can cover as few or as many users as you
wish. With updates supplied as soon as they’re available, you can be sure your
documentation is current. For further information, email bsmusales@bsigroup.com.

BSI Group Headquarters

389 Chiswick High Road London W4 4AL UK