Concrete Testing & NDT
Strength, integrity, durability — measured properly, reported clearly.
Defensible strength numbers, not guesswork.
Concrete testing covers a family of methods used to assess strength, durability, and integrity in built concrete. We deliver non-destructive and intrusive testing methods, including rebound hammer testing, pull-out testing, core extraction, and laboratory compressive strength testing. Pull-out testing is semi-destructive and core extraction is intrusive.
Test selection follows the question being asked. For in-situ strength estimation we combine rebound hammer with pull-out for a calibrated answer. For definitive results we extract cores and test them in a UKAS lab. We design the testing programme to give you defensible numbers, not just data points.
Where it helps
- When concrete strength is in question
- After a defect or distress is observed
- Before structural alterations or change of use
- When the original mix design is unknown
- For dispute resolution and expert reporting
- When commissioning new works requires verification
What you receive
- Test method statement and risk assessment
- Field log with calibrated readings
- UKAS lab certificates for cored samples
- Statistical analysis and characteristic strength estimate
- Engineering-ready PDF report
A note on interpretation. Rebound hammer testing gives an indicative surface hardness; defensible compressive strength comes from cored samples tested in a UKAS laboratory. Pull-out testing is semi-destructive and core extraction is intrusive. Results support, but do not replace, your engineer's judgement.
Often surveyed together.
GPR Concrete Scanning
Ground penetrating radar finds rebar, post-tension cables, conduits, and voids hidden inside concrete — before they become a problem.
Learn moreFerro Scanning
Electromagnetic scanning to map reinforcement, measure cover depth, and estimate bar diameter without touching the concrete.
Learn moreWhere concrete testing is the right tool.
Pull-Out Testing
Pull-out testing for in-situ concrete strength to BS EN 12504-3.
Learn moreRebound Hammer Testing
Schmidt hammer testing for surface hardness and strength estimation.
Learn moreCore Sampling
Core extraction for laboratory compressive strength testing in a UKAS facility.
Learn moreCompressive Strength Testing
Compressive strength assessment of cores in a UKAS-accredited laboratory.
Learn moreConcrete Testing across the UK.
Common questions.
Is concrete testing destructive?
Some methods are intrusive — core extraction and pull-out testing involve removing small samples. Rebound hammer testing is non-destructive. We'll advise which methods are appropriate for your structure.
How long does it take to get test results?
On-site results are available immediately for rebound hammer tests. Laboratory results from core samples typically take 5–10 working days.
When do I need to pay?
All surveys are invoiced by proforma. Full payment is required before we mobilise. We'll send the proforma invoice immediately on confirmation and works are scheduled once cleared funds are received.
Do your operatives have CSCS cards?
Yes. All Corvus operatives hold valid CSCS cards and carry full public liability insurance. We can provide method statements and RAMS on request.
What areas do you cover?
We cover the whole of the UK. Travel costs for sites outside London may apply — we'll confirm this when quoting.
Can you work in occupied buildings?
Yes. GPR and Ferroscan equipment is non-intrusive and silent. We regularly work in occupied offices, hospitals, and schools with minimal disruption.
Guides on concrete testing.
Scanning and NDT for dilapidations and condition surveys
When a landlord or tenant needs defensible evidence of a structure's condition, scanning and NDT provide the objective data that visual inspection cannot. Here is how it is used.
Read articleWhen NDT is required by building regulations and standards
Non-destructive testing is not always optional. Here is where UK building regulations, British Standards, and structural engineering practice require or strongly imply that NDT be carried out.
Read articleConcrete condition surveys — a complete guide
A concrete condition survey combines visual inspection, NDT, and sometimes sampling to build a picture of how a structure is performing. Here is how one is scoped and delivered.
Read articleChloride ingress testing — what it reveals and why it matters
Chloride ions from de-icing salts and marine environments are the primary cause of rebar corrosion in UK structures. Here is how chloride ingress is tested and what to do with the data.
Read articleHalf-cell potential testing — detecting rebar corrosion
Half-cell potential mapping is the standard method for identifying active rebar corrosion in reinforced concrete. Here is how it works and how to interpret the results.
Read articleCarbonation testing in concrete — what it is and when you need it
Carbonation reduces the alkalinity of concrete and leaves rebar vulnerable to corrosion. Here is how it is tested, what the results mean, and when to commission it.
Read articleNeed defensible strength results?
Send drawings, photos or proposed fixing locations and we'll advise the right survey approach.