Title: State-of-the-art applications of the pull-off test in civil engineering

Authors: Y. Bai, P.A.M. Basheer, D.J. Cleland, A.E. Long

Addresses: School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK. ' School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK. ' School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK. ' School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK

Abstract: In 1974, the concept of using pull-off test as a means of predicting the compressive strength of concrete was patented in the UK by Professor Long at Queen|s University Belfast. Initially, the pull-off test was developed primarily aiming at unplanned in-situ strength determination. It was found later also particularly suited for assessment of bond strength of repairs. This test has now been accepted in British Standards, BS 1881-207:1992 for assessing the in-situ concrete strength in structures and BS EN 1542:1999 for assessing the bond strength between overlays and substrate concrete in patch repairs. In addition, BS 1881-201:1986 recommends it for quality control and long-term monitoring of hardened concretes. It has also been accepted in North America (ASTM C1583-04), Holland and some other countries for similar applications. This paper reviews its development history, principle, factors affecting the test results as well as its current applications in civil engineering fields.

Keywords: bond strength; in-situ strength; pull-off test; concrete repair; civil engineering; compressive strength; concrete strength; patch repairs; quality control; long-term monitoring; hardened concretes.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTRUCTE.2009.030028

International Journal of Structural Engineering, 2009 Vol.1 No.1, pp.93 - 103

Published online: 03 Dec 2009 *

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