• The value of compressive strength can then be used in conjunction with other measured
properties to assess the condition of the concrete.
• Extraction of concrete cores, achieved by rotary drilling using a diamond tipped hollow
barrel, serve as a means of taking a sample of concrete which can then be used to
determine various physical properties, but most commonly compressive strength.
• Cores can generally be extracted from wherever access allows, and would include floor
slabs, walls and columns.
• 10cm diameter cores, generally afford the minimum diameter required for a
representative sample and require less reinstatement than larger diameter cores.
• 15cm diameter cores will generally give more representative samples than smaller
diameters but require more reinstatement.