Application of statistical techniques to evaluate the reliability of ultrasonic and rebound hammer measurements of compressive strength in the concrete of bridges

Abstract

In order to assess the uncertainties in the experimental measurements, the use of statistical error analysis is essential for a reliable technical diagnosis on structural safety in reinforced concrete of bridges. Two non-destructive techniques (ultrasound and rebound hammer) were performed, resulting in conflicting technical diagnostics when analyzed without the study of the variability of experimental errors. It was evident that physically the only use of arithmetic average means nothing. The obtained results also demonstrated the lack of correlations between those ones driven by the ultrasound and the impact hammer on the four tested bridges.