Development of a New Nondestructive Method for the In-Situ Determination of Mortar Strength

The determination of the load bearing capacity masonry in existing structures is not an easy task, even for experienced surveyors. For its assessment, it necessary to know compressive strength units and mortar. Relatively good destructive non-destructive methods were developed units. However, mortar currently closer a rough estimation rather than deterministic approach. All used are either complicated, have limited application, or based on surveyor’s experience only. Influence human factor results testing significant. paper introduces development new method, which eliminates influence factor. method supposed work as quickly easily Schmidt hammer concrete structure surveys. instrument was created where assessed by hammering steel bar into joint with constant energy, while depth penetration measured. impact energy provided spring prescribed stiffness, loading automatic system similar those air-soft guns.