Research on Factors Affecting Concrete Cover Measurement

Concrete cover is the distance from the surface of the concrete to the surface of the reinforcing bars embedded in the concrete. Ensuring sufficient concrete cover is critical for the durability of some concrete structures subject to poor environment during their service life. Concrete cover can be measured using covermeters. In this paper, some factors affecting cover measurement were briefly introduced. An in-house study carried out by BCRC was introduced. This study was to understand the extent of some factors affecting cover measurement, such as bar diameter setting, scan location relative to secondary bar, covermeter probe selection (shallow or deep probes) or covermeter probe detectable range setting (low or high ranges). Conclusions were made based on the results in this study. Keyword: concrete cover, cover measurement, covermeter