Concrete Strength Probe System

Most Advanced System for Compressive Strength Testing of Standard and High Performance Concrete

For in-place strength testing of normal and high-performance concrete.

Applications

• Form Removal
• Structural Analysis
• Light-weight concrete strength determination
• Standard concrete strength determination
• High-strength concrete strength determination
• High-precision determination

Measures the compressive strength of concrete accurately and effectively, on-site in the field.

The Windsor HP Probe system rapidly and accurately determines the concrete compressive strength of a structure by driving a probe into the concrete with a known amount of force. Improved and enhanced over thirty years, this modern system is capable of measuring concrete with a maximum compressive strength of 17,000 PSI (110MPA). It has been ruggedized for use in the construction environment, yet refined to provide the user with a simpler system to operate. An electronic measuring unit has been added to help ensure proper test results which can be recorded for later review or uploading to a personal computer.

Two probe styles are available: one for lightweight, low density concrete with air filled aggregate and the other probe for more standard mix designs. Also, two standard power settings facilitate testing fresh concrete as well as mature mixes.

The Windsor Probe test has been approved by federal, state and municipal agencies as well as a number of foreign countries in Asia and Europe. It conforms to the following tests, specifications and practices:

• ASTM C-803 Standard Test Method for Penetration Resistance of Hardened Concrete
• ACI 228.1R-03: In-Place Methods to Estimate Concrete Strength
• ACI 228.2R-98: Nondestructive Test Methods for Evaluation of Concrete in Structures
• ANSI A.10-3
• BS 1881 Part 207 Testing Concrete
• TS 13537 Test Method for The Determination of Penetration Resistance of Hardened Concrete

Features & Benefits

• New electronic measuring system enhances accuracy and efficiency
• Measurement to 17000 psi (110 MPa)
• Memory for data storage and uploading to PC
• Safe: no accidental discharge and no recoil
• Fast and economical use
• Determines the developing strength of concrete; improves safety, ensures quality and reduces
• Monitors the strength for rehabilitation as concrete ages
• Conforms to ASTM C-803 and other official tests

User Friendly

The Windsor HP System does not require great skill to use, plus consistent results can be obtained by construction site supervisory staff or field technicians. In fact, among its users are: contractors, engineers, architects, testing laboratories, ready mix concrete producers, owners, managers and government authorities. This system has widespread use in testing concrete in-situ; on conventionally placed, sprayed or precast concrete; on horizontal or vertical slabs; on floors or overhead; on fresh or mature concrete.

The system is safe to use. The driver cannot be discharged unless it is fully depressed with some force against the actuating template which rests against the surface being examined.

Technical

The Windsor® HP Probe System is designed to evaluate the compressive strength of concrete in place. It is non-destructive and can be used with equal effectiveness on fresh and mature concrete. Equally accurate results are obtained on horizontal or vertical surfaces provided that the probe is perpendicular or at right angles to the test surface.

A hardened steel alloy probe is propelled at high speed by an exactly measured explosive charge into the concrete and its penetration measured. Each power load is guaranteed to have an energy level to give an exit muzzle velocity tolerance within ±3%. The compressive strength of the concrete is directly related to the resistance to penetration of the crushed aggregate and cement matrix: this is determined by the distance required to absorb the specific amount of kinetic energy of the probe. The compressive strength of the concrete is empirically related to the penetration that varies with the hardness of the aggregate. This relationship is recognized by determining the Moh's scale of hardness of the aggregate and applying a correction factor to the penetration.

The combined contributions of both the aggregate and the cement paste to concrete strength are examined by the test. The accuracy of the inferred strengths has been examined in many independent tests and trials. The Windsor® HP results correlate well with the concrete strength determinations obtained by conventional means.

For most accurate test results ASTM recommend so that a correlation be developed for the particular mix design being tested. Exact duplication of cylinder test results should not be expected. The probes measure the strength of the actual concrete in a structure rather than that of a sample compacted and cured under strict and somewhat artificial conditions which do not necessarily represent those of the structure itself.

Probes

There are two power settings available, low and standard power. The low power is used where concrete strength is less than 3000 psi (19.4 MPa). The newly designed silver probes can be used for high performance concrete with strength up to 17000 psi (110 MPa). The probes are made of a high strength alloy, specially heat treated and annealed to achieve a hardness of Rockwell C 48. Special machining of each probe eliminates stress concentrations.

The gold probe has a 56% greater cross-sectional area than the silver; it is recommended for light weight concrete - less than 125 lbs/cu. ft. (2003 Kg/M3) in density. The silver probe is used with concrete having a density greater than 125 lbs/cu. ft. (2003 Kg/M3).

Purchasing Notes

Consumables (must be purchased separately):

• U-PRS-01 Silver Probes for Standard Density Concrete
• U-PRS-03 Gold Probes for Light Weight Concrete

Probe contain a powder charge as such they are considered a hazardous good for shipment purposes. Please contact us for ordering outside the United States so we can review the proper shipping procedures with you.

We would also recommend the R-HR-8000 Mini R-Meter for locating safe areas to test.