While Rebound Hammer,and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests give indirect evidence of concrete quality, a more direct assessment on strength can be made by core sampling and testing. Cores are usually cut by means of a rotary cutting tool with diamond bits. In this manner, a cylindrical specimen is obtained usually with its ends being uneven, parallel and square and sometimes with embedded pieces of reinforcement. The cores are visually described and photographed, giving specific attention to compaction, distribution of aggregates, presence of steel etc. the core should then be soaked in water, capped with molten sulpher to make its ends plane, parallel, at right angle and then tested.
